Author: Editorial Desk

Vietnamese iron and steel exports have shown robust growth in the early months of 2024, with Italy emerging as the primary market, absorbing a significant share of exports. According to recent data from the General Department of Customs, Vietnam shipped nearly 1.1 million tonnes of iron and steel in March alone, achieving a turnover of over $834.8 million, which marks an increase of 10% in volume and an 11.4% rise in value from February. The first quarter of the year reflected a strong start for the industry, with exports totaling nearly $2.4 billion and exceeding 3.23 million tonnes—up 42% in…

A pivotal summit scheduled for mid-June this year at Nassau, The Bahamas, is set to fortify economic relations between Africa -Caribbean nations. This event, hosting the 31st Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM) and the third edition of the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF), marks an unprecedented collaboration in this region. The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) alongside The Bahamas have signed a strategic agreement to facilitate this gathering, noted as the first to be held within the Caribbean. Afreximbank President, Professor Benedict Oramah, underscored the event’s strategic importance, extending beyond mere symbolism. Prof. Oramah relayed insights from the International Monetary Fund…

Chinese electronics exporters are leveraging sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, marking a robust entry into global markets. Data from the General Administration of Customs indicates a notable upsurge in exports from the “new trio” — electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and photovoltaic products. These sectors collectively reached an export total of 264.69 billion yuan (approximately $36.575 billion USD) during the first quarter, a 66.9 percent increase from the previous year, now representing 4.7 percent of China’s total exports. AI technology is proving instrumental for Chinese companies, enhancing production efficiencies and elevating product quality. A significant development comes from SmartMore, a Shenzhen-based…

The Maldives has initiated discussions with India concerning the potential for settling Indian import payments using the Maldivian Rufiyaa, declared Mohamed Saeed, Minister for Economic Development. This announcement surfaced at a public gathering on the island of Maavah, Laamu Atoll, highlighting the government’s strategic economic priorities just before the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 21. As a significant importer, with annual expenditures of roughly $780 million on Indian goods, the Maldives’ endeavor to pivot from the prevalent US dollar in these transactions underscores a significant move towards economic self-reliance and lessening foreign currency reserve dependencies. Following the Indian government’s July…

In a decisive enhancement of economic sanctions against Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States have declared new initiatives aimed at stifling Russian revenues from metal exports, a primary source of Kremlin’s military financing. These measures integrate the world’s leading metal exchanges—the London Metal Exchange (LME) and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME)—into the ambit of extant prohibitions, effectively ceasing the trade of newly produced Russian aluminium, copper, and nickel on these platforms. As Russia’s second-largest export commodity after energy, metals experienced a marked devaluation since the initiation of Russia’s military engagements in Ukraine. The valuation of Russian metal exports…

The European Union’s recent measures against Chinese wind turbine manufacturers might sabotage international efforts to combat climate change, states China’s Ministry of Commerce. Announced this past Thursday, this action involves the EU probing Chinese wind turbine suppliers under the newly minted Foreign Subsidies Regulation. The investigation focuses on the construction of wind parks across Spain, Greece, France, Romania, and Bulgaria, scrutinizing whether subsidies have unduly favored Chinese companies. During a Beijing press conference, Ministry spokesperson He Yadong lambasted the EU’s decision as a breach of free trade tenets and a resurgence of protectionism within the bloc. He declared that These…

China has signaled readiness to diversify Namibian Imports, marking an evolution in the trade relationship between these two nations. With bilateral trade exceeding $1.3 billion in 2023, a 16.5% increase from the previous year, China remains a pivotal market for Namibia’s primary exports including minerals like uranium and lithium, as well as agricultural staples such as beef and oysters. Recent negotiations seek to extend the range of exported goods, incorporating Namibian deep-sea red crab, abalone, mutton, grapes, and frozen lobster into the Chinese market. Shen Jian, Chargé d’affaires at the Chinese Embassy, conveyed this during an information session at the…

The United Kingdom’s decision to temporarily suspend the 8% Global cut flower tariff marks a significant development for Kenya’s floriculture sector. Announced by the British High Commission, this two-year elimination of the UK Global Tariff (UKGT), effective from April 11, 2024, to June 30, 2026, promises zero tariffs on unlimited quantities of flowers, even those transiting through third countries. This policy adjustment aims to streamline trade and reduce costs for East African growers and others worldwide. Previously subjected to an 8% tariff when transiting through third nations, flower exports can now reach the UK market under more favorable economic terms.…

The World Trade Organization (WTO) unveiled predictions on Wednesday, forecasting a progressive surge in global commerce throughout the current year, extending into 2025. This rebound signals an easing of the negative impacts associated with elevated inflation rates, as delineated in the organization’s ‘Global Trade Outlook and Statistics’ report. Projections indicate a 2.6% escalation in total global trade volumes for 2024, with an additional 3.3% upswing anticipated for 2025. These figures contrast sharply with the preceding year’s 1.2% contraction, a consequence primarily attributed to the fallout from inflationary pressures and the repercussions of escalated interest rates on international commerce. Ralph Ossa,…

China has announced its intention to strengthen cooperation with Russia, particularly in maintaining international industrial supply chains, in light of the sanctions imposed by Western countries. This announcement came during a joint news conference in Beijing, where Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, had discussions. Wang emphasized China and Russia’s mutual stance against economic decoupling and the creation of barriers in supply chains. This comes as the United States has intensified restrictions on exports of advanced semiconductors to China among other economic security measures. Lavrov highlighted the unprecedented level of partnership and strategic interaction between…