News

Download Our Latest International Trade Reports

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

October 16, 2023

Daisy

  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, […]

October 16, 2023

Daisy

  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 […]

October 16, 2023

Daisy

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 […]

October 14, 2023

Daisy

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 […]

October 14, 2023

Daisy

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 […]

October 12, 2023

Daisy

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 […]

October 11, 2023

Daisy

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 […]

October 9, 2023

Daisy

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 […]

October 9, 2023

Daisy

In a significant development, the United States and Venezuela have advanced in discussions that could lead to sanctions relief for Venezuela. This relief may come in the form of permitting at least one additional foreign oil company to accept Venezuelan crude oil for debt repayment, contingent on President Nicolas Maduro’s return to negotiations with the […]

October 9, 2023

Daisy

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 […]

October 9, 2023

Daisy

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 […]

October 6, 2023

Daisy

In a climate of persistent economic uncertainty, particularly regarding U.S. employment data, markets across the Asian sphere presented a largely positive front, despite subdued trading activity, the International Trade Council reported on Friday.   While Japan’s Nikkei 225 experienced a slight contraction, decreasing by 0.3% to settle at 31,129.06, other key market indicators in the […]

October 6, 2023

Daisy

Indonesia has revealed its intentions to bolster customs monitoring procedures for specific imported goods, encompassing cosmetics, footwear, apparel, toys, and electronics, as part of the country’s efforts to manage its import volume.   The decision to introduce this regulation comes in response to concerns raised by business associations regarding a surge in imported goods, which […]