Author: Editorial Desk

Japan’s global exports rose 3.7% in October from a year earlier, while imports increased 0.6%, according to data released Friday by the Ministry of Finance. Exports to the United States fell 3.1%, marking the seventh consecutive month of year-on-year declines as higher U.S. tariffs continued to weigh on shipments. President Donald Trump announced a new trade framework with Japan in July, imposing a 15% tariff on goods imported from Japan, down from the initially planned 25% rate that was set to begin in August. Prior to this change, most imports faced a tariff of 2.5%. The tariff increase remains a…

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has unveiled the ‘UAE Global Center of Trade’, a new strategy developed by the Ministry of Foreign Trade to strengthen the country’s position as one of the world’s key hubs for international commerce. The initiative aims to reinforce the UAE’s role as a global gateway for goods and services, accelerate national foreign-trade goals, and open new markets for Emirati exports. Sheikh Mohammed said, “We launched an international economic program to reinforce the UAE’s global standing in foreign trade.” He further noted, “The program aims to attract…

Indian stock markets began Thursday’s session on a firm footing, supported by gains in global technology shares. In early trade, the Sensex advanced 161 points, or 0.19%, to about 85,347, while the Nifty moved up 58 points, or 0.22%, to 26,110. Analysts said the Nifty faces immediate resistance at 26,150, followed by 26,200. The 25,900–25,950 zone is expected to act as a strong support region and a preferred accumulation area for positional investors. Large-cap counters saw steady buying interest. Axis Bank, Adani Ports, M&M, Bajaj Finance, Hindustan Unilever, Adani Enterprises, and Power Grid gained up to 1.5% in early trade.…

Global cotton supply and demand projections for 2025–26 have been revised upward in the November update of the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The outlook shows higher production, consumption, trade, and inventories compared with the September report. Worldwide production is now expected to reach 120.08 million bales of 480 pounds each, an increase of 2.4 million bales. The rise is led by an additional 1 million bales in China, nearly 900,000 bales in the United States, and 500,000 bales in Brazil. Global trade is lifted by 300,000 bales to 44 million…

China has halted imports of Japanese seafood again as diplomatic tensions escalate over the Japanese prime minister’s recent remarks on Taiwan. The move marks one of the sharpest downturns in China–Japan relations in years. The suspension was first reported by Kyodo News and NHK. China’s foreign ministry appeared to confirm it, stating that there was “no market for Japanese seafood in the current climate”. Japanese officials were reportedly informed that all seafood imports would be suspended, reversing part of the easing of China’s 2023 ban. Beijing originally imposed restrictions in 2023 after Japan began releasing treated wastewater from the damaged…

China has launched a national program aimed at increasing import demand as part of a broader strategy to shift the country toward a more consumption-driven economy. Premier Li Qiang and Commerce Minister Wang Wentao unveiled the initiative on Tuesday, describing it as a key step in connecting foreign producers with Chinese buyers and expanding China’s role as a major global consumer market. The ‘Big Market for All: Export to China’ campaign will match overseas manufacturers with domestic importers and expand the number of import expos across the country. Wang said the goal is to “make China the best export destination…

The UK-Nigeria Trade Mission under the SheTrades Commonwealth Plus Program opened in Abuja on Tuesday. It brings together government officials, trade specialists, UK importers, and women-led enterprises for three days of engagements focused on expanding Nigeria’s non-oil exports. Hosted at the Nigerian Export Promotion Council headquarters, the event underscores both countries’ commitment to deepening bilateral trade and widening opportunities for small businesses, particularly those led by women. Minister of Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole said the mission supports the Renewed Hope Agenda’s goal of diversifying the economy. She stressed that women play a central role in Nigeria’s productive sector…

Trade between the southern Chinese metropolis of Shenzhen and Thailand continues to expand, marked by faster customs processes, rising electric vehicle shipments, and growing imports of Thai agricultural products. From January to October 2025, trade volume reached 92.82 billion yuan (about $13.1 billion), a 4.4% year-on-year increase, reinforcing Shenzhen’s position as China’s leading city in trade with Thailand. Fresh Thai coconuts passed swiftly through Shekou container terminal before reaching supermarkets in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, while robotic arms at BYD’s production line in Shenzhen completed new energy vehicles (NEVs) headed for Bangkok. BYD has exported 11,000 NEVs to…

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday that India and the United States are close to concluding their long-discussed bilateral trade pact, but stressed that any final agreement will only be announced when it is “fair, equitable, and balanced.” Speaking at the Indo-U.S. Economic Summit hosted by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, he said the government would not compromise on the interests of domestic sectors, particularly farmers, fishermen, and small industries. “You will hear good news when the deal becomes fair, equitable, and balanced,” Goyal told delegates, adding that negotiations involve detailed assessments of how each commitment may…

Filipino exporters are expected to strengthen their position in global markets with the introduction of two digital platforms aimed at improving trade compliance and expanding international buyer access. The Origin Management System (OMS) and PHX Source will be launched at the National Export Congress (NEC) on December 4, 2025, at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel. The OMS is a web-based system that digitizes the processing and issuance of the Product Evaluation Report (PER), a key requirement for exporters seeking preferential tariff rates under the Philippines’ free trade agreements and Generalized System of Preferences schemes. The platform, developed in partnership with the…