14th World Spice Congress to promote international trade of Indian spices

With the aim of promoting international trade of Indian spices, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry is hosting the 14th edition of World Spice Congress (WSC), in Mumbai from 16-18 February 2023. Known as the ‘Spice Bowl’ of the world, India produces a number of quality, rare and medicinal spices. The theme of the World Spice Congress is VISION 2030: S-P-I-C-E-S (Sustainability, Productivity, Innovation, Collaboration, Excellence and Safety). Further, it will host special state and commodity pavilions. The event will Read Full Details…

Immigrants And International Students Boost Exports

Economists have concluded that increasing exports and imports is a significant benefit that countries gain from admitting immigrants and international students. New research finds international students provide more of an economic boost than previously thought. International students benefit the United States in several ways, according to analysts. These benefits include providing a way for U.S. students to experience other cultures without leaving their college campuses. International students also subsidize the tuition that U.S. students pay, encourage more to enter technology-related Read Full Details…

Japan current account surplus jumped to reach November record

Japan’s current account surplus logged a surprising surge to mark a record for November, as weakness in the yen drove income gains from portfolio investment and direct investment overseas to their highest level for the month. The surplus came in at ¥1.8 trillion ($13.7 billion), more than three times the median forecast of economists in a Reuters poll, also helped by an easing in the trade deficit. It is the first time in eight months that Japan saw a year-on-year Read Full Details…

New Tool to Monitor Imports of Aluminum

The International Trade Administration announced recently the Global Aluminum Trade Monitor, a new online tool that highlights global aluminum trade flows. The ITA states that this free, interactive, comparative analysis tool aggregates global aluminum trade data from the largest aluminum-producing countries, covering the top exporters and importers. It allows users to create custom data visualizations for seven standard aggregate aluminum product categories and provides greater insight into how countries that import and export aluminum react to global market conditions. The Read Full Details…

China Cancels Foreign Trade Operator Registration, Simplifying Import and Export Procedures

China has amended the Foreign Trade Law to simplify registration procedures for foreign trade operators. From now on, companies and individuals no longer need to undergo registration and filing with local commerce authorities and will automatically obtain the right to import and export products to and from China. We explain the latest changes, what requirements are still in place for foreign trade operators, and how this may affect China foreign trade. On December 30, 2022, the National People’s Congress (NPC) Read Full Details…

As BRICS Chair, South Africa Vows to ‘Advance African Interests’

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says he’ll use his chairmanship of the BRICS group of leading emerging economies to focus on advancing African interests. The bloc — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — is seen as an alternative to dominant Western economies. South Africa has just taken over the BRICS chairmanship from China and will host the group’s annual summit this year — with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa promising more African countries will be invited to attend. Read Full Details…

China ramps up imports of corn, other agricultural produce from Brazil

China imported corn from Brazil by bulk carrier for the first time on Saturday, marking the official launch of a corridor for Brazil to ship corn to the world’s second largest economy, according to Xinhua News Agency. The ocean freight shipping will help China diversify corn importing sources at a time when its relations with the US, normally a big corn exporter to China, are increasingly uncertain, experts said. According to Xinhua, a ship carrying 68,000 tons of corn imported Read Full Details…

India considers lifting rice export curbs as supply improves

India, the world’s biggest rice exporter, is likely to lift restrictions on grain shipments in a move that would mark a further easing of a global wave of food protectionism after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Authorities are actively considering removing curbs on some rice exports as domestic prices are stable, according to a person familiar with the matter. Government stockpiles are adequate to meet the needs of welfare programs, said the person, who asked not to be identified as the Read Full Details…

Exim Bank raises $1 billion via 10-year bonds

Export Import Bank of India (EXIM) Bank has broken the international bond drought from India by raising $1 billion from investors across the globe. The government of India-backed development finance institution garnered an order book of $3.6 billion to raise 10 year money at 190 basis points above the 10- year US treasury, people familiar with the issue said. One basis point is 0.01 percentage point. It has chosen to keep $1 billion of this amount, they said. The effective Read Full Details…

Exim Bank Malaysia inks MOU with Indonesian counterpart to strengthen cooperation in investment, financing opportunities

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 9): Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Bhd (Exim Bank Malaysia) has inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with its Indonesian counterpart, Lembaga Pembiayaan Ekspor Indonesia (Indonesia Eximbank), to strengthen their business relationship, and to foster mutual understanding and close coordination through the exchange of information, experiences and business connections. Both parties recognise the growth potential and investment opportunities between Malaysia and Indonesia, and are keen to maintain an active dialogue and streamlined communication channel for referrals of projects Read Full Details…