Author Archive

China, Japan, News, United States

October 30, 2023

In a response to China’s ban on Japanese seafood products following Tokyo’s release of treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea, the United States has initiated purchases of Japanese seafood to supply its military stationed in Japan. U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel unveiled this initiative in a Reuters interview, suggesting that […]

Africa, Germany, International Trade, News

October 30, 2023

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held discussions with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu during his West Africa tour, emphasizing trade and investment prospects. This visit reflects Germany’s interest in diversifying its trade partners and expanding economic collaborations in the resource-rich West African region.   During their meeting in the capital city of Abuja, Scholz emphasized the need […]

Africa, International Trade, News

October 30, 2023

In a significant step towards enhancing Africa’s role in global trade, the World Trade Organization (WTO) has launched a comprehensive regional course. This initiative, primarily focused on deepening the understanding of WTO agreements within the African trade policy context, marks a notable advancement in integrating the continent more effectively into the global trading system.   […]

Europe, International Trade, News

October 30, 2023

The European Union (EU) has unveiled an ambitious plan to provide a substantial investment of 6 billion euros ($6.4 billion) to support the Western Balkan countries in their quest for reforms and eventual integration into the EU. This development was announced by Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, during her visit […]

Europe, News, Supply Chain

October 30, 2023

European gas markets experienced a significant surge in prices, with the Dutch TTF gas futures index rising by nearly 7% to reach €54 per megawatt-hour. This substantial increase marks the highest level since mid-February and has raised concerns regarding supply stability.   The catalyst for this price hike comes as Egypt reported a complete halt […]

News, Supply Chain

October 29, 2023

Trade and economy officials from the Group of Seven (G-7) wealthy democracies reaffirmed their commitment on Sunday to collaborate in ensuring the smooth functioning of supply chains for essential goods such as energy and food, despite prevailing global uncertainties.   In a joint statement, these nations pledged to uphold “a free and fair-trading system based […]

Economic Development, News, Taiwan

October 27, 2023

In a recent poll conducted by Reuters, economic experts have forecasted a notable uptick in Taiwan’s economic growth for the third quarter of the year. This optimistic outlook is primarily attributed to resilient domestic consumption and a tentative rebound in exports, marking a positive shift for Taiwan’s trade-dependent economy.   According to the survey of […]

China, News, Supply Chain

October 27, 2023

Beijing’s recent move to impose export restrictions on graphite has raised significant concerns within the global electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain. While China has stated that these restrictions are not specific to any particular sector, industry experts and insiders have highlighted potential challenges, especially for foreign manufacturers of EV battery components who have not […]

News, Trade Policy

October 26, 2023

World Trade Organization (WTO) members are actively considering reform proposals aimed at addressing concerns raised by the United States, with some calling this effort the “last chance” to rejuvenate the WTO’s capacity to resolve trade disputes effectively.   The draft reform proposals, revealed exclusively to Reuters, represent a significant endeavor to mend the WTO’s beleaguered […]