Author: Editorial Desk

Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has rolled out a comprehensive food safety control process for fresh durian exports to meet global standards and strengthen its agricultural competitiveness. The measures, announced by the Department of International Trade Promotion, cover the entire production chain, from cultivation and harvesting to storage, transport, packaging, and quality certification. Under the new regulations, each export batch must be registered, inspected, and certified. Durian growers are required to meet food safety criteria and implement full traceability systems to track products throughout the chain. Clear procedures must also be in place for recalling or disposing of non-compliant…

World merchandise trade is expected to rise by 0.9% in 2025, according to the World Trade Organization (WTO), marking an improvement from the 0.2% contraction forecast in April. The revised outlook, however, remains below the 2.7% growth estimate made before recent tariff hikes. WTO economists said the upgrade is largely due to the frontloading of imports in the United States ahead of anticipated tariff increases. While this short-term boost has lifted projections, higher tariffs are expected to slow trade over time, with 2026 trade volume growth now forecast at 1.8%, down from the earlier 2.5% estimate, WAM reported. A sharp…

The proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Oman is in its final stages, with an announcement expected shortly, according to an official cited in media reports. The text of the trade agreement is currently being translated into Arabic in Oman, after which it will require cabinet approval from both countries. “Both countries have, in principle, decided to announce the conclusion and signing together,” the official said, adding that the timeline for completion is much less than the two to three months initially speculated. Negotiations for the CEPA began in November 2023, aiming to strengthen trade and investment…

Gold futures surged to an all-time intraday high of $3,534.10 an ounce on Friday after reports that certain gold bars imported from Switzerland will face steep U.S. tariffs. The Financial Times revealed that Washington had classified one-kilogram and 100-ounce bars, the most traded forms on Comex, the world’s largest futures market, as subject to ‘reciprocal’ rates, triggering a 39% levy on imports from Thursday. The news sent shockwaves through commodities markets, with Han Tan, chief market analyst at Nemo.Money, citing ‘shock and confusion’ among traders. Prices later eased to around $3,454 an ounce. Switzerland, a major global hub for gold…

Customs officials from across the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) bloc convened in Incheon, South Korea, for the second 2025 meeting of the Subcommittee on Customs Procedures (SCCP). The gathering aimed to promote technological innovation and digital transformation in customs operations to streamline border management and bolster global trade facilitation. The SCCP, a technical body comprising representatives from all 21 APEC member economies, including the United States, Canada, Chile, Mexico, and Peru, focuses on harmonizing customs processes while respecting each nation’s sovereignty. Key discussions this year centered around using artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation to enhance the efficiency, security, and…

Brazil has marked the 50th anniversary of its first official chicken export, commemorating a milestone that began on August 1, 1975, with a shipment to Kuwait. This historic move laid the foundation for Brazil’s rise as the world’s largest chicken exporter, a position it has held through decades of steady growth and international trust, according to the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA). Since that first shipment, Brazil has exported nearly 100 million tons of chicken meat to over 150 countries. In 2024 alone, the nation exported 4.9 million tons, generating close to $10 billion in revenue. Key markets now include…

Asia-to-U.S. sea freight rates are expected to continue their downward trend into 2025, driven by overcapacity, shifting trade routes, and prolonged tariff-related uncertainties, according to shipping industry experts. Since June 1, average spot rates for containers from Asia to the U.S. West Coast and East Coast have plunged by 58% and 46% respectively, as per data from shipping analytics firm Xeneta. This sharp decline reflects a broader market imbalance where supply is outpacing demand, with more vessels being deployed than required. Xeneta’s Chief Technology and Data Officer, Erik Devetak, attributed the slump to global overcapacity and weaker trade performance, particularly…

Investor confidence in the European Union has taken a sharp downturn following a controversial trade agreement between U.S. President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. According to the latest Sentix index, sentiment among investors dropped significantly at the start of August, with the eurozone perceived as the clear loser in the deal. The weekly Sentix survey, which covers thousands of investors across more than 20 countries, described the agreement as one that ‘dampens the mood,’ highlighting the growing economic concerns surrounding Trump’s escalating tariff strategy. The index fell from 4.5 in July to -3.7 in August,…

The CEO of Agri-Impact Group, Daniel Fahene Acquaye, has called on the Ghanaian government to create a dedicated Agribusiness Fund aimed at building homegrown agro-processing giants and reversing the country’s staggering annual post-harvest losses, estimated at $2 billion. Speaking on the need for systemic reform, Acquaye advocated for blended financing, specialized credit facilities, and supportive policies to empower large-scale indigenous agribusinesses. He underscored the critical role of local agro-processors in creating jobs, promoting industrialization, and expanding Ghana’s global trade presence. “These champions won’t emerge by chance; they must be intentionally built with a global vision,” he remarked. According to Acquaye,…

The Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA) has confirmed that 16 Tanzanian companies have been officially authorized to export avocados to China, marking a major step forward in the nation’s agricultural export sector. This development follows the company’s registration with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), which verified Tanzania’s compliance with China’s stringent phytosanitary and import requirements. The announcement was made during the opening of the Nanenane Farmers’ Exhibition at Nzuguni grounds in Dodoma. TPHPA described the approval as a milestone that reflects Tanzania’s rising status as a reliable source of high-quality horticultural products that meet international…