Author: Editorial Desk

Taiwan is evaluating measures to support its semiconductor industry after former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on imported chips. Premier Cho Jung-tai stated on Wednesday that the government is closely monitoring the situation and holding emergency discussions. “In a day or two, we will urgently examine whether we should offer more cooperation plans and assistance to the industry,” he told the official Central News Agency during a temple visit for Lunar New Year celebrations. He later emphasized that Taiwan would enhance international collaboration to maintain its leadership in the semiconductor industry and global supply chain. Trump explicitly mentioned Taiwan…

Tesla, the electric vehicle (EV) maker, has initiated legal proceedings against the European Union over the imposition of additional tariffs on EVs manufactured in China. The United States-based automaker, owned by Elon Musk, joins a series of legal challenges filed by industry players, including German automaker BMW and Chinese manufacturers BYD Auto, SAIC Motor, and Geely. The China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products has also contested the EU’s tariffs, while the Chinese government has taken the matter to the World Trade Organization. The European Court of Justice confirmed Tesla’s lawsuit on Monday. Commenting…

The UK has broadened its groundbreaking Ivory Act, granting greater legal protection to four more species—hippopotamus, narwhal, killer whale, and sperm whale—as of 28 January. Previously focused solely on elephants, the Act now bans the import, export, and trade of ivory-containing items from these animals, marking a major step in global conservation efforts. This strengthened legislation establishes one of the world’s toughest bans on ivory sales. Violators face severe penalties, including unlimited fines or up to five years’ imprisonment. The expansion of the Act aims to combat the threats posed by poaching and ivory trade, which have endangered these species,…

India has successfully concluded a groundbreaking agreement to export BrahMos missiles to Indonesia, marking a major milestone in its defense export capabilities. The deal, valued at approximately ₹3,800 crore ($450 million), underlines India’s growing prominence in missile technology and the global defense market. The BrahMos missile, developed through a joint venture between India and Russia, is recognized as one of the most advanced supersonic missile systems in the world. This achievement further cements India’s position as a leading defense exporter and highlights its ability to construct complex defense systems, including aircraft carriers, independently. The agreement comes amid India’s concerted efforts…

China has implemented a sweeping ban on livestock imports from several countries to curb the risk of animal disease outbreaks, including foot-and-mouth disease, sheep pox, and goat pox. The decision, announced by the General Administration of Customs on 21 January, follows reports from the World Health Organization about the emergence of these diseases in multiple regions. The ban encompasses a broad spectrum of livestock, such as sheep, goats, poultry, and even-toed ungulates, alongside processed and unprocessed products derived from these animals. Affected countries include Ghana, Somalia, Qatar, Congo (DRC), Nigeria, Tanzania, Egypt, Bulgaria, East Timor, and Eritrea. Additionally, imports from…

President Donald Trump has threatened a 25% tariff on all Colombian goods entering the United States, with the rate set to double to 50% within a week if no resolution is reached. This announcement follows Colombia’s refusal to allow a US military deportation flight carrying migrants to land, triggering a diplomatic and economic standoff. While Colombia is not among the US’s largest trading partners, the potential tariffs could significantly impact the $53.5 billion annual trade relationship between the two nations. Key Colombian exports to the US, including petroleum ($6 billion in 2022), coffee ($1.8 billion), and cut flowers ($1.6 billion),…

Uganda has set its sights on tapping into Oman’s substantial annual import market, valued at $38.5 billion, as the nation prepares to participate in the East Africa Trade and Investment Expo on April 16–17, 2025, in Muscat, Oman. The Expo is designed to strengthen trade and investment ties, foster innovation and knowledge sharing, and build lasting economic relationships between Uganda, the East African region, and Oman. Uganda currently contributes only $8 million to Oman’s import market, underscoring the significant untapped potential for economic collaboration. Uganda plans to leverage its robust agricultural sector, which aligns with Oman’s focus on enhancing food…

Argentina has slashed grain export taxes to enhance its global agricultural competitiveness. The measure, effective from Monday and lasting until June, is aimed at boosting exports during the country’s prime harvest season for corn and soybeans, intensifying competition for U.S. farmers during a critical period. This decision has caught the attention of the global agricultural community, particularly in the United States, where concerns are mounting about its impact on American exports. Analysts view the move as a strategic effort by Argentina to reinforce its position as a leading exporter. Randy Place, an analyst at Hightower Report, remarked, “This will keep…

The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to ensuring Bangladesh’s smooth graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category and promoting the country as a hub for global supply chains. Speaking during a meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Ngozi highlighted the WTO’s efforts to support Bangladesh’s economic transition. “We have established principles. We will be working with you to ensure the graduation process is smooth,” she assured. Ngozi also revealed her ongoing discussions with global businesses to encourage them…

The Indonesian Trade Ministry has initiated talks with the Global Australian Halal Certification (GAHC) to strengthen the competitiveness of Indonesian halal exports and products in the Australian market. Trade Minister Budi Santoso underscored the importance of tapping into Australia’s expanding halal product market. “In addition to exploring cooperation opportunities, we are committed to enhancing the competitiveness of our halal products to boost exports,” he stated in an official release on Friday. Santoso detailed a threefold strategy to achieve this goal: obtaining global-standard halal certifications to broaden export market access, empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to meet international halal…