Saudi Arabia’s Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank) has signed an accession agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, to enhance export financing opportunities and help Saudi exporters expand into new international markets. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the partnership covers cooperation in trade finance, development, and insurance, and grants EXIM Bank access to IFC’s global syndicated financing platform. This move will enable the bank to participate in international co-financing transactions and strengthen its institutional framework. A key affiliate of the National Development Fund, Saudi EXIM Bank plays a central role in diversifying the…

China has formally filed a complaint with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) against India, alleging that its electric vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturing subsidies unfairly benefit domestic producers. Beijing argues that India’s incentives, including tax breaks and production-linked rewards, create an uneven playing field for Chinese automakers seeking access to the Indian market. Under WTO rules, India has 30 days to respond and enter consultations; failure to do so could lead China to request the formation of a dispute panel. China, a major subsidizer of its own EV industry, is facing overcapacity as domestic demand slows. Analysts project that only…

The 40th Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) opened on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at ICE BSD in Tangerang, drawing significant international attention with 8,045 registered participants from 130 countries. Organized by the Ministry of Trade, the annual event connects international buyers with Indonesian exporters through exhibitions and business matchmaking sessions. Running from October 15 to 19, the expo features 1,619 exhibitors showcasing a diverse range of products across three key zones: food, beverages, and agriculture; manufactured goods; and services and heavy equipment. Trade Minister Budi Santosa, speaking at the opening ceremony, said this year’s expo reflects strong enthusiasm from both exporters…

Thailand is spotlighting its premium agricultural products at the China International Agricultural Trade Fair 2025 (CATF 2025), held from October 17 to 19 in Tianjin, as part of its “Thailand Agri Intertrade 2025” initiative. The showcase features Thailand’s leading fruits, processed agricultural goods, and Smart Farming innovations aimed at expanding exports and strengthening trade ties with China, the country’s largest market for tropical fruits. Popular varieties such as durian, Nam Dok Mai mangoes, mangosteen, coconut, longkong, and longan, along with dried fruits and processed products, are drawing strong interest from Chinese consumers. Their popularity underscores Thailand’s leadership in the tropical…

The global hemp protein powder market is on track to reach $1,031.1 million by 2035, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.4% from $423.7 million in 2025. The strong growth outlook is driven by rising global demand for plant-based and sustainable nutrition alternatives. Hemp protein, derived from nutrient-rich hemp seeds, is gaining popularity as a complete protein source containing all nine essential amino acids. It offers superior digestibility, high fiber content, and balanced omega fatty acids, making it increasingly preferred by health-conscious consumers and those seeking functional, allergen-free nutrition. The surge in veganism, vegetarianism, and flexitarian diets…

India will host the World Seafood Congress (WSC) for the first time in 2026, underscoring its growing influence in global seafood trade and aquaculture innovation. The biennial event, organized by the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying in collaboration with the International Association of Fish Inspectors (IAFI), will take place in Chennai. Since its inception in 1999, the Congress has been held across leading maritime nations, including Canada, the Netherlands, Australia, Ireland, Morocco, the United States, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Malaysia, and Portugal. The 2026 edition marks India’s debut as host, reflecting the country’s…

The planned meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month in South Korea remains on schedule despite escalating trade tensions, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday. In an interview with Fox Business Network, Bessent confirmed that the two sides had “substantially de-escalated” after a series of retaliatory trade measures reignited fears of a new trade war between Washington and Beijing. “The relationship, despite this announcement last week, is good. Lines of communication have reopened, so we’ll see where it goes,” he said, adding that the proposed 100% tariff on Chinese goods “does…

Global airlines are bracing for more than $11 billion in additional costs this year due to ongoing supply chain disruptions, according to a report released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on Monday. The study, developed in collaboration with consultancy firm Oliver Wyman, represents the first comprehensive attempt to measure the financial toll of a five-year crisis that has driven up airfares and triggered widespread flight cancellations. IATA Director General Willie Walsh expressed surprise at the magnitude of the findings, suggesting that the industry may need to revisit concerns about anti-competitive practices among suppliers. “Even if you halve the…

Kuwait’s trade performance continued to demonstrate strength and stability in the first half of 2025, with total trade volume reaching approximately 17.08 billion dinars, according to data released by the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB). The figures reflect the country’s ability to maintain solid trade flows despite global market fluctuations, reaffirming Kuwait’s strong position in regional and international commerce. The CSB report showed that oil exports remained the primary driver of Kuwait’s trade, accounting for around 9.5 billion dinars during the first six months of the year. The sector continues to serve as the backbone of the national economy and a…

China has defended its latest export control measures on rare earths and related technologies, describing them as necessary steps to strengthen global supply-chain security and ensure lawful trade practices rather than restrict exports. Government officials and analysts said on Sunday that the measures, which took effect last week, are designed to promote stability amid global conflicts and safeguard materials with significant military applications. They stressed that as a responsible global power, China enforces export controls in accordance with international law to uphold peace and nonproliferation. On Thursday, China imposed export restrictions on technologies linked to rare earths, superhard materials, rare…