Uganda’s economy has shown notable resilience in the face of global economic challenges, according to a new report from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development released Tuesday. The report on the state of the economy highlights a 6.9% average growth rate over the first three quarters of the 2024/25 financial year, which ended on June 30. This growth was driven by increased government spending on poverty reduction programs such as the Parish Development Model, a rise in fixed capital formation, and a rebound in household consumption. The ministry also cited gains in investment and exports as key contributors.…

Vietnam is actively exploring opportunities to expand its exports to the global Halal market, aiming to strengthen its presence in key regions such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and South Asia. Experts emphasize that while the market holds immense potential, successful entry requires a deep understanding of Halal standards, consumer behaviour, and trade practices. At a seminar held on July 14 in Ho Chi Minh City, co-hosted by the Ho Chi Minh City Centre of International Integration Support (CIIS) and the Department of Overseas Markets under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), officials and trade experts discussed both…

The global tuna market is entering a critical phase of transformation, according to a recent report by the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP). Projections for 2025 place global tuna imports between 1.75 and 1.8 million tons, with a market value surpassing $9 billion, reflecting a modest rise from 2024. While prices for raw tuna remain high, demand from key markets such as the United States, the European Union, and Japan remains stable. These regions, specifically the US, Spain, Italy, France, the UK, and Japan, currently represent more than 55% of global processed tuna imports. Meanwhile, consumption is…

Container import volumes into the United States have peaked earlier than expected this year, according to the Inbound Ocean TEUs Volume Index (IOTI) reported by Yahoo Finance. The index, which tracks the 14-day moving average of twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) containers arriving at U.S. ports, reached a multi-year high of 2,356 in early July, nearly a month ahead of the traditional peak shipping season and approximately 4% above last year’s peak. This surge does not necessarily reflect stronger consumer demand. Analysts suggest it shows a recovery from recent disruptions linked to tariffs on Chinese goods, which triggered a 15% decline…

Malaysia now requires mandatory trade permits for all high-performance artificial-intelligence (AI) chips originating from the United States, effective immediately. The move comes as the country seeks to manage escalating trade tensions with Washington and prevent potential misuse of its jurisdiction in global semiconductor supply chains. The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) said the new requirement applies to exports, transshipments, and transits of such chips, citing national security and trade compliance concerns. Stakeholders must now notify Malaysian authorities at least 30 days in advance if the AI chips involved are not already listed under Malaysia’s Strategic Items List (SIL),…

President Donald Trump has announced a new round of tariffs, declaring a 30% levy on imports from the European Union and Mexico effective August 1. The move, outlined in letters posted on his social media account on Saturday, marks a major escalation in his broader trade strategy and revives one of the core themes of his 2024 campaign. In his message to Mexico’s leadership, Mr. Trump acknowledged past cooperation in curbing illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl into the United States but criticized Mexico for not doing enough. “Mexico has been helping me secure the border, BUT, what Mexico…

Dutch exporters are expressing rising concern over international trade policy developments, with 95% of exporting manufacturers in the Netherlands anticipating negative impacts in the coming year, according to a new survey conducted by Statistics Netherlands (CBS). The CBS survey, conducted in May 2025, reveals that nearly four out of five manufacturing companies in the Netherlands are involved in exporting. Among them, the most pressing concerns relate to non-tariff barriers such as customs checks and product specification rules, which are feared to disrupt export activities. Approximately 77% of respondents cited import tariffs as a major concern, up from less than 10%…

Singapore declared a series of targeted measures to strengthen its economic resilience in the face of ongoing global trade disruptions, particularly in light of new U.S. tariff actions. The initiatives were unveiled by the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce (SERT), chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong. Speaking at a press briefing, DPM Gan underscored the government’s commitment to safeguarding Singapore’s long-term economic interests through close collaboration with businesses, unions, and workers. Since April, SERT has engaged over 3,000 stakeholders, including business leaders, workers, union representatives, fresh graduates, and career coaches, to better understand…

The EU and U.S. are engaged in confidential negotiations over a potential trade framework aimed at shielding the European Union’s auto industry from escalating U.S. import tariffs, according to European officials and industry insiders. The European Commission is seeking to finalize an outline of a trade agreement with the United States before the August 1 deadline set by President Donald Trump, who recently hinted at announcing new tariff rates on EU exports within days. Among the options being considered are import quotas, reductions in existing tariffs, and an export credit system that would allow EU automakers to offset U.S. import…

India’s West Bengal government has initiated steps to bring the state’s traditional rural products, such as Khadi textiles, handicrafts, herbal goods, and other village industry items, to international markets through a structured export promotion strategy. According to official sources, the West Bengal Khadi & Village Industries Board (WBKVIB) has invited proposals for appointing a consultant to design and execute this comprehensive strategy. As per the tender, the selected consultant will lead the development of an export facilitation program that will include capacity building, branding and certification support, and international trade linkage services tailored for micro and small-scale producers in the…