Author: Editorial Desk

Recent political unrest in Bangladesh, resulting in the ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s government during the quota reform movement, has not deterred global fashion brands from deepening their sourcing ties with the country. On the contrary, Bangladesh’s apparel industry is witnessing a surge in orders from Europe, America, and East Asia, driven by exporters’ relentless efforts to maintain strong communication with international clients. With Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus at the helm of the interim government, Bangladesh’s global brand image has received a significant boost. This leadership transition has instilled confidence among major buyers, leading to an increase in orders. Prominent…

Driven by supportive government policies and a thriving production environment, Vietnam stands on the brink of a major shift in online exports. Despite these favorable conditions, a crucial challenge remains: the international market’s limited recognition of Vietnamese brands. Products like cashew nuts, black pepper, and various spices often appear on global e-commerce platforms under foreign labels, effectively masking their Vietnamese origins. This practice not only diminishes the visibility of Vietnam’s unique offerings but also curtails the opportunities for local enterprises to assert their value on the global stage, according to industry experts. Addressing this challenge head-on, Organic Viet Food (OVF)…

Indian exporters are on high alert as Monkeypox cases spread in Africa, a continent crucial for India’s export strategy. While the virus currently remains confined to certain regions, concerns grow over potential repercussions if it spreads more broadly. Ajay Sahai, Director General of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), voiced the industry’s guarded optimism. “As of now, the spread is not rampant, but looking into the infection, the exporters are definitely concerned, hoping it will not spread,” Sahai stated. Trade activities continue without major disruption. An exporter noted that there have been no lockdowns or payment delays across Africa,…

The maxim ‘You get what you pay for’ often rings true in consumer behavior. Yet, the booming counterfeit fashion industry stands as a formidable exception. The FBI has termed it the “crime of the 21st century,” with its global market now eclipsing the illegal drug trade in high margin. Social media, with its widespread influence, has only amplified the visibility of these imitation products. This raises an intriguing question: How do U.S. retailers legally offer products that bear a striking resemblance to high-end brands? The answer lies within the framework of U.S. intellectual property (IP) law, particularly concerning contemporary fashion.…

The All India Rice Exports Association (ARIA) has strongly advocated for a critical reassessment of India’s current rice export policies, which are placing significant strain on the industry. The newly elected governing body, led by ARIA President Satish Garg, convened in New Delhi, addressing the urgent issues of a high Minimum Export Price (MEP) for basmati rice and the ongoing prohibition on non-basmati rice exports. The association unanimously resolved to engage the central government in seeking immediate changes to these policies, which are compromising India’s competitive position in the global rice market. Ranjit Singh Jossan, a key voice for Punjab’s…

Global marine fisheries and aquaculture trade is emerging as a powerful catalyst for sustainable economic growth, with major potential to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This sector, encompassing fish, crustaceans, molluscs, seaweed, and an array of value-added aquatic products, plays a pivotal role in enhancing food security (SDG 2) and safeguarding marine ecosystems (SDG 14). In 2022, global exports in fisheries and aquaculture surged to $186 billion, a remarkable 63% increase from $114 billion in 2012. Of particular note, South-South trade—commerce between developing nations—has expanded dramatically, especially within fisheries and aquaculture. UNCTAD’s recent analysis reveals a significant leap in this…

A major change in defense relations between the United States and Australia is about to happen, as the AUKUS alliance—which includes Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—has announced the removal of strict export controls, dramatically altering the landscape of military technology sharing among these key allies. Starting September 1, the exchange of American defense technology with Australia will bypass the traditionally restrictive US International Trafficking in Arms Regulations (ITAR). This move enables over 70 percent of US defense exports to Australia to proceed without the need for licenses, while 80 percent of exports subjected to further regulations will…

China’s Commerce Ministry announced a new layer of export controls targeting antimony, a crucial mineral essential for products ranging from batteries to advanced weaponry. These restrictions, effective September 15, signal a move to safeguard national interests while aligning with international non-proliferation goals. Antimony’s applications span numerous industries, with significant implications for global supply chains. The mineral’s critical role in the production of flame retardants, night-vision goggles, and nuclear weapons underscores its importance. China, the world’s largest antimony producer, now mandates special licenses for exporting the mineral, with particular focus likely on military-related uses. This policy shift reflects China’s broader strategy,…

Indonesia’s bold ambition to emerge as the world’s food barn by 2045 has encountered serious skepticism from the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef). Deputy director Eko Listyanto presented a stark analysis, pointing to the formidable challenges posed by competitors within ASEAN, such as Thailand and Vietnam, whose agricultural achievements already overshadow Indonesia’s efforts. Eko highlighted a crucial dependency, noting that Vietnam has become a key supplier of rice to Indonesia. This reliance on imports underscores significant gaps in Indonesia’s self-sufficiency. He questioned whether the nation could realistically achieve its lofty goal, especially when neighboring countries have already…

Recent trading sessions have seen a sharp rise in Vietnam’s apparel and textile stocks, signaling the country’s increasing influence in the global garment industry. This boost follows a crisis in Bangladesh, a major competitor in the textile market. Within two days, key Vietnamese textile companies experienced notable stock gains. Sông Hồng Garment JSC (MSH) led with a 7.9% increase, followed by TNG Investment and Trading JSC (TNG) at 5.6%, Binh Thanh Import – Export Production & Trade JSC (GIL) at 3.2%, Thành Công Textile Garment Investment Trading JSC (TCM) close to 2%, and Vinatex (VGT) at 5%. Smaller-cap stocks also…