Author: Editorial Desk

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that Islamabad is ‘very close’ to finalizing a trade agreement with the United States, suggesting the trade deal could be concluded within days. Dar made the remarks during a discussion at the Atlantic Council in Washington, highlighting the progress made through in-person and virtual meetings between the two countries. “I think we are very close to finalising a deal with the U.S. Our teams have been here in Washington, discussing, having virtual meetings, and a committee has been tasked by the prime minister to fine-tune now,” Dar said. “It’s not going to be months,…

India’s seafood exports to the United Kingdom are set for a major leap following the signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between India and the UK on July 24, 2025. The historic deal, endorsed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, grants duty-free access across 99% of UK tariff lines, including a broad spectrum of marine products. Under the new agreement, Indian seafood such as shrimp, squid, pomfret, lobsters, and other high-value items now receive 100% tariff elimination under HS Codes 03, 15, 1603/1604/1605, and 23. These products, previously subject to…

Korea has officially launched the 2025 K-EXPO: All about K-Style, an international trade show series aimed at promoting its cultural industries on the global stage. The initiative, announced Thursday by the Korea Creative Content Agency (Kocca), is part of the country’s broader strategy to achieve a cultural export target of 300 trillion won (approximately $219 billion). The inaugural edition of K-EXPO will take place from August 9 to 12 at the Delta Hotel and Meridian Hall in Toronto, Canada. A total of 61 Korean companies spanning the media, beauty, and fisheries sectors will participate, presenting their products and services to…

The European Union has introduced sweeping new sanctions to clamp down on the indirect import of Russian oil products, aiming to block refined fuel originating from Russian crude from entering EU markets via third countries like India and Turkey. The legislation, announced on July 20, targets a long-standing ‘sanctions loophole’ that has allowed Russian oil to reach European consumers despite bans on direct imports. Under current sanctions, direct purchases of Russian crude oil are prohibited. Refined products manufactured in other nations using Russian-origin crude have continued to flow into the EU, often through major refineries in India and Turkish ports.…

Indian solar exports to the United States have come under renewed scrutiny following a petition filed by major American solar manufacturers, potentially threatening the progress Indian firms have made in the global clean energy supply chain. The petition, led by First Solar, Mission Solar Energy, Qcells, and Talon PV Solar Solutions, under the Alliance for American Solar Manufacturing and Trade (AASMT)—alleges that solar module imports from India, Indonesia, and Laos are being sold below fair market value and are backed by illegal subsidies. The filing has prompted an anti-dumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) investigation by the U.S. Department of Commerce…

A new collaborative initiative, the Business Export Exchange Program (BEEP), has been launched by The Open University (OU) in partnership with TIN Ventures to help UK SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) overcome barriers to international trade. Developed in response to the challenges faced by SMEs, particularly in the wake of Brexit, BEEP provides a tailored three-stage pathway to guide businesses from initial exploration to full-scale global expansion. Although 99.9% of UK businesses fall under the SME category, only 10% currently engage in exporting. BEEP aims to change this by providing targeted support for different phases of international trade readiness. The…

Saudia Cargo has officially unveiled its ambitious new campaign, titled ‘BEYOND’, aimed at strengthening the global presence of Saudi exports and reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a major player in international trade. Aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, the initiative represents a strategic move to empower national industries and enhance the competitiveness of Saudi-made products in global markets. The campaign’s core message, ‘From Saudi to the World, We Reach Beyond,’ underscores Saudia Cargo’s mission to transcend geographical limitations while showcasing the Kingdom’s growing reputation for quality, efficiency, and timely delivery. Through this effort, the company is not only…

Vietnam’s wood industry is facing increasing pressure from global economic uncertainties and evolving trade regulations, prompting local enterprises and authorities to reassess strategies and pursue diversification to maintain the development pace. Once a robust export sector, the industry is now grappling with stricter import requirements and rising protectionist measures from key markets, particularly the United States. According to Nguyen Liem, Chairman of the Binh Duong Furniture Association, notable changes in trade policies across importing nations have become evident since the beginning of the year. Although Vietnam exports wood products to over 160 countries and territories, the United States remains its…

China is set to intensify its trade growth by promoting high-quality advancement, deepening international cooperation, and fostering innovation during the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030), according to Commerce Minister Wang Wentao. Speaking at a press conference in Beijing, Wang highlighted China’s achievements under the current 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), noting the country’s sustained role as a leading global trading power. In 2024, China’s foreign trade volume reached $6.16 trillion, an increase of 32.4% from 2020, marking the eighth consecutive year that the nation held the top spot in global trade rankings. Wang emphasized the resilience of Chinese exporters, who…

Morocco is witnessing a growing disparity between its imports and exports, driven by surging domestic demand and an increasingly challenging global trade environment. According to a new report by the Moroccan High Commission for Planning (HCP), Morocco’s import rate is rising faster than its export growth, putting pressure on the country’s trade balance. The report attributes this imbalance to a combination of internal and external factors. While national exports are projected to grow, they remain impacted by global geopolitical tensions and economic slowdown in key trading partners, particularly within the European Union. Phosphates remain Morocco’s primary export, and their outlook…