US restricts aircraft parts to China in trade standoff
The Trump administration has begun limiting aircraft component exports to China as part of a broader strategy to gain negotiating power over rare earth mineral access. The effort signals how Washington plans to use supply chain dependencies as
See MoreUS: Trump Administration weighs diesel export ban amid rising fuel costs
The Trump Administration is actively considering a diesel export ban as fuel prices continue climbing across the US. President Trump stated on 30 September 2026 that conversations about blocking diesel exports happen daily, with the administration
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US: USTR consults foreign trade barriers for 2027 report
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), through the Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC), invited public comment on 14 September 2026 on foreign barriers to US exports of goods and services and US foreign direct investment for
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EU states prepare safeguard requests for chemical, plastic imports
European Union member states plan to request safeguard investigations into chemicals and plastics, according to officials familiar with ongoing discussions. France, Germany, and Italy are preparing to submit formal requests within weeks to activate
See MoreEU: Commission sets documentation rules for steel import traceability
The European Commission announced that it adopted implementing regulations specifying the evidence importers must submit to verify the country where steel was melted and poured on 31 August 2026. The directive addresses requirements established
See MoreEU unleashes broad trade defence campaign targeting China, Russia, and now US Biofuels
The European Union executed a significant protectionist shift this week, defined by a sustained and escalating campaign of trade defence actions. The week began with sweeping new controls on Russian industrial materials taking effect and was
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US lawmakers push Trump administration to block solar import loophole
A bipartisan group of US lawmakers urged the Trump administration, on 16 July 2026, to clamp down on imports of partially finished solar cells—called "blue wafers"—that manufacturers use to sidestep tariffs and claim federal tax credits they're
See MoreEU steel safeguards renew in massive half-year regulatory reset
The week in EU trade policy was dominated by a massive, scheduled regulatory transition marking the start of the second half-year. The renewal of the EU’s extensive steel safeguard quota regime on 1 July was the centrepiece, driving the activation
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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
See MoreIMF 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 MoreIMF 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 MoreIMF 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
See MoreUS: 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
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WTO: 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
See MoreIMF: 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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