Author: Editorial Desk

Frozen fish exports from Indonesia’s Maluku Province recorded a remarkable 1,187% increase in September 2025, reaching IDR 90.56 billion (approximately $5.76 million). The report, released by the Indonesian National Quarantine Agency (Barantin) through the Maluku Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Center (BKHIT), shows a dramatic rise from August’s export performance. Head of Maluku Quarantine, Abdur Rohman, announced in Ambon on October 8 that frozen fish exports reached 1,137,126 kilograms in September, compared with just 56,222 kilograms in August, valued at IDR 7.03 billion. “This achievement reflects a significant increase in export value, up to 1,187%. It’s a positive indicator of…

Economist and Arutha Research Director, Civic Education, Rehana Thowfeek, has urged Sri Lanka to abandon its inward-looking economic approach and commit to an open trade policy if it hopes to avoid recurring financial crises. Speaking at the Annual Conference on Public Sector Reforms for Economic Revival, organized by CA Sri Lanka and the Association of Public Finance Accountants of Sri Lanka, Thowfeek emphasized that the country has no choice but to trade its way to recovery. “Trade for Sri Lanka is not just about growth anymore. It is about survival,” she said. “The fuel queues, gas shortages, and medicine crises…

Bangladesh has approved the import of 220,000 metric tons of U.S. wheat in a government-to-government agreement aimed at easing trade tensions and diversifying its grain supply sources. Priced at $308 per ton, the shipment will be supplied through Agrocorp International, a Singapore-based company authorized by U.S. Wheat Associates. The purchase was ratified by the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase earlier this week. This agreement follows a memorandum of understanding signed in July, under which Bangladesh committed to purchasing 700,000 metric tons of U.S. wheat annually over the next five years. The initiative is designed to reduce reliance on traditional suppliers…

Global trade has surpassed expectations in the first half of 2025, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) raising its annual growth forecast to 2.4%, up sharply from its August projection of 0.9%. The organization warned of slower momentum, cutting its 2026 outlook to just 0.5%, as new U.S. tariffs begin to affect global trade patterns. According to the WTO’s Global Trade Outlook and Statistics released on October 7, two key factors have fueled the stronger performance: a surge in AI-related product exports and widespread inventory frontloading ahead of tariff implementations. Shipments of AI components such as semiconductors, servers, and telecommunications…

Soybean farmers across the United States, particularly in Missouri and Illinois, are facing one of their toughest seasons in years. The struggle began when China, the nation’s largest soybean buyer, halted purchases of U.S. soybeans amid escalating trade tensions. In Missouri, where fields are ready for harvest, farmers say the outlook has never been more uncertain. The state, ranked seventh nationally in soybean production, has long relied on the crop as an economic cornerstone. Retaliatory tariffs between the United States and China have sharply reduced export demand, pushing prices below sustainable levels. According to farmer Justin Littleton, soybean prices have…

The global container shipping industry is preparing for heavy financial losses as the United States enforces new tariffs on Chinese-built and Chinese-operated vessels. Maritime analytics firm Alphaliner estimates that leading carriers could collectively incur up to $3.2 billion in additional costs by 2026, with the new measures set to take effect on October 14. The tariffs, imposed by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) under Section 301 of the Trade Act, are part of Washington’s broader strategy to counter China’s influence in shipbuilding and restore competitiveness to the American maritime sector. Under the plan, Chinese-owned or operated vessels entering U.S. ports…

Vietnam is intensifying efforts to expand its Halal exports to Türkiye as part of a broader strategy to tap into the fast-growing global Halal market, estimated to exceed $2.5 trillion. The Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE) under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, in collaboration with the Vietnamese Embassy in Türkiye and the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye (DEIK), recently organized a hybrid seminar on Halal industry cooperation between the two nations. The event brought together representatives from both governments and the business community to strengthen trade and investment partnerships in the Halal sector. The seminar aimed to enhance…

The global fashion industry is increasingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to anticipate future trends and make faster, data-driven decisions. Companies such as Heuritech are at the forefront of this transformation, using AI-powered analytics to help brands like New Balance and Prada stay ahead in a highly competitive market. AI tools are reshaping how designers and retailers understand consumer preferences. By analysing runway collections, street style, and millions of social media posts, algorithms can detect emerging patterns long before they reach mainstream retailers. This technological edge allows brands to adjust production, marketing, and inventory strategies with greater precision. Among the trends…

Dubai Chambers has concluded an official trade mission to Ireland aimed at enhancing trade and investment ties between the two countries and identifying new avenues for collaboration across key economic sectors. The mission, organized under the ‘Growth Corridors’ initiative, was led by H.E. Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, and accompanied by H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, along with a high-level delegation of business leaders from Dubai. The initiative seeks to strengthen economic partnerships and promote Dubai’s position as a global trade and investment hub. During the visit, the delegation…

Nigeria’s aviation sector continues to deliver major economic value while confronting a gradual decline in international connectivity that could constrain future growth, according to recent industry data. The air transport industry directly employs about 39,500 people and contributes $702 million to the economy, equivalent to 0.2% of national GDP. When factoring in supply chain activities, employee spending, and tourism, the sector’s total impact rises to $2.5 billion, supporting 216,700 jobs nationwide. Airlines represent the largest direct contributor, generating $449.7 million and employing nearly 29,900 people. Airports, air navigation services, and civil manufacturing add $252.4 million and sustain 9,600 jobs. Tourism…