China’s factory activity shrank in May, though the pace of decline eased compared to the previous month, reflecting tentative signs of stabilisation following a new tariff deal with the United States. According to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Saturday, the official Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 49.5 in May from 49.0 in April. A PMI reading below 50 indicates contraction, while a score above 50 signals expansion. The manufacturing index showed signs of growth, yet the sub-index for new orders remained below the 50 threshold, suggesting demand remains sluggish despite some improvement. NBS senior…

South Africa has proposed a 10-year liquefied natural gas (LNG) import agreement with the United States, aiming to deepen economic ties and secure broader trade concessions. The LNG deal forms part of the country’s broader effort to stabilize its energy supply and strengthen its position as a key U.S. trade partner. In a ministerial statement signed by Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister in the Presidency, South Africa expressed interest in purchasing 75 to 100 petajoules of LNG annually from the U.S., which is currently the world’s leading LNG exporter. The deal is expected to generate $900 million to $1.2 billion in annual…

Saudi Arabia is strengthening its push to expand non-oil exports across Africa, with the Saudi Export-Import Bank (Saudi EXIM) signing four new memoranda of understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing trade and investment partnerships on the continent. Saudi EXIM CEO Saad bin Abdulaziz Al-Khalb formalized the agreements with Africa50, the Ghana Export-Import Bank, Blend International Limited, and Guinea’s Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation during the African Development Bank Group’s annual meetings, held in Cote d’Ivoire from May 26 to 30. The move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to diversify its economy beyond oil, as trade between the Kingdom and…

Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce has announced 10 urgent policies to drive export growth and strengthen the country’s role in global trade, amid rising international competition and economic fluctuations. The initiative was led by Commerce Minister Phichai Naripthaphan during a high-level meeting at the ministry’s headquarters in Bangkok. Attended by over 200 participants, including senior officials, Thai trade envoys, and representatives from major industry organizations, the session focused on coordinated efforts to enhance trade performance in the latter half of the year. Representatives from the private sector, including Kriengkrai Thiennukul of the Federation of Thai Industries and Thanakorn Kasetsuwan of the…

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan highlighted Pakistan’s export potential and resource-driven trade strategy during a press briefing at Osaka Expo 2025, drawing attention to the country’s focus on value addition and international collaboration. Addressing media representatives from over 43 local and international outlets, the minister underscored Pakistan’s commitment to sustainable trade practices and innovation. He spotlighted pink salt as a symbolic and strategic export, serving as a centrepiece of the Pakistan Pavilion under the theme ‘Universe in a Grain of Salt.’ Khan praised the Japan Association for its crucial support in completing the pavilion, which he described as…

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has called on Indian exporters to establish a dedicated platform that would enhance the visibility of Indian traders among global buyers, aiming to further expand India’s export footprint. During a high-level meeting in New Delhi with representatives from all Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and key industry associations, the Minister discussed India’s strategic position in emerging global markets. He highlighted the need for a searchable facility that allows overseas buyers to easily find and connect with Indian exporters. Taking to social media platform X, Goyal wrote, “Met representatives of all Export Promotion Councils (EPCs)…

U.S. President Donald Trump has agreed to extend trade negotiations with the European Union until 9 July, following heightened tensions over tariff threats. The extension comes after Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of talks and warned on Friday that tariffs on EU imports could rise to 50% by 1 June if progress was not made. Originally, Trump had imposed a 20% tariff on most EU goods, later reducing it to 10% to allow for negotiations. The new deadline follows what Trump described as a “very nice” phone conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday. Von…

Vietnam’s pepper industry is being encouraged to leverage current global supply constraints and rising demand for high-quality agricultural products to strengthen its position on the international export map. Industry experts highlight the need for not only higher export volumes but also a sharper focus on branding and value-added products. According to the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA), as of mid-May, the country exported 84,844 tons of pepper, earning $585.2 million. While this marks a 10% year-on-year decline in volume, export value jumped by 45%, driven by soaring prices. The average price of black pepper rose by 96% to $6,749…

Argentina is nearing the finalization of cattle offal export agreement with China. It is a potential milestone in the two nations’ post-Brexit commercial relationship. The deal is currently undergoing technical revisions, with both sides expressing optimism about closing remaining gaps soon. Georges Breitschmitt, president of Argentina’s beef promotion agency (IPCVA), confirmed that discussions have reached their final technical stages. “We think we are reaching the end of the conversations between both governments (…). It’s just fine-tuning between the technical departments,” he told Reuters during a visit to Beijing. A second source familiar with the matter said Chinese officials are expected…

Japan’s exports to the United States declined nearly 2% in April, marking a setback for the country’s largest single trading relationship, as elevated trade tariffs imposed by the Trump administration weighed heavily on the automotive sector. The broader impact saw Japan register a trade deficit for the first time in three months, with the Ministry of Finance reporting a shortfall of JP¥115.8 billion (€710 million), compared to a surplus of JP¥504.7 billion (€3 billion) in the same month last year. The United States currently imposes a 25% tariff on imported automobiles, one of Japan’s primary exports, which has significantly dampened…