Author: Editorial Desk

As the U.S. election approaches, global agricultural trade faces potential shifts that could directly or indirectly affect Brazil. The race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump spotlights issues pivotal to rural voters, including tariff barriers, agricultural protectionism, sustainability, climate change, and the trajectory of U.S. trade and exports. The candidates’ contrasting stances on trade and environmental policies may reshape relations with key partners like China and influence the competitive dynamics in global agricultural markets. Shifting Trade Relations with China China’s demand for U.S. agricultural products has recently slowed, posing a challenge for the U.S. candidates, who will need to address…

Kazakhstan is set to expand its flaxseed oil exports to Japan following a surge in Japanese demand. During a meeting with representatives from Japanese firm Jateco, Aizhan Bizhanova, Kazakhstan’s First Vice Minister of Trade and Integration, explored opportunities to increase exports of Kazakhstani flaxseed and other oils to meet rising Japanese interest in the health benefits of these products. Flaxseed oil from Kazakhstan has rapidly gained popularity in Japan, with annual demand reaching about 10,000 tons—significantly outstripping current imports. In response, Jateco announced plans to increase its import volume of Kazakhstani flaxseed oil to 3,000 tons annually, with additional interest…

To reduce Indonesia’s dependence on imported liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) is hastening efforts to advance LPG downstreaming. The initiative, led by ESDM Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, focuses on bolstering domestic production capabilities, thereby minimizing the need for foreign-sourced LPG. During a press conference on Monday, November 4, 2024, Minister Bahlil stressed the importance of building local infrastructure for LPG production. “[That’ll be possible] if we mandate the downstreaming of LPG,” he stated. Central to this initiative is the establishment of local LPG production plants, which will be primarily managed by Indonesia’s state-owned energy…

Australia is set to bolster its trade ties with China, as Trade Minister Don Farrell announces progress in removing the last export barriers impacting Australian exports. Currently in China for the world’s largest import expo, Farrell is leading a delegation of over 250 Australian businesses, aiming to expand trade and diversify markets. During his visit, Senator Farrell met with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, discussing the resolution of trade restrictions on two Australian abattoirs, marking the final step in a lengthy trade standoff that affected billions of dollars in exports, including wine and barley. Farrell confirmed that China’s ban on…

The 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), held from November 5 to 10 in Shanghai, has gathered participants from 152 countries, regions, and international organizations. This year, 297 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders will attend, reflecting China’s commitment to economic openness. Since CIIE’s launch, around 2,500 new products, technologies, and services have debuted, with intended turnover surpassing $420 billion, making it a pivotal platform for trade and cooperation. China has recently intensified policies to boost foreign trade and attract investment. On October 25, it introduced guidelines to extend high-standard trade regulations in Free Trade Zones (FTZs) and the…

In the 1990s, America debated openness to international trade. Today, the discussion has reversed, with candidates exploring economic self-reliance. Donald Trump and Kamala Harris propose contrasting U.S. trade policies, both marking a shift from traditional free trade. Donald Trump’s stance is the more radical. Known for his ‘tariff man’ rhetoric, he has proposed tariffs that could transform American trade strategy. During his first term, Trump imposed tariffs on items like washing machines and steel, escalating to a trade war with China. For a potential second term, he plans a universal 20% tariff on all imports, with tariffs on Chinese goods…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts 4.6% economic growth for Asia in 2024, highlighting risks from trade tensions, China’s property sector issues, and potential market turbulence. In its regional economic outlook, the IMF warned that price pressures from China could heighten trade tensions by affecting industries in neighboring countries with similar export structures. It urged Beijing to adopt policies for a more demand-driven recovery, noting that a significant slowdown in China could impact both regional and global economies. China’s growth forecast for 2024 was adjusted to 4.8%, slightly up from April’s estimate but down from last year’s 5.2%. “China’s policy…

The Brazilian and U.S. poultry industries have reached a significant agreement to collaborate on overcoming trade barriers in international markets. In late October, the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA) and the U.S. Poultry and Egg Industry Export Council (USAPEEC) signed a cooperative agreement, pledging to address protectionism, health regulations, and other obstacles that hinder free trade. The partnership covers key areas such as promoting environmental sustainability in poultry production and trade, establishing science-based regulations on animal health and food safety, and supporting international poultry trade through cooperative relations. The agreement emphasizes mutual goals, despite competition, and aims to benefit…

Following a recent meeting with exporters, Russia has quietly imposed restrictions on grain exports. Only Russian companies are now allowed to sell grain directly to state buyers, sidelining international dealers unless they hold long-term agreements with Russian firms. The Grain Exporters and Producers Union, or Rusgrain, representing firms responsible for 80% of Russia’s grain exports, announced this framework. Acting as a channel for the government, Rusgrain’s statements align with the Ministry of Agriculture’s intentions, though the ministry itself has not issued formal regulations. “They are an association with which the ministry of agriculture has an agreement. They inform the market…

Vietnam maintains a strong position in the global cinnamon import, with Indonesia as its primary import partner. Preliminary data from the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA) shows that in September 2024, Vietnam imported 216 tons of cinnamon valued at $9 million, a slight 0.5% drop from the previous month. Indonesia supplied the largest share, contributing 146 tons and capturing 67.6% of the market. Over the first nine months of 2024, Vietnam’s cinnamon imports totaled 3,448 tons, worth $8.3 million, reflecting a 74% decline in volume and a 76% decrease in value from the previous year. Meanwhile, exports rose, with…