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Archive for the ‘Trade’ Category

Blockchain in Trade Finance Matures as Market Rockets Toward $34.6B, Sparking Major Integrations and Investor Interest

Middle East, News, Trade

February 26, 2026

The market for blockchain in trade and supply-chain finance is rapidly maturing, moving beyond the pilot phase and into full-scale deployment, attracting significant institutional capital and triggering major technology integrations. A new report from PwC projects the market will expand from US$1.8 billion in 2024 to a staggering US$34.6 billion by 2034, signaling a new […]

Thailand Accelerates Multi-Front Trade Offensive, Eyes US Pact by July Amid Tariff Threats

News, Tarrifs, Thailand, Trade

February 26, 2026

In a strategic move to counter global trade uncertainties, Thailand is accelerating its free trade agreement (FTA) strategy on multiple fronts, with a pact with the United States expected to be concluded by July 2026. According to Thailand’s Minister of Commerce, Suphajee Suthumpun, negotiations for the Thailand-U.S. Tariff Agreement are actively ongoing, though some issues […]

India Advances Dual Trade Fronts, Relaunching GCC Talks and Finalizing New Zealand Pact

India, News, Trade

February 19, 2026

India is aggressively expanding its global trade footprint on multiple fronts, formally restarting long-stalled free trade negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) while simultaneously moving to ratify a comprehensive agreement with New Zealand. These parallel moves signal a significant strategic push to diversify economic partnerships from the Middle East to the Pacific.   After […]

South Asian Trade Finance Buzzes with Activity as Bangladesh LC Openings Hit 11-Month High and India’s SBI Modernizes

India, News, Trade

February 18, 2026

The trade finance landscape in South Asia is showing significant signs of dynamism, with Bangladesh reporting a surge in import financing and India’s largest bank launching a major modernization initiative. These developments point to both renewed economic activity and strategic investments in trade infrastructure across the region.   In Bangladesh, the value of import letters […]

EU Enters New Digital Trade Era as Landmark Pact with Singapore Takes Effect

Europe, News, Singapore, Trade

February 13, 2026

The European Union has officially entered a new phase of its trade policy with the entry into force of the EU-Singapore Digital Trade Agreement (DTA) on February 1, 2026. This landmark accord represents the EU’s first-ever standalone bilateral digital trade agreement and is poised to set new international standards for the rapidly growing digital economy. […]

African Development Bank and BIAT Ink $50M Guarantee Facility to Boost Tunisian Trade and Support SMEs

Africa, News, Trade

February 12, 2026

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and Banque Internationale Arabe de Tunisie (BIAT) have signed a $50 million Trade Finance Guarantee Facility to bolster Tunisia’s private sector, the AfDB announced on February 7, 2026. The agreement is designed to strengthen the import and export activities of local businesses by enhancing their access to trade finance […]

UAE and UK Spearhead New AML Strategies, Targeting Asset Recovery and Crypto Crime in 2026

News, Trade, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom

February 11, 2026

Two of the world’s major financial hubs, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, are rolling out distinct and focused strategies to combat financial crime in 2026, targeting everything from regional policy leadership to specific domestic threats like crypto and payment fraud.   In a February 10 interview with AML Intelligence, Hamid Al-Zaabi, the […]

New Japan-China Friction and U.S. Bilateralism Reshape Asian Trade Dynamics, Testing ASEAN’s Role

China, Japan, News, Trade

February 11, 2026

Asia’s complex trade environment is being reshaped by renewed tensions between its largest economies and a continued U.S. strategy of forging bilateral partnerships, putting regional blocs like ASEAN under increasing pressure to maintain unity and relevance. In East Asia, trade friction that began in late 2025 is expected to be influenced by the landslide election […]

Indonesia and Australia Launch Mutual Recognition Pact to Expedite Customs for Trusted Traders

Australia, Indonesia, News, Trade

February 11, 2026

In a significant move to streamline trade, Indonesia and Australia have implemented a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for their respective Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs, effective January 1, 2026. According to a report from Tempo.co, the agreement means that Indonesian customs and the Australian Border Force (ABF) will recognize each other’s trusted trader programs, providing […]

South Africa Inks Key China Trade Pact as Beijing Pushes for Broader Asia-Pacific Free Trade Area

News, South Africa, Trade

February 11, 2026

South Africa has signed a significant ‘Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership’ with China, securing new markets for its goods as Beijing simultaneously calls for deeper economic integration across the Asia-Pacific region. The moves highlight a broader trend of nations forging new alliances to navigate a complex global trade environment.   The new agreement will provide […]

UK-Kenya Trade Hits Record High as South America’s Mercosur Finalizes Pact with European Bloc

Kenya, News, Trade, United Kingdom

February 10, 2026

Trade between European nations and partners in Africa and South America is showing significant momentum, highlighted by record-breaking bilateral trade between the United Kingdom and Kenya and the finalization of a landmark free trade agreement between the Mercosur and EFTA blocs.   Bilateral trade between the UK and Kenya reached a record £2.1 billion (KES […]

Japan and Regional Asian Markets Show Healthy Trade Adjustments Amid Currency Movements

Japan, News, Trade

January 26, 2026

Asian equity markets delivered mixed performances as currency shifts encouraged a natural recalibration across trade-driven sectors, led by movements in Japan’s financial markets. A stronger yen prompted investors to reassess export valuations, highlighting the close relationship between exchange rates and international trade competitiveness.   Currency adjustments are a normal feature of open economies and often [...]

Germany Sees Modest Growth Potential in 2026 as Trade Stability Supports Recovery

Germany, News, Trade

January 21, 2026

Germany’s economy could achieve growth of around 1% in 2026, provided rising global trade tensions—particularly new U.S. tariffs—are avoided. While the outlook points to gradual recovery, industry leaders note that the manufacturing sector remains in a delicate position, highlighting the need for policies that strengthen competitiveness and support export-driven growth.   With Germany’s economy closely [...]

South Korea Optimistic on Won Recovery, Boosting Trade Confidence

News, Trade

January 21, 2026

South Korea is expecting its currency, the won, to strengthen to around 1,400 per dollar in the coming months, signaling positive momentum for trade and economic stability. President Lee Jae Myung shared this outlook during a press briefing, emphasizing that domestic policies are part of a broader effort to support the foreign exchange market.   [...]

London Embassy Approval Highlights Renewed Focus on Trade and Economic Engagement

News, Trade, United Kingdom

January 21, 2026

The UK’s approval of China’s new embassy in London marks the conclusion of a lengthy review process and reflects a renewed emphasis on constructive engagement and economic dialogue. After years of planning discussions and diplomatic considerations, the decision signals a practical step toward strengthening institutional links that support trade, investment, and commercial cooperation.   The [...]

South Korea and the United States Open Talks to Support Stable Semiconductor Trade

News, South Korea, Trade

January 19, 2026

South Korea is set to engage in discussions with the United States to secure favourable tariff conditions on semiconductor products, highlighting ongoing effortsSouth Korea and the. United States Open Talks to Support Stable Semiconductor Trade to strengthen trade cooperation in the global technology sector.   Officials said the move aims to ensure fair and balanced [...]
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