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The International Trade Council Team

Archive for the ‘News’ Category

Economic Trends, News

October 2, 2023

In a recent address at an event in Geneva, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), expressed concerns about early signs of potential global trade fragmentation. Okonjo-Iweala cautioned against practices like ‘reshoring’ and ‘friendshoring’ occurring between trade blocs, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a connected global trade landscape. “While we don’t yet see […]

Brazil, E-commerce Development, News

October 2, 2023

BRASILIA – In a recent release of government data, Brazil announced that its trade surplus for September reached an all-time high, although it fell just short of market forecasts.   According to the data unveiled on Monday, Brazil’s trade surplus for September amounted to $8.9 billion, narrowly missing the $9.2 billion surplus predicted in a […]

News, Trade Policy

October 2, 2023

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is currently facing significant challenges, with mounting unresolved disputes and increasing concerns among its member nations. This situation underscores the critical issues the organization is grappling with. Since late 2019, the WTO has been dealing with the repercussions of the United States’ decision to block the appointment of new judges […]

International Trade, Japan, News, Russia

October 1, 2023

TOKYO (International Trade Council) – Japan has recently taken measures to limit the export of used cars to Russia, significantly impacting an industry worth nearly $2 billion annually. This trade had thrived amidst the backdrop of ongoing international sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict, as evidenced by trade data and market participants.   In early […]

Maritime Trade, News, Ukrain

October 1, 2023

The International Trade Council acknowledges the recent developments in Ukraine’s maritime trade. We have received information that five additional vessels are navigating to Ukrainian sea ports. This initiative comes as a part of an alternative mechanism to the Black Sea grain deal which faced challenges earlier.   The five vessels, namely OLGA, IDA, DANNY BOY, […]

As of September 29, 2023, there’s an impending concern about the U.S. Congress failing to finalize a spending agreement. Companies engaged in international trade are advised to brace for potential disruptions due to a possible Federal government shutdown beginning 12:01 am, October 1, 2023. This would significantly impact international trade practices, including agency closures and […]

Economic Development, Europe, News

September 28, 2023

The International Trade Council commends the recent announcement from the European Commission, expressing its intention to recommend bolstered financial support and market access to countries aspiring for EU membership. This move aims to expedite their accession preparations, stated EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi.   Currently, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, […]

International Development, News

September 28, 2023

Today, the International Trade Council applauds the World Bank’s recent announcement, detailing measures to significantly bolster its lending capabilities for developing nations, with an envisioned increment of over $100 billion over the forthcoming decade.   The move is a constituent of the World Bank’s comprehensive reform journey, highlighting the urgency to encompass vital global challenges, […]

International Trade, News, Thailand

September 28, 2023

Thailand’s newly-appointed Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, announced a series of forward-looking measures aimed at solidifying Thailand’s position as a leading destination for foreign investments. This includes the ambitious endeavor of expanding the nation’s existing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) portfolio.   Addressing a key forum today, Prime Minister Srettha shed light on his vision to upgrade […]

The International Trade Council reports that China’s chief trade body has made a formal appeal to the United States, urging a thoughtful reevaluation of recent restrictions targeting investments in China’s technological domain.   Last month, U.S. President Joe Biden ratified an executive order barring or curbing investments into Chinese ventures, notably in pivotal sectors such […]

Economic Relations, News

September 28, 2023

In a recent workshop jointly organized by the Informal Working Group on MSMEs, the Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender, and the Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions (TESSD) on September 28, Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the significance of trade in supporting women-led small businesses, addressing climate change, and fostering innovation. The workshop aimed […]

Economic Relations, News

September 28, 2023

During a two-day meeting of the Committee on Agriculture on September 27-28, members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) convened to examine each other’s agricultural policies to ensure compliance with WTO regulations. While food security remained a central focus, discussions extended to various related topics, including the intersection of agri-food trade, technology transfer, and environmental […]

Economic Relations, News

September 28, 2023

In a joint initiative, the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland and the World Trade Organization (WTO) have embarked on a research project aimed at investigating the intricate relationship between trade and peace. The project, which commenced on September 28th, was inaugurated with a workshop hosted by the WTO Accessions Division in partnership with the […]

Australia, China, Economic Relations, News

September 28, 2023

In what is being viewed as a significant thaw in the trade relations between Australia and China, the Australian government announced on Thursday an impending resumption of its hay exports to China. This development comes after a period of considerable strain, which saw China impose restrictions on various Australian commodities following Australia’s push for an […]