New Delhi: In an era defined by global turbulence and transformative opportunity, India’s supply chain sector is undergoing significant shifts. Leading this evolution is the 12th edition of the ET Edge Supply Chain Management Fest, scheduled to take place on June 26 and 27 in New Delhi. More than just a conference, SCM Fest 2025 is a platform for dialogue, strategy, and action across the logistics and supply chain ecosystem. Themed ‘Resilient Networks, Limitless Growth,’ this year’s edition captures the urgency and promise of a sector that is at the cusp of radical reinvention. Over two action-packed days, the event…

The Department of Fisheries in Thailand has launched a new initiative to promote seahorse farming as a sustainable and income-generating aquaculture practice. In a move to capitalize on growing global demand, the department recently trained 40 private firms to breed and export farmed seahorses, aiming to develop them into a high-value aquatic product for international markets. Deputy Director-General of the Fisheries Department, Thitiporn Laoprasert, stated that the training sessions were conducted across five Andaman coastal provinces—Krabi, Trang, Phang Nga, Phuket, and Satun. These regions were chosen due to their proximity to suitable marine environments and potential for community-based aquaculture. The…

World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has warned that global free trade is in crisis, urging nations to treat current challenges as opportunities for reform and cooperation. Her remarks came during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigaru Ishiba in Tokyo on Tuesday. “Trade is facing very challenging times right now, and it is quite difficult,” Okonjo-Iweala said, emphasizing the need to address emerging trade issues while adapting to new global trends. She praised Japan as a longstanding advocate of open markets and expressed hope that it would continue to play a leadership role in preserving and reforming the…

The latest round of China-U.S. trade talks has sparked renewed optimism among Chinese ceramic exporters, with several manufacturers reporting fresh orders from U.S. clients following tariff reduction measures agreed upon by both countries. Chinese and U.S. officials concluded a two-day high-level meeting on economic and trade affairs in Switzerland with a joint statement announcing the removal of significant additional tariffs and the establishment of a mechanism for ongoing trade discussions. The announcement has already had immediate effects, particularly in China’s ceramics sector. Zheng Pengfei, General Manager of Shunmei Group based in Dehua County, Fujian Province, said that the tariff rollback…

Chinese fintech service providers introduced new financial tools and support initiatives during the 137th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) to help exporters strengthen their global market presence. These efforts focus on improving efficiency, reducing costs, and overcoming challenges in cross-border trade, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). WorldFirst, an international payment service provider under Ant International, unveiled its ‘Guardian Plan,’ a comprehensive cross-border financial services solution. The plan integrates digital tools to enhance payment systems, order fulfillment, foreign exchange management, and overall financial operations for SMEs. According to the company, the initiative can boost fund circulation efficiency…

Thailand has emerged as Asia’s top exporter of ice cream and now ranks fourth globally, following the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom, according to Anukool Pruksanusak, Deputy Spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister. Thai ice cream is gaining global appeal, particularly among consumers during the summer months, thanks to its quality and diverse flavors. Despite ongoing global trade challenges, Thailand’s ice cream industry has demonstrated strong resilience and steady growth. From 2020 to 2024, the country exported an average of $106 million worth of ice cream annually, with a yearly growth rate of 11%.…

A potential global copper shortage could derail the world’s transition to clean energy and digital infrastructure, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) warned this week in its latest Global Trade Update. The report emphasizes the urgent need for smarter, more inclusive, and technologically advanced growth strategies to meet soaring demand. Copper, now known as a ‘strategic raw material’ in the emerging green and digital economy, is essential to powering electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, artificial intelligence infrastructure, smart grids, and data centers. Yet, global demand for the metal is projected to surge by more than 40% by…

Top officials from the U.S. and China have begun crucial discussions in Switzerland to ease a prolonged trade conflict that threatens to destabilise global markets and severely impact commerce between the world’s two largest economies. According to China’s Xinhua News Agency, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are leading the American delegation in Geneva, where they are meeting with a high-level Chinese team headed by Vice Premier He Lifeng. Though the venue remains undisclosed, diplomats from both nations confirmed that talks are underway. Expectations for a breakthrough remain low, but there is cautious optimism that both…

Sharjah Publishing City-based WellMade Network has strengthened its executive leadership with the appointment of MJ Mathew (Manu Jacob Mathew) as Director (Marketing) and Chief Business Officer (CBO). This strategic move is set to accelerate the company’s global expansion, enhance brand visibility, and drive profitability across its growing portfolio of eMedia platforms. MJ Mathew brings close to three decades of experience in media marketing, brand development, and advertising, having held senior positions at renowned organizations including TCG Advertising, Bennett Coleman. (The Times of India Group), and Malayala Manorama. His association with WellMade Network began at its inception, where he served as…

Thailand unveiled a comprehensive plan to boost its agricultural exports, with a particular emphasis on expanding the durian trade to China and promoting a broad range of fruit exports globally. The announcement was made on May 8, 2025, by Minister of Commerce Phichai Naripthaphan and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Naruemon Pinyosinwat, who detailed a set of initiatives aimed at boosting Thailand’s agricultural sector and international trade relations. The Ministry of Commerce has launched seven key strategies and 25 supporting plans to facilitate the export of 950,000 tons of fruit to both domestic and international markets. These efforts are designed…