Global Trade

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer begins his first China visit in eight years, leading a delegation of top executives to deepen cooperation in finance, healthcare, green energy and trade amid economic pressures.

Germany–US economic relations are showing rare signs of cooling as German investment and exports to the United States decline sharply, driven by rising policy uncertainty and renewed tariff threats.

Despite U.S. tariff policies disrupting global trade, Latin America sees unprecedented export growth, thanks to China's strategic investments in key commodities like soybeans, copper, and beef.

Global shipping accelerated its energy transition in 2025, with methanol- and ammonia-fueled vessels reaching 40% of new tonnage, signaling a sharp rise in future green fuel demand.

President Trump said the US will impose tariffs of up to 25% on exports from eight European countries in 2026, prompting coordinated responses from EU leaders warning of risks to transatlantic ties.

China has launched its 2026 Tariff Adjustment Plan, cutting import duties to support technology, green transition, public welfare, and expanding zero-tariff benefits for 43 least developed countries.

China will abolish VAT export rebates for photovoltaic and related products from 2026, reshaping global trade dynamics. What forces are driving this strategic policy change, and how will it impact key industries and markets worldwide?

Global vinyl chloride markets are diverging, with steady exports in the US and Europe contrasting sharply with weakening demand and falling prices across Asia.

US PVC prices surged in December amid tight supply, while Europe, Southeast Asia, and India struggled with oversupply and falling demand.

Japan's ruling LDP has proposed ending the tax exemption on low-value imports by imposing a 10% consumption tax from 2026 to address unfair competition with domestic retailers.

Mexico has approved a sweeping tariff bill imposing higher duties on imports from non-FTA countries, signalling a significant shift in its trade policy and industrial landscape.

Recently, Major new trade and regulatory measures are being implemented worldwide, spanning free trade upgrades, tariff suspensions, and new rules for electric vehicles, e-commerce, and product safety.

U.S. secures trade and critical minerals pacts with four Southeast Asian nations, tackling tariff and non-tariff barriers.

China and U.S. conclude two-day high-level economic talks in Malaysia during the October 25-26 consultations, reaching basic consensus on resolving bilateral trade issues.

President Trump, following White House talks with Australian PM Albanese, unveiled significant new statements on U.S.-China trade on October 20.

Chittagong Port revokes berthing permits for Maersk and CMA CGM vessels, citing illegal surcharges in a sharp fee dispute.

Recently, Trump signals openness to ease tensions, while his administration quietly relaxes key tariff policies.

A new era of costly maritime trade begins as reciprocal exorbitant port fees between the US and China take effect on October 14, 2025, a pivotal date for global shipping.

On August 27, 2025, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) held its regular press briefing, releasing the Global Trade Friction Index for June.

In May, the global trade friction index remained high, with a month-on-month decrease of 37.8% in the involved amount.

On June 27, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) released its latest data showing that the Global Trade Friction Index rose to 131 in April

The total value of global trade friction measures increased by 26.1% year-on-year and surged by 152.3% month-on-month.

The total value of trade-related friction measures fell 19.9% year-on-year and 2% month-on-month.

The global trade friction landscape remains severe, with the index for January 2025 recorded at 106, reflecting a YoY increase of 8.3% and a month-over-month (MoM) rise of 1.8% in trade friction-related measures.

The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) released data on December 28, 2024, showing that the Global Trade Tension Index stood at 106, remaining at a high level.

On January 17, 2025, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) released the Global Economic and Trade Friction Index for November 2024 at its monthly press briefing.

Looking ahead to 2025, global economic growth is expected to remain stable but with widening disparities across regions. Inflation is projected to continue its downward trajectory, while labor markets are expected to remain relatively stable.

On December 27, Sun Xiao, spokesperson for the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), released the October Global Trade Friction Index.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has announced a significant tariff increase on Chinese imports of solar wafers, polysilicon, and select tungsten products.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's proposed 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico has raised alarms among alcohol distributors.