In our recent dealings with a prominent Middle Eastern consulting firm, we encountered a bewildering “benchmark requirement” that was purportedly designed to ensure top‐quality industry classification. The brief required consultants to base their entire ISIC‐code benchmarking exercise on “standards” from the following institutions: The World Economic Forum (WEF) The World Bank Group – Global Indicators […]
South Korea’s newly elected President Lee Jae-myung and U.S. President Donald Trump have agreed to work toward a timely and mutually beneficial tariff agreement, reflecting both nations’ commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and economic collaboration. In their first official phone call following President Lee’s election, the two leaders expressed a shared vision for reaching […]
The UK’s Modern Slavery Amendment Act (2024), in force since January, brings a notable shift in how businesses are expected to manage modern slavery risks in their operations and supply chains. While the 2015 Act was largely about disclosure, the amendment pushes firms toward more active due diligence — a move that, depending on one’s […]
The way we classify economic activity isn’t static. ISIC, the International Standard Industrial Classification, sits quietly behind almost every international economic comparison, but its role is more fundamental than many realize. In January 2024, ISIC entered its fifth official revision. If you spend your days navigating sectoral data, you’ll already be feeling the effects—or at […]
Canada’s rail transport sector is set for enhanced stability following the successful conclusion of new labor agreements with two key rail unions. These multi-year contracts, effective from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2027, were established through arbitration and mark a significant step forward in ensuring uninterrupted rail service—an essential component of cross-border and global […]
China’s recent adjustments to rare earth exports are reshaping global supply chains, prompting businesses and trade leaders to explore diversification strategies and strengthen supply resilience across the automotive and manufacturing sectors. Rare earth minerals—essential to electric vehicle motors, semiconductors, renewable energy technologies, and more—have long been central to global industry. China’s move in April […]
In a move aimed at reinforcing responsible global trade practices, Energy Transfer announced that it received a letter from the U.S. government requiring a license for ethane exports to China. The company is proactively working to secure emergency authorization to continue its shipments, highlighting its commitment to compliance and partnership in international trade. This […]
Vietnam’s export sector continues to demonstrate strong momentum, with May exports rising 14% year-over-year, according to the latest government data. This robust growth contributed to a significant trade surplus of $4.67 billion for the month, underscoring Vietnam’s expanding role in global trade. The export surge reflects efforts by Vietnamese firms to optimize shipments ahead […]
The United States and India are making steady progress toward finalizing a major trade agreement that could significantly enhance economic cooperation between the two nations. Speaking at the US India Strategic Partnership Forum in Washington, the US Commerce Secretary shared optimism that a mutually beneficial deal may be reached soon. Ongoing negotiations focus on […]
Peru is set to host a high-level trade mission led by the United States Department of Agriculture from June 9 to 12, 2025. This collaborative initiative aims to boost agricultural exports, enhance market access, and build stronger trade relations between Peru and the United States. The mission brings together more than 50 representatives from […]
Vietnam’s automotive sector is regaining momentum in early 2025, with rising vehicle sales and growing consumer confidence setting the stage for greater trade engagement. According to the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) through its Office of Commercial Affairs in Hanoi, the Vietnamese auto market is showing clear signs of recovery, offering promising export prospects—particularly […]
In a promising step toward strengthening global trade ties, India and the European Union have reached consensus on nearly half of the chapters under negotiation for a comprehensive free trade agreement. This progress signals renewed optimism that the two economic powerhouses may finalize the deal by the end of the year. Negotiators have already […]
In a continued push to strengthen transatlantic trade ties, UK Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds is set to meet with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Paris this week to discuss the next steps in implementing a bilateral tariff agreement aimed at enhancing market access and improving trade flows between the two economies. This engagement […]
The United States has confirmed plans to raise tariffs on nearly all imported steel and aluminum to 50%, effective Wednesday. The move is aimed at enhancing national industrial capacity and safeguarding domestic producers across key manufacturing sectors. According to the recent presidential proclamation, the tariff increase seeks to counter the continued influx of low-cost […]
Indonesia has announced its commitment to provide a list of preferred tariff arrangements on U.S. goods in preparation for the second round of trade discussions with the United States set to take place later this month. This initiative marks an important step in strengthening trade relations between the two economies. In 2024, the United […]
Taiwan continues to maintain active and close communication with the United States regarding ongoing tariff discussions, according to a recent statement from the island’s government. Recognized globally as a hub for advanced semiconductor production, Taiwan has played a vital role in strengthening global supply chains. In April, the U.S. government announced a temporary 90-day […]