🎄 Season's Greetings from the International Trade Council! 🎄

Please note that our offices will be closed from 20th December 2024 and will reopen on 6th January 2025.

We wish you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year! Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to assisting you in 2025.

Warm regards,
The International Trade Council Team

News

Stay Updated with the Latest News from the International Trade Council and Our Members

December 3, 2024

Jessica Jumaway

The Philippines and South Korea have taken a significant step to enhance their agricultural trade partnership with the ratification of a free trade agreement (FTA). This agreement is expected to open new opportunities for the export of Philippine tropical fruits to South Korea, complementing the existing trade in vegetables and other agricultural products.   President […]

December 2, 2024

Daisy

In a significant development for international trade, China has officially granted permission for the importation of breeding pigs from Ireland, effective as of February 1st, as announced by Chinese customs. However, it’s worth noting that these shipments are contingent upon Ireland meeting stringent animal health criteria.   To maintain the safety and well-being of livestock, […]

December 2, 2024

Jessica Jumaway

The 2024-2025 season is shaping up to be a remarkable year for Chile’s stone fruit exports, with shipments of plums, peaches, and nectarines projected to increase by 4% over the previous year. This growth, estimated at 38 million boxes averaging 8.3 kilograms each, reflects Chile’s strategic efforts to strengthen its position in global agricultural trade. […]

December 2, 2024

Daisy

China witnessed remarkable increases in the import of crucial commodities such as crude oil, coal, and iron ore in 2023, signaling a significant upswing in demand. While these record-breaking figures are touted as a testament to China’s economic strength, a more nuanced examination reveals intricate factors prompting experts to question the depth of the economic […]

December 2, 2024

Jessica Jumaway

Korea’s cosmetic industry has achieved a significant milestone, with exports soaring to a record $9.3 billion from January to November 2024, according to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. This remarkable achievement surpasses the previous high of $9.2 billion in 2021, reflecting the growing global admiration for Korean beauty products and their influence on […]

December 2, 2024

Jessica Jumaway

Vietnam’s agricultural sector is set to reach new heights in 2024, with exports projected to achieve a remarkable $60-61 billion in revenue, marking a significant increase from last year. This growth underscores the strength and competitiveness of Vietnam’s agricultural products on the global market.   Key sectors are driving this impressive expansion, with durians, often […]

December 2, 2024

Jessica Jumaway

Greece is set to experience a significant boost in its tomato exports starting December 15th, following a challenging growing season. A hot summer and water shortages had initially delayed the harvest, but with production now on the rise, the country is prepared to meet increasing international demand, creating new trade opportunities for Greece’s agricultural sector. […]

December 2, 2024

Jessica Jumaway

New Zealand’s avocado exports are set for a positive turn in 2025, with expectations of a stronger market performance. After a challenging year for local growers, production in neighboring Australia and Peru is forecasted to decline, giving New Zealand a prime opportunity to increase its international market share.   Australia experienced a surge in avocado […]

December 2, 2024

Jessica Jumaway

Indonesia and Canada have signed a landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signaling a commitment to deepen economic ties and foster sustainable trade growth. This milestone agreement, finalized after three years of negotiations, will take effect in 2026 and aims to create a more predictable and mutually beneficial trade relationship between the two G20 nations. […]

December 1, 2024

Jessica Jumaway

Morocco has experienced impressive export growth in several key industries, including aerospace, automotive, and phosphate products, during the first ten months of 2024.   The aerospace sector saw a notable 17.3% increase in exports, reaching $2.16 billion, driven by a 26.9% surge in the assembly segment, which accounted for $1.43 billion. The country’s strong political […]

December 1, 2024

Jessica Jumaway

China’s manufacturing sector showed strong improvement in November, with factory activity expanding at the fastest pace in five months. According to the Caixin/S&P Global Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), the index rose to 51.5, up from 50.3 in October, marking the highest level since June. This positive trend signals a solid rebound in China’s manufacturing […]

November 29, 2024

Daisy

In a remarkable feat of strategic planning and infrastructure development, India is making significant strides in expanding its fresh fruit exports, particularly bananas, to European markets. Despite the geographical distance, the country has set an ambitious target of achieving one billion dollars in exports, showcasing a commitment to leveraging its agricultural potential through innovative approaches. […]

November 29, 2024

Daisy

In a significant move towards enhancing economic collaboration, Taiwan and Canada formally sealed a bilateral investment deal on Friday. This accord not only reinforces the Taiwanese government’s commitment to fostering business partnerships with like-minded democratic allies but also paves the way for potential inclusion in a major pan-Pacific trade pact.   Taiwan, seeking increased diplomatic […]

November 29, 2024

Jessica Jumaway

Canada is emphasizing the importance of stronger collaboration between the United States, Mexico, and Canada to create a unified approach to trade policies regarding China. Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland expressed confidence that the three nations have a valuable opportunity to align their strategies, ensuring a fair and competitive trade environment in North America.   Speaking […]

November 29, 2024

Jessica Jumaway

The World Trade Organization (WTO) General Council has reappointed Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General for a second four-year term, set to begin on September 1, 2025. This decision underscores her exceptional leadership and significant contributions to advancing the global trade agenda.   Throughout her first term, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala played a pivotal role in guiding the […]

November 28, 2024

Jessica Jumaway

Moldova’s grape sector is achieving unprecedented success, with exports to the European Union (EU) now accounting for 74% of its total, up from 36% in 2021. This positive shift reflects Moldova’s dedication to enhancing its agricultural trade and tapping into new global markets.   In the first ten months of 2024, the value of grape […]