EU 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
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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 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 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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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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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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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
See MoreEU 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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WTO: Global Trade Outlook and Statistics
In October 2024 the WTO published the latest Global Trade Outlook and Statistics. In the latest issue the WTO has revised its forecast for world merchandise trade growth in 2024 to 2.7%, which is slightly greater than the previous estimate of 2.6%.
See MoreIMF Report Assesses the US Economy
On 17 July 2024 the IMF issued a report following consultation with the US government under Article IV of the IMF’s articles of agreement. The US economy has performed strongly in the past few years. Economic activity and employment now exceed
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WTO: Latest Issue of World Tariff Profiles
On 29 July 2022 the World Trade Organization (WTO) issued the latest edition of its annual publication World Tariff Profiles. The publication sets out global tariff and non-tariff information on more than 170 countries and is issued in
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