On April 30, the second phase of Britain’s new post-Brexit border controls for food imports from the European Union is set to commence, marking a significant milestone in the evolving trade landscape between the UK and the EU. This latest development, part of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), introduces physical checks for “medium risk”…
The ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China have taken a new turn as China recently announced the imposition of a levy on imports of a key chemical from the US. The acid in question, propionic acid, is widely used in various industries, including food, feed, pesticides, and medical fields. This move by…
In a significant development, an aide to a member of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has been arrested in Germany on suspicion of espionage for China. The arrest is part of a series of similar incidents across Europe, raising concerns about Chinese spying activities. The situation underscores the growing tensions surrounding intelligence activities…
Adapting Supply Chains: Resilience Amidst the Baltimore Bridge Collapse Following the collapse of a bridge in Baltimore, the resilience of supply chains and transportation modes has been demonstrated as they adapt to mitigate logistical challenges. Stakeholders have worked to keep cargo flowing by extending permitted hours for truckers, swiftly restoring the channel, and utilizing nearby…
China’s stance on U.S. trade barriers has been reaffirmed once again as it responds to the U.S. National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers. Released on March 29, the report categorizes China as a “country of primary concern,” prompting a strong response from China’s commerce ministry. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ministry…
Trade groups in the United Kingdom are sounding the alarm about potential increases in food prices following the government’s decision to impose post-Brexit charges on imports of EU food and plant products. The new fees, known as the common user charge, are set to apply to small imports of animal products and plants entering the…
In a recent development, lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties have joined forces to call on the Biden administration to increase scrutiny and oversight of Chinese biotech firms. The lawmakers, Republican Michael Gallagher and Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi, have sent a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, urging him to add seven Chinese biotech…
Oil Prices Surge to 5-Month High Amidst OPEC Oil prices have surged to a near five-month high, reaching $85 per barrel for the first time since October. The rally in oil prices is attributed to a combination of factors, including production cuts by OPEC+, robust global demand, and heightened geopolitical risks. Tensions in the Middle…
In recent years, trade between China and Russia has experienced a remarkable surge, benefitting several Russian companies and strengthening the economic relationship between the two countries. This tremendous growth in trade comes at a time when Western firms have withdrawn from the Russian market due to sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine. In this…
The topic of cybersecurity has become increasingly critical in our interconnected world, and recent concerns about the Chinese cyber threat have raised alarms at the biggest ports. In this blog post, we will delve into an NBC Boston article that examines the true nature of the Chinese cyber threat lurking within the nation’s biggest ports….
In a significant move aimed at enhancing economic ties and promoting investment, Britain is set to sign a memorandum of understanding on trade with Texas. This landmark agreement marks the largest state-level trade pact between Britain and a U.S. state to date. Despite the pause in talks over a Free Trade Agreement at the federal…
WTO’s Moratorium on Digital Tariffs Buoyed, But for How Long? The World Trade Organization (WTO) has granted a temporary extension to the moratorium on customs duties for digital transmissions, a significant aspect of internet development, but the deal includes a hard expiration in 2026. The extension was agreed upon during the WTO’s 13th ministerial meeting…
