Author: Editorial Desk

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…

The Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AIMED) has urged the central government to reconsider discussions on reducing import duties on medical devices from the United States, citing concerns over potential harm to the domestic industry. The manufacturers’ association stressed the need for a balanced approach that safeguards local production while fostering fair trade. The appeal follows a recommendation by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) for India to negotiate reciprocal trade terms in ongoing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) discussions with the European Union. AIMED underscored the importance of securing better market access for Indian medical devices in global markets.…

The Philippines is actively pursuing India as a new nickel trade partner, a move that analysts interpreted as an effort to reduce dependence on China and strengthen Manila’s position as a key supplier for New Delhi’s expanding manufacturing industry. During his visit to India on Monday, Philippines’ Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo highlighted his country’s interest in integrating India into its nickel sector. He emphasized that this partnership would not only diversify exports but also support the development of a value chain in processing and manufacturing. As the world’s largest exporter of nickel ore, a crucial component in lithium-ion batteries,…

Ukraine’s arms imports have skyrocketed between 2020 and 2024, increasing nearly 100 times compared to the previous five-year period, making the country the world’s largest recipient of weapons. The surge, driven by Russia’s aggression and military aid from allies, has significantly reshaped global arms trade patterns, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). European nations saw a 155% rise in major weapons imports between 2015-2019 and 2020-2024, with Ukraine alone recording a 9,627% increase. At least 35 countries have supplied Ukraine with arms, with the United States, Germany, and Poland leading the contributions. Hungary recorded…

Morocco has become Spain’s top African trade partner, reaching record trade volumes in 2024, according to the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Enterprise. Trade exchanges between the two nations have reached an unprecedented €22.7 billion, reinforcing Morocco’s position as Spain’s seventh-largest global client and third-largest non-EU trading partner, trailing only the United Kingdom and the United States. This surge has propelled Morocco ahead of Belgium and the Netherlands in Spain’s global trade rankings. Spanish exports to Morocco amounted to €12.86 billion in 2024, accounting for 3.34% of Spain’s total exports. These exports are well-diversified across sectors, with fuels leading…

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced on Tuesday that India and New Zealand are set to finalize a free trade agreement (FTA) within the next two months. The pact is expected to strengthen bilateral trade, particularly in agriculture, aerospace, and renewable energy. The negotiations, resuming after a decade-long pause, gained momentum following a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Luxon during the latter’s visit to India. Speaking at a business gathering, Luxon emphasized the importance of advancing the trade relationship, expressing confidence in signing the agreement with Modi within 60 days. This development comes amid rising global trade…

The Aluminium Association of India (AAI) has called on the government to extend the Remission of Duties or Taxes on Export Products (RoDTEP) Scheme for aluminium-producing units in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), citing concerns over global trade uncertainties. Under the RoDTEP Scheme, exporters are eligible for refunds on embedded central, state, and local duties and taxes. Until February this year, aluminium-producing units operating under Advance Authorisation (AA) holders, Export Oriented Units (EOUs), and SEZs were covered under the scheme. In a statement, AAI highlighted the critical need to continue the RoDTEP benefits for aluminum producers operating within AA/EOU/SEZ units. With…

Egypt, the world’s largest date producer with an annual output of 1.87 million tons, currently exports only 2% of its production, highlighting significant growth potential. According to the Agricultural Export Council (AEC), date exports generate $90 million annually, contributing just 1% of Egypt’s total agricultural exports. Expanding Market Opportunities With Saudi Arabia—the second-largest date producer—consuming 80% of its 1.64 million ton output domestically, Egypt has an opportunity to strengthen its export market. The country currently exports premium date varieties such as Medjool, Sukkary, Khalas, and Ajwa, but experts suggest diversifying its offerings to include semi-dry varieties, which are in high…