Australia’s National Plastics Plan, released in November 2023, marks a significant regulatory advance in the country’s efforts to reduce plastic waste and promote circular economy practices. At its core, the Plan imposes mandatory upstream reporting requirements on producers, importers, and users of plastic packaging materials. The goal is to create full transparency across the plastics […]
The US Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Climate Rule, finalized in September 2023, represents a landmark development in the federal government’s efforts to integrate climate risk and sustainability into its procurement practices. The rule mandates that major federal contractors—defined as entities with more than $50 million in annual federal obligations—disclose their Scope 1, 2, and 3 […]
The EU Conflict Minerals Regulation, which came into full effect on January 1, 2021, marked a critical step in the European Union’s efforts to prevent the financing of armed groups through the trade of tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold (commonly referred to as 3TG minerals). The regulation imposes mandatory due diligence obligations on EU importers […]
The final rule issued under the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Supply Chain Cybersecurity framework, effective January 2022, has reshaped how telecommunications providers manage vendor risk across critical infrastructure. Developed in response to growing threats against US communications networks, this rule compels telecom carriers to systematically assess the cybersecurity posture of their hardware […]
Japan’s 2022 amendment to the Act on Promotion of Transparency in Public Procurement marked a significant shift toward ensuring accountability and sustainability in the construction sector. Effective from April 2023, the amendment introduced new requirements for the disclosure of sources of construction materials in all public works projects. This reform was driven by increasing public […]
In a bid to strengthen trade ties, New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, intends to embark on a visit to China in the near future, following discussions with China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, during his recent visit to New Zealand. Luxon, accompanied by Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Trade Minister Todd McClay, held discussions […]
In a bid to foster deeper insights into trade dynamics, Australian business leaders are gearing up to engage in discussions with China’s Foreign Minister during his visit to Canberra. Organized by the Australia China Business Council (ACBC), the meeting aims to bridge the gap in understanding between Australian businesses and their largest trading partner. […]
Industry analysts suggest that Korean shipbuilders are set to capitalize on the latest developments in the ongoing strategic competition between the United States and China, presenting an opportunity for increased market share on a global scale. Following a positive response from the Joe Biden administration to a petition filed by five U.S. unions urging […]
In a significant development for trade relations between China and Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced plans to discuss the removal of Chinese tariffs on Australian wine during an upcoming meeting with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The meeting is scheduled to take place in Canberra next week. Albanese’s proactive approach underscores the […]
Representatives from various countries participating in the joint initiative on e-commerce at the WTO have reached an important milestone in negotiations, as indicated by the recent progress made during the second round of talks held from 11 to 14 March. Jeremy Green, Deputy Permanent Representative to the WTO, speaking on behalf of Ambassador James […]
In a significant development for the supply chain sector, Swiss President Viola Amherd is set to convene with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on Monday. The agenda? Propelling talks forward to revamp the bilateral ties between Switzerland and the European Union, as confirmed by the Swiss government. Central to this […]
In an announcement made on Thursday, both the United Kingdom and Turkey declared their intent to commence negotiations for an enhanced Free Trade Agreement (FTA), encompassing not only goods but also services. While the UK already maintains an FTA with Turkey, inherited post its departure from the European Union in 2020, a joint review […]
As February came to a close, forecasts indicated that Indonesia’s trade surplus had expanded slightly, bolstered by a moderated decline in exports and a surge in imports in anticipation of Ramadan, according to a Reuters poll conducted from March 7-14. Insights from 20 economists projected a trade surplus of $2.32 billion for February, up […]
Korea experienced a significant boost in employment in February, adding nearly 330,000 new jobs, largely driven by increased opportunities for senior workers and expansion in the manufacturing sector amidst a rise in exports. According to data released by Statistics Korea on Wednesday, the country recorded a total of 28.04 million employed individuals, marking a […]
The Philippines has experienced a significant increase in rice imports during the first two months of 2024, according to data from the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI). Rice imports for January and February totaled 728,254.49 metric tons (MT), representing an 84.57 percent surge compared to the same period last year when […]
In a recent statement, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized Thailand’s potential to benefit significantly from the United States’ strategic move to diversify semiconductor production. Raimondo highlighted the readiness of American firms to amplify investments in the Southeast Asian nation, foreseeing promising prospects ahead. The electrical and electronics industry stands as a pivotal sector […]