The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has urged the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to reconsider a proposed 100% tariff on Chinese-manufactured ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, warning that the move could severely hinder port expansion, raise infrastructure costs, and fail to stimulate domestic crane production. AAPA President and CEO Cary Davis voiced the industry’s opposition during testimony before the USTR, arguing that such tariffs would not establish a domestic crane manufacturing base, as none currently exists. “Imposing a new 100% tariff on Chinese STS cranes won’t suddenly create a domestic crane industry,” Davis said in his official…

Australia has firmly established itself as the world’s top goat meat exporter, according to Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) newly released 2025 Global Goat Snapshot. In 2024, Australian goatmeat production surged by 47% year-on-year to a record 54,017 tons (carcase weight), marking the highest output ever recorded. Export volumes also reached an all-time high, climbing 53% to 51,489 tons (shipped weight), while export value soared 50% to $354 million, 40% above the previous record set in 2022. Australia now commands 55% of global goat meat exports by volume, significantly ahead of Kenya (22%) and Ethiopia (13%). The growth is largely…

Vietnam’s fishery industry is stepping up its global outreach by diversifying both export markets and product lines to strengthen fishery exports, navigate trade challenges, and ensure sustainable growth. According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), aquatic product exports reached $3.3 billion in the first four months of 2025, marking a 21% increase compared to the same period last year. Shrimp exports led the growth with a 30% surge, while tra fish (pangasius) exports rose by 9%. China became the largest importer of Vietnamese seafood with a 56% increase, followed by Japan (22%) and the United States…

Indonesia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the World Trade Organization (WTO) as a cornerstone of the global trading system, amid rising protectionism and trade tensions. The country’s Trade Minister, Budi Santoso, reiterated this stance during a bilateral meeting with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the sidelines of an APEC session in Jeju, Republic of Korea, on May 15. Santoso stressed Indonesia’s support for the WTO as a rule-based multilateral institution essential for resolving trade disputes and maintaining global trade stability. He emphasized that unilateral actions by countries threaten the credibility and effectiveness of the WTO, and called for greater…

Penang, often hailed as the Silicon Valley of the East, is intensifying its global investment outreach to reduce reliance on individual markets and ensure sustainable economic growth amid evolving global trade dynamics, including the impact of U.S. import tariffs. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced at the state legislative assembly that Penang is actively pursuing international trade and investment missions through InvestPenang. These missions target key economic hubs such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Europe, China, the United States, and Singapore. The state’s strategy also includes active participation in major global expos, including SEMICON Southeast Asia, the Kumamoto Industrial Revitalisation…

Indonesia’s Minister of Trade, Budi Santoso, has emphasized that any plan involving rice exports must first be reviewed through the country’s commodity balance mechanism to ensure that domestic food security remains a priority. As quoted by ANTARA on Sunday, May 18, Budi noted that despite current stock surpluses, rice exports cannot proceed without undergoing the required assessments. “Even if there’s a surplus, it must first be discussed in the commodity balance,” he stated, underlining that rice is a critical staple and thus subject to strict regulatory oversight. He stressed that any export decision must align with the commodity balance, a…

India has imposed new import restrictions on several Bangladeshi goods entering through land ports, significantly escalating trade tensions between the two neighbors. The move follows Bangladesh’s April ban on land-based yarn imports from India, a key component of India’s textile exports. On May 17, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade issued a notification restricting imports such as readymade garments (RMG), processed foods, carbonated drinks, plastic products, and wooden furniture to seaports only, specifically Nhava Sheva and Kolkata. These goods can no longer enter via land ports in the northeastern states or through West Bengal’s Phulbari and Changrabandha borders. Exemptions include…

Indian traders are considering suspending all trade relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan in protest against their support for Pakistan during the recent India-Pakistan military standoff following the Pahalgam terror attack. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) announced on Wednesday that the final decision would be made at a conference on Thursday, stating that Indian traders must demonstrate patriotism and refrain from doing business with nations seen as opposing India. Earlier this month, India imposed a complete ban on imports and transit of goods from Pakistan after 26 civilians were killed in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. CAIT Secretary…

The Oyo State Government has launched a new range of value-added, export-ready food products aimed at advancing agro-industrialization and strengthening the state’s role in regional and continental trade. At an event held at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives in Ibadan, the Agricultural Exporting Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Society introduced processed yam, cassava, and plantain flour. These products are packaged to meet export standards while also serving the domestic market. As part of broader cooperative reforms, the government also inaugurated a new board of directors for the Association of Nigeria Cooperative Exporters (ANCE) Limited. Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment…

Uganda has recorded a significant drop in its trade deficit, driven largely by a surge in coffee exports and reduced imports. According to official figures, the country’s trade deficit fell by 83.7% in February 2025 compared to the same month last year, from $271.1 million to $44.26 million. This sharp improvement stems from a rise in agricultural export earnings, particularly coffee, alongside a concerted effort to cut back on imports. Coffee alone brought in $167 million in February 2025, with additional contributions from cocoa, tobacco, mineral products, and fish. The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries reported that Uganda…