Author Archive

Economic Policy, News

September 27, 2023

In an era characterized by heightened globalization, geopolitical complexities, and evolving economic landscapes, businesses worldwide are continually reassessing their strategies to ensure resilience and sustainability. A relatively recent concept gaining traction is “friendshoring,” a strategic approach to offshoring or outsourcing that prioritizes countries with which a company’s home nation shares positive diplomatic, economic, or trade […]

News, Ukrain

September 27, 2023

The International Trade Council extends its support for Ukraine’s recent initiative to establish a dedicated maritime channel for its grain exports, recognizing the move as a crucial intervention in bolstering global food security. This initiative arises in the wake of Russia’s departure from a prior United Nations-endorsed arrangement that had previously facilitated Ukrainian exports through […]

Australia, News, Taiwan

September 26, 2023

During a meeting with a delegation of Australian lawmakers, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen called on Australia to back Taiwan’s bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Both Taiwan and China applied to join the CPTPP in 2021, but China opposes Taiwan’s inclusion, citing Taiwan as its own territory. The CPTPP, […]

International Trade, News

September 26, 2023

In a dedicated effort towards the reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO), members convened for an informal retreat at the organization’s headquarters on September 25-26. This retreat served as a platform for focused discussions on trade and industrial policy, aiming to facilitate deliberations on the intersection between trade and industrial policy and to identify […]

Germany, International Trade, News

September 26, 2023

A recent survey conducted by the Ifo economic institute revealed that sentiment among German exporters has deteriorated significantly in September, reaching its lowest level since May 2020.   The Ifo institute’s export expectations indicator, in its fifth consecutive month of decline, dropped to minus 11.3 points in September, down from minus 6.5 points in August. […]

Brazil, International Trade, News, Vietnam

September 25, 2023

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced on Monday that Vietnam has shown interest in establishing a trade deal with the Mercosur bloc, consisting of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Lula, who is currently chairing the Mercosur group, aims to foster closer relations between Mercosur members and Asian countries. He highlighted the potential for […]

Europe, News, Trade Agreements, Ukrain

September 25, 2023

The European Union’s trade commissioner, Valdis Dombrovskis, has emphasized the need for a more balanced economic relationship with China while highlighting the EU’s substantial trade deficit with the country, which amounted to nearly 400 billion euros ($425 billion). Speaking at China’s Tsinghua University, Dombrovskis also expressed concerns about how China’s stance on the war in […]

International Trade, United Kingdom

September 25, 2023

In an innovative move showcasing adaptability and strategic foresight, the United Kingdom marked a significant milestone in international trade relations on Monday by finalizing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) focused on trade with the U.S. state of Washington. This development, a commendable pivot in the UK’s post-Brexit strategy, comes amidst a pause in negotiations for […]

The International Trade Council is pleased to report on the signing of a significant Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the Philippines and South Korea. This momentous occasion took place during the 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, and is poised to strengthen economic ties and promote increased cooperation between the […]