Author: Editorial Desk

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…

The U.S. Department of Commerce has sharply increased duties on Canadian softwood lumber, pushing the rate from 8.05% to 14.54%. This move has drawn swift condemnation from Canadian officials and industry leaders, who view the action as both unfounded and damaging. This duty increase reflects U.S. concerns that Canadian lumber is being sold below market value, a claim supported by the U.S. Lumber Coalition. The coalition argues that Canada’s pricing practices distort the U.S. market, compounding the difficulties faced by American sawmills. “Lumber demand and prices are at record lows and mills across the country are struggling to keep afloat,”…

Kazakhstan solidifies its position as a key player in global agricultural exports, delivering an impressive array of products to over 80 countries. Dairy products reach South Korea, while horse meat finds its way to Japan, reflecting the country’s expanding influence among the top 25 global food exporters. Kazakhstan’s agricultural portfolio features a wide range of goods: livestock, honey, dairy, sausages, and preserved foods. These products are destined for markets across the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and further afield. Key trading partners include Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, China, Mongolia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Japan, demonstrating Kazakhstan’s…

Korean chicken products, notably the traditional ‘samgyetang’ ginseng chicken soup, now have a place on British tables. The British government has approved the import of these delicacies, marking a significant milestone for Korea’s food export ambitions, as revealed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. This breakthrough follows Korea’s recent success in entering the European Union market, where samgyetang, dumplings, and frozen precooked chicken products began shipping earlier this year. Britain, boasting Europe’s second-largest economy, presents a lucrative opportunity, complementing Korea’s $20 million global chicken exports across 28 countries in 2022, including the U.S. and Canada. Diplomatic efforts…