Trade
California ports see new wave of freight containers as ships try to beat China tariff hike
A truck passes by shipping containers at the Port of Los Angeles. Mark Ralston | Afp | Getty Images A new wave of ocean freight from China is beginning to arrive at the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach, an increased flow of shipping containers aiming to beat potential tariff increases. President Trump imposed […]
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Middle East ocean freight rates soar on Iran conflict, Strait of Hormuz shipping risks
Tankers are seen at the Khor Fakkan Container Terminal, the only natural deep-sea port in the region and one of the major container ports in the Sharjah Emirate, along the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which one-fifth of global oil output passes on June 23, 2025. Giuseppe Cacace | Afp | Getty Images Ocean […]
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The Iran-Israel conflict isn’t denting Chinese business optimism in the Middle East
Key Points Chinese shipments to Dubai’s logistics hub have risen by 20% this month from a year ago, according to estimates from Bear Huo, China general manager at FundPark. Chinese companies have increasingly turned to the region in the last few years. “A more stable Middle East serves China’s economic and strategic interests,” said an […]
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Canada to address unfair trade in steel and aluminum sectors, Carney says
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomes U.S. President Donald Trump,as he arrives for the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, June 16, 2025. Chris Helgren | Reuters Canada will soon adopt tariff measures to address risks associated with persistent global overcapacity and unfair trade in steel and aluminum, Prime Minister Mark Carney told reporters […]
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Fund managers are pouring money into emerging markets. Here’s where investors see opportunities
Volatility has gripped global equity markets this year — and according to some asset managers, now could be the perfect time to rethink emerging markets. Developing economies were hit particularly hard by U.S. President Donald Trump’s so-called “reciprocal tariffs” plans when he unveiled them in April, with Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Vietnam slapped with tariffs […]
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These are the sticking points holding up a U.S.-EU trade deal
The EU and US flags flutter next to the military hub for Ukraine, in Jasionka, south-east Poland on March 6, 2025. Sergei Gapon | Afp | Getty Images The U.S. and European Union are running out of time to strike a deal on trade tariffs — and analysts say several key sticking points could make […]
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‘Tariff engineering’ is making a comeback as businesses employ creative ways to skirt higher duties
Colorful display of All Star Converse sneakers in shoe store, Manhattan, New York. Lindsey Nicholson | Universal Images Group | Getty Images Would you be bothered if your coat was officially classified as a windbreaker or a raincoat, or your shoes as slippers? Businesses do care though, as classifications under a preferred category can help […]
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Japan exports fall at sharpest pace in 8 months as U.S. shipments plummet
Shipping container loads dock at Tokyo Bay. Japan is heavily reliant on exports (e.g., automobiles, electronics), faces risks from U.S. tariffs, especially on cars (a proposed 25% tariff during Trump’s first term was deferred but remains a concern). Higher tariffs could reduce Japan’s U.S. market access, increase consumer prices, and hurt GDP growth. However, Japan’s […]
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‘Because I like them’: The UK has a magic formula that won over Trump
US President Donald Trump (L) shakes hands with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as they speak to reporters after meeting during the Group of Seven (G7) Summit at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada on June 16, 2025. Brendan Smialowski | Afp | Getty Images President Donald Trump’s mercurial nature and leadership […]
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Europe is trying to woo Southeast Asia — but it won’t win it over the U.S. or China
France’s President Emmanuel Macron gives the keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue Summit in Singapore on May 30, 2025. Ludovic Marin | Afp | Getty Images European leaders are looking to Southeast Asia with renewed interest amid Washington’s aggressive tariff agenda, but experts warn that the state of regional trade ties makes it challenging to […]
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