IMF press briefing on US economy looks at tax and trade issues
On 25 February 2026 the IMF held a press briefing to discuss the issues raised by the article IV report on the US economy. The IMF emphasised that the US economy will continue to grow strongly in 2026 and 2027. US private sector entrepreneurs and
See MoreIMF Report on US Recommends Tax and Duty Changes
On 25 February 2026 the IMF issued a report following consultations with the US under Article IV of the IMF’s articles of agreement. The IMF notes that the US economy performed well in 2025 and economic growth reached 2.2% by the end of 2025.
See MoreIMF Country Focus Examines Canada’s Internal Barriers to Trade
On 27 January 2026 an IMF Country Focus looked at opportunities for Canada to increase growth by removing internal barriers to trade. The Country Focus with the title Canada Can Grow Faster by Unlocking Its Own Market, written by F Diez and Y. Yang,
See MoreIMF Report on Canada Recommends Tax Changes
On 21 January 2026 the IMF issued a report following consultations with Canada under Article IV of the IMF’s articles of agreement. The report notes that Canada is adjusting the significant trade shock caused by US tariff increases and the limited
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US: Department of Commerce to rule on solar import duties from India, Indonesia, Laos
The US Department of Commerce is expected to announce a preliminary ruling on 23 February 2026 on whether it will impose anti-subsidy duties on solar cells and panels from India, Laos, and Indonesia. This follows after a coalition of US solar
See MoreWTO: Meeting of Ministers to Discuss Reform
On 11 February 2026 the director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO) indicated that the WTO ministerial meeting in Cameroon in March 2026 will aim to make progress in reforming the organisation. The director-general has emphasised that the
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IMF: Boosting Trade and Economic Integration Across Europe and Africa
On 4 February 2026 the IMF published a departmental paper with the title North Africa: Connecting Continents, Creating Opportunities, prepared by the IMF’s Middle East and Central Asia department. The publication of the departmental paper was
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Belgium bans import of certain Russian petroleum products from third countries
Belgium’s Federal Public Service Finance (SPF Finances) announced, on 19 January 2026, that it will ban the import of certain petroleum products made in third countries from Russian-origin crude oil, effective 21 January 2026. The measure is
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WTO: Updated Global Trade Outlook
The October 2025 update of the Global Trade Outlook and Statistics noted that the WTO forecast for world merchandise trade volume growth in 2025 has risen to 2.4% (which is higher than the estimate of 0.9% in the interim outlook in August) 2025.
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World Bank: Impact of non-tariff measures on global trade
A World Bank research paper with the title It’s Not (Just) the Tariffs: Rethinking Non-Tariff Measures in a Fragmented Global Economy, by D. Taglioni and H. Kee, was published on 22 October 2025. The research paper looks at the impact of
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EU Commission sets import limits on ferro-alloys to protect market
The EU Commission announced on 18 November 2025 that it has imposed three-year import quotas on steel alloys containing manganese and silicon to protect domestic producers from a surge of low-cost imports. This decision brings to a close an
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US hopes to finalise rare earths agreement with China by Thanksgiving
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed optimism on 16 November 2025 that a trade deal on rare earths between the US and China could be finalised by Thanksgiving. Bessent’s remarks came after a framework agreement reached last month,
See MoreChina allows civilian use of Nexperia chips despite export restrictions
China announced exemptions to its export controls on Nexperia chips for civilian applications on 9 November 2025, aiming to ease the global auto industry's supply chain issues. Nexperia, a Netherlands-based chipmaker owned by China's Wingtech,
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India plans to slash GST rates
India to cut consumption tax by October, introducing a two-tier GST system of 5% and 18%, affecting most items in the current 12% slab. India’s government will reduce consumption tax by October, introducing a two-tier GST system of 5% and 18%,
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South Africa: SARS extends special licences for importing, storing jet fuel to prevent potential shortages
SARS has extended special licenses for jet fuel and kerosene imports and storage until 31 October 2026. South Africa’s Fuels Industry Association (FIASA) announced on 8 August 2025 that the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has extended
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China imposes medical device import restrictions in response to EU ban
China has announced restrictions on government purchases of EU medical devices worth over CNY 45 million. China's finance ministry has announced restrictions on government purchases of EU medical devices worth over CNY 45 million (USD 6.3
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India to impose safeguard duty on steel to curb imports from China, South Korea, Japan
India plans to introduce a temporary 12% safeguard duty on certain steel imports to address a rise in low-cost shipments; mainly from China, South Korea, and Japan; according to a government source. The measure, recommended by the Directorate
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EU pauses counter trade measures against US
The European Commission announced on 9 April 2025 that its proposal to implement trade countermeasures against the US had received approval from EU Member States. The Commission's proposal was made in response to the US decision in March to
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