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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.
Illustration: Craig Stephens
Diplomacy

Opinion | American allies are finally hedging against American risk

As US policy becomes more self-centred and unpredictable, traditional allies realise their best bet lies with diplomatic diversification.

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India

Why India may ‘gravitate back’ to US bloc after Trump-Modi tariff deal

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Rare earths

Video | Japan recovers rare earth samples from ocean depths of 6,000 metres (20,000ft)

US-Cuba relations

Cuba confirms ‘communications’ with US as Trump moves to block oil

Reeling from blackouts and the loss of its Venezuelan patron, Havana confirms communications with the US but says no formal negotiations yet.

A mechanic fixes a car on the street in Havana, as Cubans hunker into survival mode. Photo: Reuters
China-Latin America relations

China’s Chalco, Rio Tinto buy Brazil’s CBA for US$886 million to secure minerals

Acquisition of Brazilian flagship aluminium firm reinforces China’s growing footprint in the country’s strategic mineral assets sector.

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United States

Trump lifts Russia-related oil tariffs on India under new trade deal

Under the pact, India’s tariffs have been reduced from 50 per cent to 18 per cent.

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US-China trade war

Trump unveils US$12 billion push to curb China’s grip on critical minerals

The initiative, dubbed Project Vault, aims to create a commercial stockpile to shield US manufacturers from supply shocks and price swings.

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Project Vault would serve as a commercial “shock absorber”, marking the first civilian-scale US strategic reserve for critical minerals. Photo: Handout
China's population

China’s brain gain: overseas grads plug into domestic frontiers, powering future

Record jump in returnees seen reflecting confidence in some domestic opportunities, particularly in areas such as AI, advanced manufacturing.

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China manufacturing

Stern rebuke: China shrugs off 2025 US threats to anchor shipbuilding dominance

Despite a market share dip, Chinese yards extend their commanding lead in key indicators, as high exports and lengthy backlogs signal resilience despite rivals’ gains.

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Singapore

Supply chain ‘weaponisation’ tops agenda at Singapore aviation meet

The new UN aviation chief says global cooperation is important to achieve a ‘safer, more sustainable and more competitive’ sector.

Visitors check out the Airbus booth at the Space Summit in Singapore on Monday. Photo: Reuters
Japan

Japan retrieves rare earth-rich mud from 6,000 metres under the sea

The mud, sucked up near remote Minamitori Island, will be analysed to see whether its rare earths can be commercially tapped.

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The Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology’s Chikyu research vessel leaves a Shizuoka port to collect rare earth mud off Minamitori Island on January 12. Photo: Kyodo
Hong Kong economy

Editorial | Strong export numbers underscore Hong Kong’s strengths as a trade hub

In an uncertain global economic environment, the strategy of exploring new overseas markets has paid off. But there is no room for complacency.

China economy

Opinion | US-China rivalry: great powers that don’t make things won’t be great for long

As globalisation falters, it is countries that focus on building productive capacity, not financial excess, that will come out on top.

China trade

New expansion rules: Chinese firms seeking salvation abroad urged to ‘go local’

Industry stalwarts such as Gree stress cultural integration and warn against exporting insular enclaves – in other words, leave the personal chef behind.

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Many Chinese enterprises face a climate of rising geopolitical risks, and these affect how they do business abroad. Photo: Xinhua
European Union

Opinion | The India-EU trade pact is a rebuke of US economic coercion

Beyond trade liberalisation, the partnership will weaken Washington’s ability to use tariffs as leverage and dictate the rules of global economic engagement.

From the left, European Council President Antonio Costa, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen raise their joined hands at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on January 27. Photo: Handout via dpa
Asean

Asian Angle | ‘Old order is not coming back’: Trump’s US, not China, threatens status quo

American unpredictability is pushing countries to hedge more proactively – and, ironically, soften existing tensions with China.

US-China relations

How will China respond as US expands foreign ship seizures?

The question is whether high-seas US actions will alarm Beijing into deploying naval safeguards or prompt similar moves in Taiwan Strait.

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US-China relations

WTO faults US in dispute brought by China over clean energy subsidies

Large tax credits under Biden’s landmark climate law are inconsistent with WTO agreements and should be withdrawn, a panel ruled.

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The World Trade Organization logo is seen at its headquarters in Geneva in February 2024. Photo: AFP
India

Why India should tackle pollution more urgently than tariffs

The adverse impact of pollution could lead to significant health and economic costs for India if left unchecked.

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United States

Outside In | Gradually, then suddenly, the world is waking up to the US threat

Middle powers are pivoting to Beijing and hedging with new partners as China’s economic displacement of the US rapidly expands.

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China economy

Opinion | Fears of overcapacity ignore China’s full balance of payments picture

The right question to ask is whether China’s overall current account represents a destabilising imbalance that siphons growth from trading partners.

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People shop at an international duty free shopping centre in Haikou, Hainan province, on December 18, 2025. Photo: Xinhua
US-China relations

Senate bills give clear message to Trump to back Taiwan as Xi meeting approaches

Thursday’s bills send signal to White House that US partnership with Taipei must not be forgotten as Trump threatens Cuba tariffs.

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US President Donald Trump was reminded that Taipei still merits support after a US congressional panel advanced four Taiwan-related bills on Thursday. Photo: Reuters
US-China relations

Opinion | How the world can design a new trade architecture

Even as the US overhauls world trade norms, China’s quiet but influential role in redefining globalisation is impossible to ignore.

United States

US trade deficit widens sharply, reversing big pullback lauded by Trump

The US president touted the success of his tariffs after the trade gap fell to an earlier low, but the figure has since boomeranged back.

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China-UK relations

Britain’s Starmer hopes gift of Man United match ball scores with China’s Xi

Reviving a familiar playbook, the British leader uses football to seek diplomatic headway during an official visit to Beijing.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping’s enthusiasm for football was on display during a visit to Ireland’s Croke Park in 2012, when he was vice-president. Photo: Reuters
US-China relations

Do Americans think China will overtake the US? The results are in

Washington think tank takes the public’s temperature on global power and influence.

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China’s biggest advantage over the US is technology, according to a poll of Americans. Photo: Shutterstock
Banking & finance

Macroscope | Trump weaponises trade as globalisation becomes more fractured

As recognised by Canada, the fracturing of the global economy is in full swing. Policymakers and businesses should expect it to continue.

Xi Jinping

Video | UK PM starts China state visit ahead of Xi meeting

Trade and the economy to top British prime minister’s agenda as London navigates ‘re-engagement’ with Beijing, analysts say.

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