Author: Editorial Desk

The World Bank has projected a 12% decline in global commodity prices in 2025, followed by a further 5% drop in 2026, as weakening global economic growth and intensifying trade tensions weigh on demand. This downturn is expected to bring commodity prices, adjusted for inflation, back to their 2015–2019 average, the lowest in real terms for the 2020s. According to the latest Commodity Markets Outlook, this marks the end of the price surge driven by the post-COVID economic rebound and supply disruptions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The easing of prices is likely to alleviate short-term inflationary pressures,…

The European Central Bank (ECB) is grappling with heightened inflation expectations as global trade tensions intensify, raising concerns about price stability across the eurozone. The ECB’s latest consumer survey reveals a major change in public sentiment, placing increased pressure on the institution to navigate an increasingly uncertain economic landscape. According to the ECB’s monthly survey involving approximately 19,000 consumers across 11 eurozone countries, inflation expectations for the next 12 months have climbed to 2.9%, up from 2.6% in the previous month. Expectations for inflation over the next three years also edged up, rising to 2.5% from 2.4%. These figures were…

Korea’s exports are showing early signs of weakness as global trade tensions escalate. A Reuters survey conducted between April 23 and 28 indicated that South Korean exports may decline by 2% year-on-year (YoY) this month, based on the median forecast of 22 economists. If confirmed, it would mark the first YoY decline since January, when exports fell by 10% largely due to the long Lunar New Year holiday. Imports are also expected to drop by 7% YoY. The pressure on South Korea’s trade performance is intensifying following the imposition of tariffs by the United States. The country currently faces blanket…

Mid-sized Scottish businesses are placing international expansion at the forefront of their growth strategies, with 20% prioritizing overseas trade in the coming year despite facing significant global trade complexities. A recent Economic Engine survey by BDO, which involved 500 mid-sized companies, revealed that businesses in Scotland are targeting key global regions, including Asia and Australia (both at 32%), and Africa (30%). Meanwhile, Europe remains an important focus, with 38% eyeing markets within the European Union and another 30% looking beyond the EU, particularly at countries such as Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland. This drive for international growth comes in the face…

Vietnam’s tilapia export turnover reached nearly $14 million in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 131% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP). The United States remained Vietnam’s largest tilapia buyer, with import values exceeding $6 million, three times higher than in the first quarter of 2024, and accounting for 46% of Vietnam’s total tilapia export turnover. In 2024, Vietnam’s overall tilapia exports rose sharply to $41 million, a 138% increase year-on-year. Exports to the US market alone reached $19 million, reflecting an exceptional 572% year-on-year growth.…

Malaysia and Italy are poised to deepen their economic partnership as both nations work toward stronger bilateral ties and broader collaboration between Asia and the European Union (EU). International Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Liew Chin Tong highlighted the importance of this move, particularly as global trade dynamics face significant disruption. Speaking at the grand launch of Generali Malaysia’s new headquarters, Liew stated, “We would like to see stronger collaboration between Malaysia and Italy, as well as greater partnerships between Asia and the EU.” Liew is scheduled to meet Italy’s Ministry of Enterprise Deputy Minister Valentino Valentini at the Ministry…

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has voiced serious concerns over the impact of newly imposed US tariffs on South African exports, highlighting the potential fallout if South Africa loses its benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Addressing the National Assembly on Thursday, Steenhuisen said his department is proactively seeking to widen market access by strengthening existing trade agreements with partners such as the European Union, Japan, and China. “We are really taking full advantage of the full variety of goods that are there as some of the products that would probably see some curtailment in the United States…

Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has expressed the country’s eagerness to strengthen its business ties with the United States, while also seeking ways to address the existing Pak-U.S. trade imbalance. Speaking at a news briefing at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington, following his visit to the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, Aurangzeb revealed that Pakistan has asked China to augment its currency swap line by an additional 10 billion yuan (approximately $1.4 billion). Pakistan currently maintains a 30 billion yuan swap line with China, and the minister stated, “From our perspective, getting…

Oracle, the enterprise software company, has introduced new trade management features within its Oracle Fusion Cloud Supply Chain & Manufacturing (SCM) platform to support organizations navigating increasingly complex global trade dynamics. These enhancements, now available through Oracle Fusion Cloud Global Trade Management, aim to help businesses better manage tariffs, international trade agreements, and cross-border supply chain operations. Chris Leone, Executive Vice President of Applications Development at Oracle, highlighted the urgent need for adaptive tools amid evolving trade policies. “Supply chain leaders are rising to the moment by seeking new ways to manage their business with global trade agreements and international…

India is actively considering a complete trade ban on Pakistan following the recent terror attacks in Pahalgam, in a move that could mark a major escalation in bilateral tensions. The proposed trade freeze is seen as part of a broader strategy to exert economic pressure on Islamabad. According to sources involved in the process, the decision, if implemented, would significantly impact Pakistan’s economy, which relies on Indian imports of key goods, including pharmaceuticals, fruits, vegetables, organic chemicals, and sugar. India is also evaluating the use of third-country mechanisms and diplomatic channels to further restrict trade flows and intensify the economic…