UK sets out economic response to Middle East conflict, outlines energy and tax measures
The UK HM Treasury has issued a statement delivered to Parliament by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, setting out the Government’s economic response to the conflict in the Middle East, including a series of tax-related and energy
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South Africa releases customs tariff amendment details for 2026
South Africa has released publication details for tariff amendments notice R7389 under the Customs and Excise Act, 1964, as set out in Government Gazette 54572. The notice, published on 23 April 2026, provides the formal framework for amendments
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US: Trump pledges to ‘remember’ companies skipping tariff refunds
President Donald Trump said he will take note of companies that choose not to claim refunds on tariffs recently ruled illegal by the Supreme Court, hinting at potential future benefits for those who abstain. Speaking to CNBC on Tuesday, 21 April
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IMF Spring Meetings: Regional Outlook for Sub Saharan Africa
On 17 April 2026 the IMF held a press briefing on the Regional Economic Outlook for Sub Saharan Africa: Hard Won Gains Under Pressure. The IMF notes that Sub-Saharan Africa performed strongly in 2025, with regional growth estimated at around
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Colombia to raise reciprocal tariff on Ecuador imports
The Colombian government has confirmed that it will raise its ad valorem reciprocal tariff on a range of imports originating from Ecuador from 50% to 100%, escalating an ongoing trade dispute between the two countries. According to a presidential
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IMF Spring Meetings: Press Briefing on the Fiscal Monitor
The IMF Spring Meetings are taking place from 13 to 18 April 2026. The meetings include press briefings on the latest issues of IMF publications, panel discussions involving prominent politicians and finance experts, presentations of analytical
See MoreUS: CBP to begin first phase of duty refunds under IEEPA
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced that it will launch the first phase of the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) tool in the Automated Commercial Environment Secure Data Portal (ACE Portal) on 20 April
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Liberia enacts Tax Amendment Act, strengthens enforcement and raises excise taxes
Liberia has enacted the Liberia Tax Amendment Act of December 2025 (the Act), approved on 24 March 2026. The Act introduces major revisions to the Liberia Revenue Code aimed at strengthening domestic revenue mobilisation and advancing public health
See MoreColombia drops plan for 100% tariffs on Ecuador amid escalating trade dispute
Colombian President Gustavo Petro said on Monday, 13 April 2026, that Colombia will not impose 100% tariffs on imports from Ecuador, reversing an earlier announcement by the trade ministry amid growing bilateral tensions. He said instead that the
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Quarterly trade intelligence report: Q1 2026 | January-March
Although a dramatic rise in tariffs has been the top story of global trade over the past year, non tariff trade barriers remain the hidden architecture of global commerce. Every quarter, WTO members publish hundreds of new and amended regulations
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IMF Spring Meetings: Case for Deeper Asia Pacific Trade Integration
The IMF Spring Meetings are taking place from 13 to 18 April 2026. The meetings include press briefings on the latest issues of IMF publications, panel discussions involving prominent politicians and finance experts, presentations of analytical
See MoreUS Trade Court questions Trump’s legal authority for 10% global tariffs
A US federal trade court panel has raised serious doubts about the legality of President Donald Trump's 10% tariff on most imports, questioning whether the country's trade deficit alone justifies such sweeping duties. During a hearing on Friday,
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Korea (Rep.), UAE CEPA to take effect, tariff cuts phased over 10 years
Korea (Rep.) and the UAE will implement their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on 1 May 2026, following the completion of domestic approval procedures and bilateral consultations to expedite its entry into force. The CEPA,
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US imposes 100% tariff on imported branded pharmaceuticals, lower rates for EU, UK, Japan and Korea (Rep.)
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing sweeping tariffs on imported patented pharmaceuticals, with rates reaching 100% for most products not manufactured domestically. The measure, formalised through a proclamation issued
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Ecuador to impose 100% tariffs on Colombian imports amid border security dispute
Ecuador has announced that it will increase customs duties on imports from Colombia to 100% from 50%, effective 1 May, escalating a series of tariff measures linked to border security and drug trafficking concerns. The Ministry of Production said
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Botswana presents 2025 tax amendment bills to parliament with increased CIT
Botswana’s Minister of Finance has tabled the 2025 Tax Amendment Bills before Parliament on 15 December 2025. The Bills include the Income Tax Bill (2025), Value Added Tax Bill (2025), the Customs Amendment Bill (2025), and the Tax Administration
See MoreUS: Trump threatens 50% tariffs on countries supplying weapons to Iran
US President Donald Trump announced on 8 April 2026, that the US will impose a 50% tariff on all goods imported from any country that supplies military weapons to Iran, despite losing his broadest tariff power earlier this year when the Supreme
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Japan, France strengthen rare earth supply ties to cut dependence on China
Japan and France have agreed to boost cooperation on rare earth supply chains to reduce reliance on China. The announcement came during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Japan for talks with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Under the
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