Author: Editorial Desk

U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a 25% tariff on all imported cars not produced in the United States, a move that is expected to significantly impact South Korean automotive exports. Speaking from the Oval Office on the 26th (local time), President Trump signed an executive order formalising the decision. “What we will do is impose a 25% tariff on all cars not produced in the United States,” he said, adding that the measure is expected to bring in $100 billion in revenue. This decision follows a similar tariff hike on imported steel and aluminum, which took effect on the…

The Australian federal government has allocated $6.8 million in its 2025-26 budget to protect the nation’s agricultural exports as the sector braces for one of its most productive years amid growing global trade uncertainty and the threat of US tariffs. The funding aims to maintain international market access and support Australia’s role in contributing to global fair trade standards. It comes as key export sectors — particularly red meat and wine — face potential tariff impositions by US President Donald Trump, according to several independent agricultural outlooks. Budget documents revealed that the total production value of agriculture, fisheries, and forestry…

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that starting April 2, a 25% tariff will be imposed on all imports from any country that purchases oil or gas from Venezuela — a move aimed at punishing nations engaging economically with a government Trump described as “very hostile” to the United States. The measure, which comes despite the US itself continuing to import Venezuelan oil, is expected to deeply affect countries such as China, India, Spain, Russia, Singapore, and Vietnam — all recipients of Venezuelan crude. According to a 2024 report from the US Energy Information Administration, China alone accounted for…

India is set to uphold its one-million-ton sugar export quota for the current season, easing global concerns about potential export restrictions that recently drove up international prices. Despite a decline in production, the world’s second-largest sugar producer will retain sufficient stockpiles through the season-ending 30 September, the source noted, requesting anonymity due to the confidential nature of the information. Domestic supplies are reportedly adequate to meet demand for over two months until the next crushing season begins. India’s sugar exports for MY 2024/25 are projected at 3.7 MMT, as the government is expected to uphold export restrictions to prioritize domestic…

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva began a four-day state visit to Japan on Monday, accompanied by a delegation of around 100 business leaders. The visit comes as both countries seek to deepen trade ties amid rising U.S. protectionism, particularly following recent tariff hikes imposed by President Donald Trump on steel and other imports. During his trip, Lula is expected to meet Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to explore opportunities for cooperation, including the joint development of biofuels ahead of the COP30 UN climate summit, which Brazil will host in the Amazon region this November. High on the agenda…

The European Commission has dismissed allegations of tax fraud in Moroccan tomato exports to the European Union, affirming that the imports comply with existing trade agreements. The clarification came after European Commissioner for Agriculture Christophe Hansen responded to a written inquiry by Spanish Member of the European Parliament Carmen Crespo. Crespo had raised concerns about Morocco allegedly exceeding its duty-free tomato export quota under the EU-Morocco Association Agreement. “These imports comply with the terms of the 2012 Association Agreement,” Hansen stated. He explained that Moroccan tomatoes entering the EU above the agreed quota are permitted as long as the applicable…

India’s growing ambition to establish itself as a global manufacturing hub in electronics, semiconductors, and automobiles is paving the way for expanded Japanese investment, according to a new industry report released on Sunday. Titled India’s Growth Story: Unlocking New Opportunities for Japanese SMEs, the report—jointly prepared by Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)—highlights strategic areas where Indian and Japanese businesses can deepen cooperation. These include warehousing, packaging materials, cold chain infrastructure, dairy, defense, and aerospace. The report emphasizes the potential of technological synergy between Japanese enterprises and India’s expanding information…

Despite being one of the world’s top soybean producers, Canada currently imports all of its soy protein isolate — a key ingredient in numerous food products including protein bars, infant formula, and plant-based meat alternatives. That may soon change, as Ontario-based New Protein International sets out to build the country’s first large-scale facility capable of processing soybeans into soy protein domestically. The company, co-founded by farmer Martin Vanderloo and headquartered in Ontario, plans to establish the plant in Sarnia. Once operational, it will process 70,000 tonnes of soybeans annually and produce over 17,000 tonnes of soy protein and food-grade byproducts.…

Brazil’s Finance Minister Fernando Haddad has confirmed that the country is preparing for a wide-ranging negotiation on tariffs with the United States, with sugar and ethanol trade expected to be key points of discussion. Speaking to Reuters, Haddad acknowledged the complexity of the talks, given the broader trade frictions involving the U.S. The planned negotiations follow growing concerns over potential U.S. tariffs on Brazilian ethanol. Brazil’s Energy and Mining Minister Alexandre Silveira has described such tariffs as unreasonable, citing the long-standing history of sugar and ethanol trade between the two countries. Brazil, one of the world’s top sugar producers, primarily…

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has solidified its position as a major force in the global vehicle trade, witnessing unprecedented growth in both imports and exports over the past five years. Central to this expansion is Dubai, propelled by the strategic capabilities of Jebel Ali Port and the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), which have enabled the UAE to emerge as a vital automotive hub. Between 2018 and 2023, the UAE recorded a substantial rise in vehicle imports, led by China, whose exports to the UAE surged by $3.31 billion. This growth far outpaced that of the United States, which…