Author: Editorial Desk

Vietnam’s fishery industry is stepping up its global outreach by diversifying both export markets and product lines to strengthen fishery exports, navigate trade challenges, and ensure sustainable growth. According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), aquatic product exports reached $3.3 billion in the first four months of 2025, marking a 21% increase compared to the same period last year. Shrimp exports led the growth with a 30% surge, while tra fish (pangasius) exports rose by 9%. China became the largest importer of Vietnamese seafood with a 56% increase, followed by Japan (22%) and the United States…

Indonesia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the World Trade Organization (WTO) as a cornerstone of the global trading system, amid rising protectionism and trade tensions. The country’s Trade Minister, Budi Santoso, reiterated this stance during a bilateral meeting with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the sidelines of an APEC session in Jeju, Republic of Korea, on May 15. Santoso stressed Indonesia’s support for the WTO as a rule-based multilateral institution essential for resolving trade disputes and maintaining global trade stability. He emphasized that unilateral actions by countries threaten the credibility and effectiveness of the WTO, and called for greater…

Penang, often hailed as the Silicon Valley of the East, is intensifying its global investment outreach to reduce reliance on individual markets and ensure sustainable economic growth amid evolving global trade dynamics, including the impact of U.S. import tariffs. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced at the state legislative assembly that Penang is actively pursuing international trade and investment missions through InvestPenang. These missions target key economic hubs such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Europe, China, the United States, and Singapore. The state’s strategy also includes active participation in major global expos, including SEMICON Southeast Asia, the Kumamoto Industrial Revitalisation…

Indonesia’s Minister of Trade, Budi Santoso, has emphasized that any plan involving rice exports must first be reviewed through the country’s commodity balance mechanism to ensure that domestic food security remains a priority. As quoted by ANTARA on Sunday, May 18, Budi noted that despite current stock surpluses, rice exports cannot proceed without undergoing the required assessments. “Even if there’s a surplus, it must first be discussed in the commodity balance,” he stated, underlining that rice is a critical staple and thus subject to strict regulatory oversight. He stressed that any export decision must align with the commodity balance, a…

India has imposed new import restrictions on several Bangladeshi goods entering through land ports, significantly escalating trade tensions between the two neighbors. The move follows Bangladesh’s April ban on land-based yarn imports from India, a key component of India’s textile exports. On May 17, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade issued a notification restricting imports such as readymade garments (RMG), processed foods, carbonated drinks, plastic products, and wooden furniture to seaports only, specifically Nhava Sheva and Kolkata. These goods can no longer enter via land ports in the northeastern states or through West Bengal’s Phulbari and Changrabandha borders. Exemptions include…

Indian traders are considering suspending all trade relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan in protest against their support for Pakistan during the recent India-Pakistan military standoff following the Pahalgam terror attack. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) announced on Wednesday that the final decision would be made at a conference on Thursday, stating that Indian traders must demonstrate patriotism and refrain from doing business with nations seen as opposing India. Earlier this month, India imposed a complete ban on imports and transit of goods from Pakistan after 26 civilians were killed in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. CAIT Secretary…

The Oyo State Government has launched a new range of value-added, export-ready food products aimed at advancing agro-industrialization and strengthening the state’s role in regional and continental trade. At an event held at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives in Ibadan, the Agricultural Exporting Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Society introduced processed yam, cassava, and plantain flour. These products are packaged to meet export standards while also serving the domestic market. As part of broader cooperative reforms, the government also inaugurated a new board of directors for the Association of Nigeria Cooperative Exporters (ANCE) Limited. Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment…

Uganda has recorded a significant drop in its trade deficit, driven largely by a surge in coffee exports and reduced imports. According to official figures, the country’s trade deficit fell by 83.7% in February 2025 compared to the same month last year, from $271.1 million to $44.26 million. This sharp improvement stems from a rise in agricultural export earnings, particularly coffee, alongside a concerted effort to cut back on imports. Coffee alone brought in $167 million in February 2025, with additional contributions from cocoa, tobacco, mineral products, and fish. The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries reported that Uganda…

New Delhi: In an era defined by global turbulence and transformative opportunity, India’s supply chain sector is undergoing significant shifts. Leading this evolution is the 12th edition of the ET Edge Supply Chain Management Fest, scheduled to take place on June 26 and 27 in New Delhi. More than just a conference, SCM Fest 2025 is a platform for dialogue, strategy, and action across the logistics and supply chain ecosystem. Themed ‘Resilient Networks, Limitless Growth,’ this year’s edition captures the urgency and promise of a sector that is at the cusp of radical reinvention. Over two action-packed days, the event…

The Department of Fisheries in Thailand has launched a new initiative to promote seahorse farming as a sustainable and income-generating aquaculture practice. In a move to capitalize on growing global demand, the department recently trained 40 private firms to breed and export farmed seahorses, aiming to develop them into a high-value aquatic product for international markets. Deputy Director-General of the Fisheries Department, Thitiporn Laoprasert, stated that the training sessions were conducted across five Andaman coastal provinces—Krabi, Trang, Phang Nga, Phuket, and Satun. These regions were chosen due to their proximity to suitable marine environments and potential for community-based aquaculture. The…