Saudia Cargo has officially unveiled its ambitious new campaign, titled ‘BEYOND’, aimed at strengthening the global presence of Saudi exports and reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a major player in international trade. Aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, the initiative represents a strategic move to empower national industries and enhance the competitiveness of Saudi-made products in global markets. The campaign’s core message, ‘From Saudi to the World, We Reach Beyond,’ underscores Saudia Cargo’s mission to transcend geographical limitations while showcasing the Kingdom’s growing reputation for quality, efficiency, and timely delivery. Through this effort, the company is not only…

Vietnam’s wood industry is facing increasing pressure from global economic uncertainties and evolving trade regulations, prompting local enterprises and authorities to reassess strategies and pursue diversification to maintain the development pace. Once a robust export sector, the industry is now grappling with stricter import requirements and rising protectionist measures from key markets, particularly the United States. According to Nguyen Liem, Chairman of the Binh Duong Furniture Association, notable changes in trade policies across importing nations have become evident since the beginning of the year. Although Vietnam exports wood products to over 160 countries and territories, the United States remains its…

China is set to intensify its trade growth by promoting high-quality advancement, deepening international cooperation, and fostering innovation during the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030), according to Commerce Minister Wang Wentao. Speaking at a press conference in Beijing, Wang highlighted China’s achievements under the current 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), noting the country’s sustained role as a leading global trading power. In 2024, China’s foreign trade volume reached $6.16 trillion, an increase of 32.4% from 2020, marking the eighth consecutive year that the nation held the top spot in global trade rankings. Wang emphasized the resilience of Chinese exporters, who…

Morocco is witnessing a growing disparity between its imports and exports, driven by surging domestic demand and an increasingly challenging global trade environment. According to a new report by the Moroccan High Commission for Planning (HCP), Morocco’s import rate is rising faster than its export growth, putting pressure on the country’s trade balance. The report attributes this imbalance to a combination of internal and external factors. While national exports are projected to grow, they remain impacted by global geopolitical tensions and economic slowdown in key trading partners, particularly within the European Union. Phosphates remain Morocco’s primary export, and their outlook…

The European Central Bank (ECB) has opted to maintain its benchmark interest rate at 2% despite renewed global uncertainty stirred by Donald Trump’s proposed 30% import tariff. The decision, announced Thursday, signals the ECB’s cautious stance ahead of its summer recess, choosing to observe economic developments rather than rush into policy changes. The move delays any cut in borrowing costs until at least September, when policymakers reconvene with fresh economic projections. With inflation currently near target, ECB officials prefer to wait for more data before adjusting course, particularly with concerns mounting over global trade tensions and internal eurozone pressures. Market…

Vietnam and Bangladesh are set to emerge as the primary drivers of global cotton trade growth over the next decade, according to the OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2025–2034. With rapidly expanding textile industries, both countries are ready to sharply increase their raw cotton imports, contributing to a forecasted annual global trade growth rate of 1.6%, reaching 12.3 million tons by 2034. The report highlights that Vietnam’s cotton imports are expected to grow at an annual rate of 2.8%, while Bangladesh’s imports will rise by 2.4%. Their increasing mill consumption underpins a steady demand for fiber, strengthening international trade flows. Meanwhile, China…

India must resist external pressure and continue purchasing discounted oil from Russia, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). In a statement on Thursday, the independent economic think tank asserted that India’s strategy of buying Russian crude has been instrumental in maintaining macroeconomic stability and controlling inflation amid global disruptions. Ajay Srivastava, founder of GTRI, emphasised the significance of this energy strategy. “Buying discounted Russian oil has helped India manage inflation and maintain economic stability in a volatile global environment,” he said, urging the Indian government to stay the course and not yield to US demands. His remarks follow…

Transnet and United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK) have entered into a 10-year agreement for the rail transportation and manganese export from UMK’s operations in South Africa’s Northern Cape. Announced on Wednesday, the agreement forms part of Transnet’s Manganese Export Capacity Allocation (MECA) 3 program, which allocates rail and port capacity to domestic manganese producers to support their export operations. Transnet stated that the deal reflects UMK’s confidence in the state-owned operator’s ability to facilitate efficient access to international markets. “We are encouraged by the vote of confidence expressed by UMK through their long-term commitment as part of the MECA program,”…

Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce has reached out to China’s leading foreign trade body for support in promoting Thai Geographical Indication (GI) products in the Chinese market, while also seeking to attract Chinese investment into Thailand’s modern industries. The appeal was made by Ekachat Seetavorarat, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, during a high-level delegation visit to China from Tuesday to Thursday. The Thai delegation included senior officials such as Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary-General of the Board of Investment, and Pornvit Sila-On, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion, alongside representatives from the Thai Chamber of Commerce and…

The Singaporean government has announced the launch of a new Business Adaptation Grant in October 2025 to help companies address escalating operational costs and respond to growing global trade uncertainties, particularly following new U.S. tariff developments. The initiative, introduced by the Singapore Economic Resilience Task Force (SERT), will offer eligible businesses up to S$100,000 (approximately US$78,000) over a two-year period. The grant will require co-funding by recipient companies and aims to support firms most vulnerable to recent international trade disruptions. Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, who also chairs SERT, stated that the newly introduced U.S. tariffs would likely deepen…