Author Archive

In a recent development, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has taken a step that could potentially result in a ban on the import of Apple Watches, as it found that these devices infringe on the patent rights of medical technology firm Masimo. This decision stems from an earlier ruling in January where a judge […]

In a concerted effort to safeguard sensitive technologies from unauthorized access, the European Commission has taken significant steps to improve the coordination of export controls at the EU level. This initiative aims to prevent critical technologies from falling into the wrong hands.   A significant milestone was achieved with the publication of the first compilation […]

South Korea’s economy has surpassed expectations in the third quarter, with growth primarily driven by exports. This robust performance reinforces the argument for the central bank to maintain its current interest rates in the coming months.   According to data from the Bank of Korea, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded by 0.6% in the July-September […]

Germany, News, Trade Policy

October 25, 2023

In a recent development, Süss MicroTec, a leading German chip-making equipment supplier, has revised its sales forecasts downwards for the second time in just three months. The company attributes this revision to heightened government controls affecting exports to China, which have created significant disruptions in its operations and financial outlook. Consequently, the news sent shockwaves […]

  In a notable change of approach, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai has decided to withdraw longstanding U.S. digital trade demands in World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations. The move is aimed at providing Congress with more flexibility to regulate large technology companies effectively. The proposals, initially put forth by the Trump administration in 2019, had […]

China, Colombia, International Trade, News

October 25, 2023

In a significant diplomatic development, China has elevated its relations with Colombia to a strategic partnership, marking a deepening of its engagement with one of the United States’ oldest allies in the region. This move underscores China’s ongoing efforts to expand its influence and solidify its presence in Latin America. The decision to upgrade their […]

News, Trade Policy, United States

October 24, 2023

Following the recent relaxation of U.S. energy sanctions on Venezuela, global energy traders are swiftly entering negotiations to purchase Venezuela’s crude and fuel oil stocks. Sanctions in place since 2019 had largely restricted Venezuela’s state-run oil company, PDVSA, from exporting its products to desired markets. However, the six-month relaxation of these measures has opened the […]

International Trade, News

October 24, 2023

In a two-day gathering, senior trade officials at the WTO have provided positive signals that negotiators in Geneva are poised to achieve significant outcomes at the upcoming 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) scheduled for early next year. The meeting, chaired by WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and General Council Chair Ambassador Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme of Botswana, was […]

Canada, International Trade, News, Taiwan

October 24, 2023

Canada and Taiwan have successfully concluded negotiations for a bilateral agreement aimed at enhancing foreign investment. Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng and the Taiwanese government announced their commitment to ensuring the swift implementation of this accord.   Taiwan, in its pursuit of greater diplomatic and moral support from major Western democracies, including Canada, faces increasing […]

Dutch lawmakers have questioned the Netherlands’ Trade Minister regarding the recent unilateral imposition of new export rules by the United States affecting ASML Holding, Europe’s largest tech firm.   The U.S. announced last week that it would exercise the right to restrict the export of ASML’s Twinscan NXT1930Di chipmaking machine to China if it contains […]

Economic Development, News

October 23, 2023

In a significant move towards the realization of the historic Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, seven WTO member countries formally accepted the agreement on October 23rd, bringing the much-anticipated entry into force one step closer. The ratification ceremony took place during the two-day Senior Officials Meeting held at the WTO’s headquarters in Geneva. Albania, Australia, Botswana, […]

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced his upcoming visit to China from November 4 to 7, where he will meet with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. The visit aims to restore stability to relations between Australia and its largest trading partner.   This visit to Beijing and Shanghai marks a significant diplomatic […]

In ongoing negotiations to finalize a trade agreement between the European Union and South America’s Mercosur bloc, Argentina and Brazil have jointly requested €12.5 billion (approximately $13.2 billion) in financial assistance from the European Union, as per a document seen by Reuters. The request aims to secure support to mitigate the potential challenges posed by […]

Malaysia, News, Trade Agreements

October 20, 2023

At the ASEAN-GCC Summit held in Saudi Arabia, Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, unveiled a groundbreaking proposal for the creation of a free trade agreement (FTA) between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This visionary agreement, if realized, would mark a historic first between ASEAN nations and the […]

Europe, Germany, International Trade, News

October 20, 2023

In a significant move to empower developing and least-developed economies (LCDs) in the realm of global trade negotiations, the German government has pledged EUR 500,000 (approximately CHF 480,000). This generous contribution was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by Germany’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Bettina Waldmann, on […]