Uzbekistan has taken a significant step toward aligning its export support policies with international trade norms. On December 27, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree aimed at harmonising the country’s export support mechanisms with World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements, according to the Ministry of Justice. The decree introduces amendments to the regulatory legal framework governing export financing. Among the notable changes is the cancellation of compensation for transportation expenses related to the delivery of goods abroad via air and rail, effective from 2025. However, subsidies and compensation for exports completed by December 31, 2024, will still be disbursed, with payments…

Pakistan’s exports of sports goods to China experienced notable growth in the first 11 months of 2024, with basketballs, footballs, and volleyballs worth $10.7 million shipped to the Chinese market. This marks a 6.68% increase compared to the same period in 2023, according to data from China’s General Administration of Customs. The increase underscores Pakistan’s rising reputation as a hub for high-quality sporting goods and reflects the deepening economic collaboration between the two nations. Renowned for its skilled artisans, Pakistan has long been a global leader in producing premium sporting goods such as footballs, basketballs, and volleyballs. The city of…

The global trade volume for major tropical fruits is anticipated to have reached a record $11 billion in 2024, according to a market review by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. This represents a 1.8% increase from 2023, though the growth rate has slowed compared to the previous decade due to adverse weather conditions in key exporting countries. El Niño-induced high temperatures and tropical storms adversely affected the quality and production of several fruits, including papayas from Guatemala and avocados and mangoes from Mexico and Peru. Mango exporters also faced logistical challenges such as limited flight…

The Chattogram port set a remarkable benchmark in container and cargo handling this year, driven by a surge in foreign trade and improved operational efficiency. As of December 29, the port managed 32.58 lakh TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of containers, marking a 6.8 percent increase from last year’s 30.51 lakh TEUs and surpassing the previous high of 32.15 lakh TEUs in 2021. This includes approximately 17.62 lakh TEUs of imported containers and 14.97 lakh TEUs for export. Port officials project that an additional 15,000 TEUs will be processed in the final two days of the year, further extending the record.…

Saskatchewan’s agri-food exports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reached $322 million between January and October 2024, marking a 19% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Lentils led the way, accounting for $174 million, a 31% year-on-year rise, and representing 54% of the province’s total agri-food exports to the UAE. Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison highlighted the significance of this growth in a statement. “The growth of agri-food exports to the UAE demonstrates the ongoing success of Saskatchewan’s strategy to strengthen our international agri-food export markets. Saskatchewan producers continue to provide sustainable, high-quality agri-food products to address global food…

Chongqing’s agricultural products are gaining significant global attention, with citrus fruits, chrysanthemums, and pickled mustard tubers making remarkable strides in international markets. Buyers from Southeast Asia have been particularly drawn to the region’s offerings, boosting exports and supporting rural revitalisation efforts. In Xiushan County’s Shidi Town, citrus fruits have become a symbol of international success. In 2023, Shidi made its first major export of 100 standard containers of citrus to ASEAN countries. These shipments, certified as independent brand origin products, marked a historic milestone. By 2024, export transactions for Shidi citrus surged to 12 million yuan (approximately $1.64 million), with…

The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA) has completed two years, showcasing significant achievements that underline the complementary strengths of both economies. Since its inception, the agreement has enhanced trade relations, fostered growth for businesses, and created employment opportunities in both nations. As the agreement enters its third year, the Government of India remains focused on maintaining this positive momentum. This aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for India to become a developed nation by 2047. Bilateral Trade Growth Under the Ind-Aus ECTA, bilateral merchandise trade has more than doubled, rising from $12.2 billion in 2020-21 to…

The Vietnam Fruit and Vegetables Association (Vinafruit) announced record-breaking export achievements for 2024, reaching $7.2 billion, with products entering over 60 global markets. The announcement was made by Vinafruit Chairman Nguyen Thanh Binh during a conference held on December 27. Key export items, including mangoes, bananas, and durians, have established a firm presence in China, the world’s largest fruit and vegetable market. Binh highlighted the growing number of products being exported via official channels, with China now granting export licenses to 15 Vietnamese fruits and vegetables. Products like durians, bananas, and coconuts are experiencing particularly strong growth. Beyond China, Vietnamese…

The Advisory Council Committee on Economic Affairs (ACCEA) has approved an extension of LNG (liquefied natural gas) supply contracts for seven companies. These firms will continue sourcing LNG from the international spot market under the Master Sale and Purchase Agreement (MSPA) managed by Petrobangla, the state-owned energy company. To streamline imports, the ACCEA also approved the use of LSP software for LNG procurement until March 2025. The decision, presided over by Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, aims to address the critical gas requirements of the country’s power, industry, and fertilizer sectors. Petrobangla currently imports LNG from 23 listed companies through…

China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has initiated a safeguard investigation into imported beef on December 27, 2024. The decision follows an application submitted by ten domestic industry associations, including the China Animal Agriculture Association (CAAA), citing significant harm to the domestic cattle industry caused by rising imports. The investigation will assess data from January 1, 2019, to June 30, 2024, to determine whether the sharp increase in imported beef has caused substantial injury to domestic producers. According to MOFCOM, beef imports increased by 64.93% between 2019 and 2023, and by 106.28% in the first half of 2024 compared to the…