Author: Editorial Desk

Thousands of Irish farmers staged protests across the country on Saturday against the European Union’s proposed trade agreement with the South American bloc Mercosur, a day after a majority of EU member states gave provisional approval to the long-negotiated deal. In the central town of Athlone, long lines of tractors moved onto public roads as farmers from different parts of Ireland gathered to demonstrate. Protesters held placards reading ‘Stop EU-Mercosur’ and chanted slogans accusing European leaders of sacrificing farming interests in favor of industrial and export sectors. The protests followed a vote on Friday in which Ireland, France, Poland, Hungary,…

President Donald Trump said the United States stands to gain billions, and potentially trillions, of dollars from Venezuelan oil following recent developments in U.S.–Venezuela relations. Trump told Fox News that the interim authorities in Venezuela have agreed to hand over between 30 million and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States, a move he said could generate ‘hundreds of billions… trillions’ in revenue as the oil is sold. The proceeds, he said, would be used in the interests of both Americans and Venezuelans. Earlier this month, U.S. forces carried out a military operation in Venezuela that resulted in…

Onion prices across Nashik district have dropped sharply after Bangladesh suspended the issuance of new import permits for onions from India, a move that exporters and farmers say could result in losses of ₹175 to ₹200 crore for growers in the region. The Bangladesh government has stopped granting fresh import approvals for onions entering through the Hili Land Port, one of the key border routes for agricultural trade between the two countries. Imports under permits already issued will continue only until January 30, after which no further shipments are expected unless restrictions are lifted. Currently, about 1,500 tons of onions…

Japan on Friday called for international trade to proceed ‘smoothly’ after media reports said China was delaying imports of Japanese goods and restricting exports of rare earth materials, as tensions between the two countries continue to rise. Chief government spokesman Minoru Kihara said it was important that Japan’s overseas exports, including agricultural, forestry, and fishery products, as well as food items, move without disruption. Speaking at a regular press briefing, he also stressed that trade in rare earths should continue smoothly, calling it extremely important for international commerce. His comments followed reports by Kyodo News that shipments of Japanese sake…

India recorded a sharp rise in cotton imports during the December quarter, with nearly three million bales brought in as traders and mills rushed to benefit from a temporary zero-duty import window that closed at the end of the year. The surge is expected to push the country toward a second consecutive year of record cotton imports in FY26, driven by lower domestic output, weather-affected crop quality, and higher local prices. Industry estimates suggest total imports in the October–September cotton marketing season could reach between five and six million bales, depending on government policy decisions, U.S. tariff developments, and progress…

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called on the State-owned garment corporation on May 10 to transform into an international fashion group that is deeply integrated into global value chains and plays a stronger role in developing Vietnam’s fashion industry. Speaking at a ceremony in Hanoi on January 8 marking the company’s 80th founding anniversary, the Prime Minister outlined key priorities to ensure May 10 remains a leading force in Vietnam’s textile and garment sector in the new development phase. He urged the corporation to accelerate green and digital transformation, move toward net-zero emissions, and expand the use of artificial…

Pakistan’s crisis-hit textile sector has appealed for urgent government intervention, warning that mounting factory closures and job losses are pushing the country’s largest export industry toward collapse. The Pakistan Textile Council has written to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging the government to declare an ‘export emergency’ to halt what it describes as a rapid erosion of competitiveness that now threatens exports, employment, and broader macroeconomic stability. The concerns were highlighted in a report published by Business Recorder. The warning comes amid a sharp downturn in trade performance. Pakistan’s exports fell by more than 14% year-on-year in November 2025, marking the…

Sri Lanka’s jewellery and gem industry has urged the government to urgently implement long-discussed reforms, warning that regulatory delays continue to constrain a sector with the potential to grow into a multi-billion-dollar export industry. Industry leaders made the call at the opening of FACETS Sri Lanka 2026, the country’s flagship gem and jewellery exhibition, held last Saturday at Cinnamon Life. Speaking at the inauguration of the 33rd edition of the event, Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association President Akram Cassim said that while recent engagement with the government has been encouraging, the focus must now shift from dialogue to action.…

India has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of nylon-6 chips and granules from China and Russia, following complaints from domestic manufacturers that low-priced imports are undermining local industry, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Saturday. The probe has been launched by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies under the Commerce Ministry, amid ongoing concerns over price suppression and market distortion in the synthetic raw materials segment. The investigation stems from an application filed by Surat-based Gujarat Polyfilms, which manufactures nylon-6 chips used in engineering and textile applications. According to information available on its website, the company has…

The 30th edition of the Dhaka International Trade Fair opened on Friday at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal, marking a significant milestone in Bangladesh’s trade and commercial landscape. Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin formally inaugurated the month-long event. Addressing the opening ceremony, Bashir Uddin described the fair as more than a conventional product exhibition, calling it a comprehensive platform that reflects Bangladesh’s entrepreneurship, innovation, and evolving trade capabilities. He said the 30th edition represents a landmark moment, highlighting the country’s progress in business and industry, as well as its ability to diversify production from traditional handicrafts to technology-driven…