Brazil has marked the 50th anniversary of its first official chicken export, commemorating a milestone that began on August 1, 1975, with a shipment to Kuwait. This historic move laid the foundation for Brazil’s rise as the world’s largest chicken exporter, a position it has held through decades of steady growth and international trust, according to the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA). Since that first shipment, Brazil has exported nearly 100 million tons of chicken meat to over 150 countries. In 2024 alone, the nation exported 4.9 million tons, generating close to $10 billion in revenue. Key markets now include…

Asia-to-U.S. sea freight rates are expected to continue their downward trend into 2025, driven by overcapacity, shifting trade routes, and prolonged tariff-related uncertainties, according to shipping industry experts. Since June 1, average spot rates for containers from Asia to the U.S. West Coast and East Coast have plunged by 58% and 46% respectively, as per data from shipping analytics firm Xeneta. This sharp decline reflects a broader market imbalance where supply is outpacing demand, with more vessels being deployed than required. Xeneta’s Chief Technology and Data Officer, Erik Devetak, attributed the slump to global overcapacity and weaker trade performance, particularly…

Investor confidence in the European Union has taken a sharp downturn following a controversial trade agreement between U.S. President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. According to the latest Sentix index, sentiment among investors dropped significantly at the start of August, with the eurozone perceived as the clear loser in the deal. The weekly Sentix survey, which covers thousands of investors across more than 20 countries, described the agreement as one that ‘dampens the mood,’ highlighting the growing economic concerns surrounding Trump’s escalating tariff strategy. The index fell from 4.5 in July to -3.7 in August,…

The CEO of Agri-Impact Group, Daniel Fahene Acquaye, has called on the Ghanaian government to create a dedicated Agribusiness Fund aimed at building homegrown agro-processing giants and reversing the country’s staggering annual post-harvest losses, estimated at $2 billion. Speaking on the need for systemic reform, Acquaye advocated for blended financing, specialized credit facilities, and supportive policies to empower large-scale indigenous agribusinesses. He underscored the critical role of local agro-processors in creating jobs, promoting industrialization, and expanding Ghana’s global trade presence. “These champions won’t emerge by chance; they must be intentionally built with a global vision,” he remarked. According to Acquaye,…

The Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA) has confirmed that 16 Tanzanian companies have been officially authorized to export avocados to China, marking a major step forward in the nation’s agricultural export sector. This development follows the company’s registration with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), which verified Tanzania’s compliance with China’s stringent phytosanitary and import requirements. The announcement was made during the opening of the Nanenane Farmers’ Exhibition at Nzuguni grounds in Dodoma. TPHPA described the approval as a milestone that reflects Tanzania’s rising status as a reliable source of high-quality horticultural products that meet international…

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has defended the Trump administration’s recent imposition of international tariffs, stating they are legally and politically justified, even when motivated by non-economic concerns. Speaking on CBS’ Face the Nation, Greer said the White House acted within its legal authority under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) in levying a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports last week. The move, largely attributed to Brazil’s social media restrictions and the ongoing criminal trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro, has drawn international criticism. Bolsonaro, an ally of Donald Trump, is accused of conspiring to overturn Brazil’s 2022…

India’s gem and jewellery sector is bracing for a major setback as a new 25% U.S. tariff on imported Indian jewellery is set to take effect from August 7. This development comes amid already elevated domestic import duties on gold and rising raw material costs, further squeezing profit margins and challenging the industry’s global competitiveness. The United States remains India’s largest export destination for gems and jewellery, accounting for over 25% of the sector’s overseas earnings. The new tariff, part of Washington’s broader trade policy recalibration, is expected to make Indian products substantially more expensive in the U.S. market, dampening…

Thailand’s rice exporters have expressed limited concern over the newly imposed 19% U.S. tariff on Thai imports, which took effect on August 1, 2025, under an executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Industry leaders say broader market trends, such as global oversupply and shifting trade dynamics, pose a greater challenge than the tariff itself. Charoen Laothamatas, President of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, stated that the tariff, reduced from a previously proposed 36%, does not significantly disadvantage Thailand compared to Vietnam, which faces a 20% duty. He noted that Thai jasmine rice, which dominates the U.S. market, is…

Slovenia has become the first European Union member state to ban the import, export, and transit of weapons and military equipment to and from Israel. The Slovenian government announced the arms trade ban on Thursday, citing the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the European Union’s lack of unified action regarding Israel’s ongoing war. Prime Minister Robert Golob described the measure as a demonstration of Slovenia’s commitment to international law and human rights. “Responsible states must act, even if it means stepping ahead of others,” he said, framing the move as a moral imperative in response to the situation in…

Vietnamese and Chinese enterprises have signed a strategic agreement to launch a new maritime trade corridor, titled ‘Two Ports, One Route,’ which will directly connect Weifang Port in China’s Shandong province with Long An International Port in Tay Ninh province, Vietnam. The move is designed to increase two-way cargo flow and deepen bilateral trade ties. The cooperation agreement involves three key partners: Long An International Port from Vietnam, SPG Bohaiwan Port, and Bohwa Shipping from China. The initiative will focus on strengthening port operations, maritime transport, and integrated logistics services. Key components of the plan include the expansion of container…