Author Archive

International Trade, Mexico, News

October 16, 2023

In a heartening display of solidarity, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador announced on Monday that Mexico is committed to assisting Cuba, including supplying the country with vital oil resources.   Since the beginning of this year, Mexico has been regularly shipping crude oil to Cuba, with approximately 2.8 million barrels sent to the island […]

Europe, News, Supply Chain, United States

October 16, 2023

Leading business federations from the United States and the European Union have come together to call for constructive dialogue and cooperation as leaders convene for a crucial summit on Friday. The primary agenda includes resolving ongoing disputes stemming from metal tariffs initiated during the Trump administration and bolstering collaboration on essential minerals vital to the […]

Economic Development, Europe, News

October 16, 2023

  In a pivotal move to reinvigorate the accession process for the Western Balkan countries, the European Union emphasizes comprehensive economic reform and the establishment of a regional single market as critical precursors to full EU membership, the International Trade Council (ITC) has learned.   While the nations of Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, […]

Agricultural Trade, Australia, China, News

October 16, 2023

  In an address to the business community, Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell emphasized the need for businesses to diversify their customer base and reduce their dependence on a single market, particularly in light of the ongoing trade dispute with China. Australia’s pursuit of a resolution through the World Trade Organization (WTO) reflects the country’s […]

Business federations representing the United States and the European Union are urging leaders convening for an upcoming summit to address persistent issues surrounding Trump-era metals tariffs and to strengthen cooperation concerning vital minerals crucial for the green energy transition.   In a joint statement issued on Monday, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Business Europe […]

News, South Korea, Trade Agreements

October 15, 2023

In a positive development, Britain and South Korea have agreed to extend the period of low or zero tariffs on bilateral trade, particularly on products with components originating from the European Union (EU). This extension, confirmed by the British government, is a welcomed boost for various industries, notably the automotive sector.   The extension of […]

In an unexpected move, Christian Lindner, the German Finance Minister and leader of the German liberals, has extended an invitation to the United Kingdom to explore “new steps” in their post-Brexit trade relations with the European Union (EU). Lindner’s gesture, made during a BBC interview, has raised the prospect of reducing trade barriers and addressing […]

In a significant stride for global trade, the United Arab Emirates and South Korea announced the culmination of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) this Saturday. This pivotal accord underscores the robust and burgeoning economic partnership between the two nations, set against a backdrop of sustained growth in non-oil bilateral trade, which touched […]

News, Supply Chain

October 13, 2023

At the heart of vibrant Marrakesh during the esteemed annual assembly of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund, a pressing issue found its way to the forefront of discussions: the critical need to expand access to trade finance, especially for small and women-led businesses striving for a foothold in the global market. […]

News, Trade Compliance

October 12, 2023

In a significant development for international trade, an Advanced Course focusing on the WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) began on October 10th at the WTO. This comprehensive two-week training program boasts the participation of 26 government officials from diverse member nations. The course’s primary goal is to equip […]

China, International Trade, News

October 11, 2023

In the midst of complex global economic conditions, China, the world’s second-largest economy, exhibits signs of trade stabilization, as indicated by expert forecasts gathered by Reuters. Data anticipates a deceleration in the decline of exports for September, marking a consequential shift in the nation’s trade performance. Projections for September suggest a 7.6% decrease in exports […]

News, Trade Policy

October 9, 2023

In a significant stride towards understanding the trade and development priorities of developing economies and least-developed countries (LDCs), WTO members launched the Aid-for-Trade monitoring and evaluation exercise during a Committee on Trade and Development meeting on October 9th. This exercise aims to scrutinize how development finance, provided by partners, is addressing the unique needs of […]

News, Trade Policy

October 9, 2023

The International Trade Council applauds the recent strides made by the Informal Working Group on Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), as detailed during their meeting on October 9th, in preparation for the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) slated for February 2024. Under the astute guidance of Coordinator Ambassador Matthew Wilson of Barbados, the group has […]

International Trade, News

October 9, 2023

October 9, WTO members initiated the sixth “Fish Week” of the year, marking the shift into the text-based phase of negotiations aimed at establishing regulations on subsidies linked to overcapacity and overfishing. Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Ambassador Einar Gunnarsson of Iceland, who chairs the negotiations, emphasized the intensifying negotiations in anticipation of the WTO’s Senior […]