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Trade
News about international trade flows, statistics and policy decisions from the world’s most important trading economies and trade-related bodies, including the World Trade Organisation.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivers a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the China Development Forum, in Beijing, on March 23, 2025. Photo: Xinhua
China trade

Exclusive | Japanese executives absent from China’s key annual summit amid tensions: sources

Nearly 80 executives from foreign firms, with those from the US making up the largest group, will attend the two-day forum.

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2026 Trump-Xi summit

Exclusive | What are the real reasons behind the change of date for Trump’s China visit?

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US-China trade war

Trump administration moves to unify AI rules, bolster edge over China

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China energy security

Strait of Hormuz tensions rise as Iran reportedly charges ships for safe passage

Around 20,000 seafarers are still stuck in the Gulf as Tehran reportedly charges at least one tanker about US$2 million to pass through the strait.

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A liquefied petroleum gas tanker is anchored near the Strait of Hormuz, which remains almost entirely closed to shipping traffic amid the US-Israeli war on Iran. Photo: Photo: Reuters
2026 Trump-Xi summit

Exclusive | Trump ally Steve Daines will be first US senator to visit Hong Kong since 2019

As Beijing and Washington negotiate new schedule for Trump’s visit, Daines is expected to meet US business leaders in Hong Kong on March 30.

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China trade

Outside In | As Iran war escalates, the US ramps up its trade war

The White House’s Section 301 investigations may be less dramatic than war, but they risk retaliation and trade breakdowns.

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China shipbuilding

‘Not easy’: Japan mulls building its own LNG carriers amid Iran energy crisis

China and South Korea dominate global production of vessels for carrying natural gas, but Japan now sees industry as key to its energy security.

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A liquefied natural gas carrier is under construction at a shipyard in Geoje, South Korea. Japan may restart domestic production of LNG carriers, aiming to break into a market dominated by South Korea and China. Photo: Getty Images
2026 Trump-Xi summit

Open Questions | US ex-diplomat’s inside view on Trump-Xi summits

Former envoy in Beijing William Klein on US leader’s approach to foreign policy, tariffs, China weaponising rare earths and risks of Taiwan conflict.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Opinion | Iran war revives pandemic-era shocks – and may go further

As war in Iran quickly reshapes energy flows, trade routes and political alignments, the crisis may mark the start of a more volatile new phase.

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United States

Trump compares Iran attack to Pearl Harbour in otherwise positive Takaichi talks

Two leaders tout bilateral relationship and pledge to work cooperatively on trade.

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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meeting with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Thursday. Photo: Reuters
US, Israel war on Iran

Iran war prompts global energy rethink that favours China

Surging oil prices and supply disruptions are causing countries to reassess investment in nuclear and renewable energy – two key Chinese strengths.

Flames rise after a March 7 strike on an oil depot in Tehran. Photo: TNS
Banking & finance

How China opened the door to creating a direct rival to US payment systems

Beijing has removed several key restrictions on its payment system, allowing it to expand beyond yuan settlements, economist says.

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US-China trade war

Fears grow over US drug supply’s growing dependence on Chinese ingredients

Beijing’s global pharmaceutical push follows same playbook as rare earths, semiconductors and electric vehicles, warn US lawmakers.

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Asean

Opinion | Tariffs grab headlines, but non-tariff barriers decide winners in Asean

Trump’s flashy tariffs get the attention, but non-tariff barriers are what truly kill competition and leave firms and consumers worse off.

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US President Donald Trump (left) and Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hold up signed documents on a trade deal in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, 2025. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong stock market

China-based Cosco Shipping Ports expects ‘limited’ impact from Iran conflict

Unit of Cosco Shipping reports 1.1 per cent profit increase on 6.2 per cent rise in throughput in 2025.

An automated container handler moves a Cosco shipping container at the Long Beach Container Terminal at the Port of Long Beach in California on January 14, 2026. Photo: AFP
China manufacturing

China to help Cuba with solar energy amid US oil blockade and total power outage

Beijing will ‘intensify its support’ to Havana after around 10.9 million people were left without power amid an ongoing energy crisis.

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Asean

New US trade offensive threatens to test Asean ties

The trade probes may compel Southeast Asia to continue diversifying away from the US, with analysts predicting recent deals could unravel.

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China-India relations

Opinion | India’s reopening to Chinese investment reflects strategic pragmatism

Concerns about signalling weakness misread India’s careful policy design. Foreign investment rules have not been abolished, only recalibrated.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has “Make in India” ambitions for the country. Allowing cautious Chinese investment would enable Indian companies to localise supply chains rather than remain dependent on imports. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

Editorial | China policy to stay on course despite delay to Xi-Trump summit

Although Trump is on the back foot and China may have the advantage, this will not affect Beijing’s consistent approach in dealing with the US.

US-China relations

Trump confirms delay of Xi meeting in Beijing as China ‘maintains communication’

Citing Iran, US president pushes back highly anticipated summit at least ‘five or six weeks’ while top diplomat Wang Yi indicates ceasefire efforts.

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2026 Trump-Xi summit

Trump-Xi summit delay may suit China amid Iran war

Postponing Trump’s visit to Beijing could help avoid potential embarrassments linked to the Iran war and give more time to reach agreements.

Photo: AP
Malaysia

Fate of US-Malaysia trade pact rests on Washington’s next move

The US$240 billion deal isn’t ‘null and void’ yet, says the trade minister, as Malaysia waits for Washington to submit updated terms.

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Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Johari Abdul Ghani. Photo: Facebook/joharighaniofficial
Xi Jinping

Video | Trump says China visit may be delayed

US president’s trip, expected to start late March, may be postponed as he weighs staying in Washington amid war priorities.

US-China relations

China ‘in communication’ with US after Trump seeks to delay trip by a month

Neither US president nor China’s foreign ministry can confirm timing of trip after Trump says he wants a delay ‘because of the war’.

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China-Latin America relations

China wants Brazil’s biggest port terminal. Washington just said no

US consul-general Kevin Murakami told port executives the Santos megadeal should not fall into ‘unwanted hands’.

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Tecon Santos 10, a planned 621,000-square-metre container terminal in Brazil’s port city of Santos, is expected to boost the country’s capacity by 3.25 million TEUs under a 25-year concession. Photo: Reuters
US-China relations

Beijing on Iran war, Trump trade plan, new AI arena: 7 US-China relations reads

From a new US maritime strategy to the Iran crisis, here are highlights from SCMP’s overseas correspondents in the first half of March 2026.

Plumes of smoke rise over Tehran, Iran, on March 1. Photo: Mowj/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images/TNS
US-China trade war

China and the US end trade talks in Paris as doubts form over Trump visit

The two sides held deep, frank and constructive consultations, China’s top international negotiator says.

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China trade

Papers please: China raises pressure on Panama with ship inspection wave

Intensified inspections for Panama-flagged vessels – among the world’s most common registrations – retaliation for canal port seizure, source says.

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