Author Archive

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 […]

China, International Trade, News, Sri Lanka

October 20, 2023

In a recent development, China has expressed its willingness to assist Sri Lanka without imposing any political conditions and has also pledged to increase its imports from the island nation. Chinese President Xi Jinping conveyed this commitment during a meeting with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Beijing, as reported by state media.   This […]

Bipartisan efforts are underway in the U.S. Senate to introduce legislation aimed at strengthening the enforcement of oil sanctions on Iran. Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican, is leading the charge for this bill, set to be unveiled on Monday. The proposed legislation seeks to establish a $150 million Iranian sanctions enforcement fund specifically designated for […]

In a recent development, China has expressed its willingness to assist Sri Lanka without imposing any political conditions and has also pledged to increase its imports from the island nation. Chinese President Xi Jinping conveyed this commitment during a meeting with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Beijing, as reported by state media.   This […]

News, Trade Policy

October 19, 2023

Ambassador Usha Dwarka-Canabady of Mauritius, the facilitator of the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce at the World Trade Organization (WTO), conducted a dedicated session on October 18th to gather member input on the forthcoming 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13). During the meeting, Ambassador Dwarka-Canabady reported on her consultations with WTO members regarding potential outcomes at MC13 […]

Agricultural Trade, News

October 19, 2023

The International Trade Council brings into focus the ongoing crisis faced by the global grain market due to the unyielding low water predicaments on the Mississippi River, despite NOAA’s forecasts of potential drought improvement in the Southern US over the coming winter.   The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) highlighted in its recent U.S. winter […]

News, Trade Policy

October 18, 2023

In a significant development, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has announced the appointment of Johanna Hill from El Salvador as the new Deputy Director-General (DDG). Ms. Hill’s appointment comes as Anabel González of Costa Rica departs after serving as DDG for two years.   Johanna Hill currently serves as the Managing Partner and Founder of the […]

International Trade, News

October 18, 2023

In a significant development, the United States has decided to ease broad sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector, a move that could have notable implications for the country’s oil industry and its struggling economy. However, experts caution against expecting an immediate surge in oil production, emphasizing that the primary impact will be on profitability and the […]

Canada, News, Trade Agreements

October 18, 2023

  Recent developments in the relationship between ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and Canada are paving the way for a promising future marked by strengthened economic cooperation. During the ASEAN Summit held in late September, Canada achieved official recognition as a strategic partner, a significant milestone in the growing alliance between the two […]

International Trade, Japan, News

October 18, 2023

In a remarkable turn of events, Japan’s exports have surged to record-breaking levels in September, marking the first upswing in three months. This impressive feat can be attributed to the resurgence of Japanese automakers who have intensified shipments to the United States and Europe, capitalizing on their newfound freedom from the global chip shortage that […]

Agricultural Trade, Indonesia, News

October 17, 2023

In a noticeable trend, live export cattle prices to Indonesia have seen a decline, reflecting shifting dynamics in the market as Indonesia increases its imports of boxed meat. Feeder steers transported from Darwin are now fetching approximately $2.60 per kilogram, a substantial drop from the peak of $5.50 per kilogram recorded in 2022. This price […]

International Trade, News

October 17, 2023

In a significant move towards addressing global climate change concerns while ensuring equitable international trade practices, the World Trade Organization (WTO) has announced the launch of a task force dedicated to creating a comprehensive methodology for establishing global carbon prices. This initiative aims to prevent the imposition of import taxes based on carbon emissions from […]