Author Archive

International Trade, News

November 3, 2023

International trade provides a well-established pathway for least-developed countries (LDCs) to achieve sustainable economic growth and development. However, LDCs face various challenges as they strive to increase their share of global trade, including domestic capacity limitations and trade barriers in export markets.   A recent collection of essays titled “LDCs and the Multilateral Trading System […]

Geopolitics, News, United States

November 2, 2023

  In a strategic move, the Biden administration has scheduled the seventh negotiating round for its Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) arrangements in San Francisco, just days before a crucial summit of Pacific Rim leaders. The U.S. Trade Representative’s office announced these talks, which will take place from November 5th to 12th, with the objective of […]

In a bid to strengthen agricultural trade ties, a group of U.S. agriculture industry representatives convened in Beijing, marking a significant development amidst ongoing political tensions between the United States and China. This delegation comprises 11 prominent organizations, including the U.S. Soybean Export Council, U.S. Grains Council, and U.S. Wheat Associates. Their visit follows closely […]

In a bid to enhance its position as a global manufacturing hub, Malaysia is actively pursuing foreign investments in high-value sectors like electric vehicles (EVs), semiconductors, and carbon capture, according to the country’s Trade and Investment Minister, Tengku Zafrul Aziz.   With a well-established reputation in manufacturing, Malaysia now seeks to ascend the value chain […]

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has highlighted the Biden administration’s intention to not only renew but also improve the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a pivotal trade program with Africa. AGOA, initially launched in 2000, offers qualifying African countries duty-free access to the U.S. market, the largest consumer market globally. With its expiration […]

A delegation of U.S. agricultural industry leaders convened in Beijing to engage with their Chinese counterparts, underscoring the importance of agricultural trade between the two nations despite ongoing political tensions. The gathering included representatives from 11 organizations, including the U.S. Soybean Export Council, U.S. Grains Council, and U.S. Wheat Associates, who met in the wake […]

China, International Trade, News

November 2, 2023

A delegation of Dutch semiconductor companies and suppliers is considering investment opportunities in Vietnam as part of efforts to diversify their manufacturing base and reduce reliance on China amidst growing trade tensions between China and Western countries. The delegation, led by outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte during a business mission to Hanoi, included representatives […]

Africa, International Trade, News

November 2, 2023

The African Union (AU) is advocating for a minimum 10-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), emphasizing the need for stability and predictability in trade relations between Africa and the United States. Speaking at a series of meetings between African trade ministers and U.S. officials, AU Trade Commissioner Albert Muchanga urged that […]

International Trade, News, Ukrain

November 1, 2023

In a move to bolster transparency and safeguard its economic interests, Ukraine has announced new regulations governing food exports. These measures, aimed at curbing potential abuses like tax evasion in the export of crucial agricultural products, were outlined in a government resolution released on Wednesday.   Ukraine stands as one of the globe’s leading food […]

International Trade, News

November 1, 2023

In a significant development, the Committee on Import Licensing Procedures unveiled the Import Licensing Notification Portal on October 31st. This innovative digital platform marks a pivotal step towards enhancing transparency and streamlining the import licensing process within the World Trade Organization (WTO). Members of the committee can now draft and submit import notifications online, ushering […]

French President Emmanuel Macron embarked on a visit to Kazakhstan, marking the initial leg of his Central Asia tour. This region, traditionally considered Russia’s sphere of influence, has gained renewed Western attention in light of the Ukraine conflict.   Kazakhstan, an oil-rich nation, has assumed a crucial role as a substitute crude oil supplier for […]

International Trade, News

November 1, 2023

Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of the World Trade Organization (WTO) stressed the need for concerted efforts among WTO members to reach common ground and deliver tangible results at the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) scheduled for February in Abu Dhabi. Speaking in her role as Chair of the Trade Negotiations Committee, she welcomed the outcomes of the […]