The US economy showed signs of easing inflation in November, with the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index rising by just 0.1%, according to a Reuters report. This softer-than-expected increase follows October’s 0.2% gain, providing some relief to markets navigating the Federal Reserve’s current monetary policies. Data from IndexBox highlighted a 2.4% year-on-year increase in the PCE price index through November, a slight uptick from October’s 2.3% rise. When excluding volatile food and energy costs, the core PCE index also rose by 0.1%, compared to an unrevised 0.3% gain the previous month. Despite the month-on-month deceleration, annual core inflation held…

China’s arms trade, orchestrated by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), has evolved into a strategic instrument for expanding authoritarian influence, threatening global democracy and regional stability. Far from being a mere commercial venture, China’s weapons exports serve as a geopolitical tool, enabling authoritarian regimes and destabilising regions to advance its global ambitions. Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute positions China as the world’s fourth-largest arms exporter, contributing 5.8% of global arms sales between 2019 and 2023. However, these figures obscure the CCP’s use of arms sales as a means to exert diplomatic pressure and reshape political dynamics. In…

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an additional $300 million for the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) grants, aimed at bolstering U.S. food and farm exports in emerging markets such as Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and South and Southeast Asia. This funding, part of a second round of grants, brings the total RAPP allocation for 2024 to $600 million. The USDA revealed that $25 million of this latest funding is earmarked specifically for projects focusing on Africa. Interest in the program has been substantial, with eligible entities submitting project proposals exceeding $1 billion, far surpassing the…

The economic relationship between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations is intensifying, with trade volumes projected to more than double to $1.9 trillion by 2035. This growth reflects the regions’ joint efforts to diversify beyond oil and deepen financial and commercial ties. Trade volumes between China and the GCC—comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE—have seen significant increases. In 2023, trade between China and Saudi Arabia alone reached $100 billion, with Saudi Arabia supplying nearly 20% of China’s total oil imports. According to HSBC Global Research, two-way payment flows between China and the GCC have…

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his swearing-in next month, the farming community is apprehensive about the potential reintroduction of tariffs, a hallmark of his first term. Experts caution that the agricultural sector, particularly in key soybean-producing states like South Dakota, may face significant challenges if such measures are enacted. The latest U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) farm income forecast reveals a bleak outlook, with declining commodity prices weighing heavily on farmers’ profitability. The potential for new tariffs under the incoming administration raises concerns of further economic strain, especially as global political instability and export competition intensify. Ben Palen, head…

The Pakistan government has vowed to address challenges faced by rice exporters after contaminated rice shipments were intercepted in the European Union (EU), jeopardising the country’s trade reputation and market access. The Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R) is under pressure to expedite Phytosanitary Certificates, crucial for agricultural exports. Officials warned that lapses in meeting food safety and phytosanitary standards could result in trade barriers or bans, threatening Pakistan’s economy. Rice exports, particularly the aromatic Basmati variety, are a major source of foreign exchange. In the fiscal year 2023-24, rice exports totalled $3.93 billion, with Basmati contributing $877…

Vietnam’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Nguyễn Hồng Diên, has called on Japanese businesses to enhance investments in Vietnam, particularly in high-tech sectors. The remarks were made during the Vietnam–Japan Business Forum 2024 in Tokyo, held as part of his official visit to Japan. The event was jointly organised by Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan, and the ASEAN–Japan Centre. Minister Diên highlighted the strong diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Japan, established over 50 years ago. The relationship evolved into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World in 2023,…

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) to enhance economic collaboration and boost trade between the United Arab Emirates and the United States. The agreement, signed during Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, reflects the shared commitment to fostering sustainable growth and innovation. The MoU, signed by ADIO Director General Badr Al-Olama and EXIM President Reta Jo Lewis, focuses on strengthening ties across critical sectors, including energy,…

The European Union has introduced Regulation (EU) 2023/2652, requiring U.S. businesses exporting honey and other apiculture products to register with its Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES). This measure aims to tackle the growing issue of honey adulteration, a concern that has prompted the European Commission and EU Member States to tighten import regulations. TRACES serves as the EU’s official online platform for managing health certifications for importing animals, animal products, food, and feed of non-animal origin, as well as for intra-EU trade and certain exports. Under the new regulation, all establishments exporting honey or supplying apiculture products for manufacturers…

India has solidified its position as a leading exporter in the global Halal meat market, achieving exports worth $$4.4 billion in 2022. The growing international demand for Halal-certified products, particularly from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, Southeast Asia, and North Africa, has propelled India to the forefront of this lucrative industry. Major importers, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt, Iran, and the GCC countries, rely on India’s ability to meet strict Halal standards. To ensure compliance with these requirements, India introduced the India Conformity Assessment Scheme (i-CAS) for Halal certification. This initiative guarantees that exported products, processes, and services align with Islamic…