Wheat is a staple food item for around 35% of global population. Wheat imports are crucial for many countries. Russia is the world's top exporter, while Ukraine ranks sixth. They supply over a quarter of the wheat worldwide. Both are at war, resulting in a global wheat shortage. India is the world's second largest wheat producer, with a 14% share. However, because most of it is consumed locally, India's portion of exports is only 0.5%.

Wheat: How important is it to the world and why has India banned its export?

The G7 nations have criticised India's decision on the wheat export ban, saying that the move will worsen the crisis. Indian surprisingly found support from China on the issue, which said that blaming developing countries like India won't solve the global food crisis.

India gets unlikely support from China over wheat export ban

In what is said to be an economic fall out of the Russia-Ukraine war, World's top oil producer Indonesia banned palm oil exports.

Economic fall out of Russia-Ukraine war: Indonesia bans palm oil exports

As some nations look at conflict as opportunities, they try to leverage situation but there are others like India that lead from the front and providing aid in ever possible manner. India has now stepped in the market and will export almost about 7 million tons of its 107 million tons of wheat produced in the country every year.

India to export 1 million tons of wheat to Egypt

Still reeling from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the lives of millions of factory workers in Bangladesh. Mariam Wardak explains the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on Bangladesh's garment exporters.

South Asia Diary | Uncertainty surrounds Dhaka's garment export

India's exports touched a record high of $418 billion in 2021-22, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Sunday. 
 
"In March, India's exports touched around $40 billion which is itself a record as we have never bagged such a huge amount from exports in a month ever before," he added.

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Addressing a media briefing here, Goyal said that during 2021-22, $30 billion export was recorded on a monthly basis, and this was despite the second and third wave of Coronavirus pandemic hitting the country hard. 
 
The engineering goods exports hit a record $111 billion, of which about $16 billion worth goods were shipped to the US&nbsp;alone. 
 
"Our MSME sector, farmers, everybody together took India to new heights successfully," Goyal said.

Watch |&nbsp;Gudi Padwa: India's financial capital Mumbai welcomes New Year 
&nbsp;

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Mentioning about 'RRR'&nbsp;film, the Union Minister said it has been learnt that the film has done the highest-ever business of Rs 750 crore in the history of Indian cinema. 
 
Goyal said that similarly, Indian economy is also ready to break all records and the country has the capability to achieve impossible targets.

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"The growth has occurred in sectors that has smaller enterprises and involves the agriculture sector. I congratulate the farmers for raising the agricultural produce. Wheat exports have grown from 2 lakh tonnes in 2019-20 to 21.55 lakh tonnes last year and to over 70 lakh tonnes in 2021-22," the Commerce Minister said. 
 
Similar growth has been recorded in jute products, textiles, leather, gems and jewellery and other labour intensive sectors. 
 
"We will continue to work hard to enhance the capacity of MSMEs and farm sector to raise exports and create jobs," he added.

India's exports touched a record high of $418 billion in 2021-22, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Sunday. "In March, India's exports touched around $40 billion which is itself a record as we have never bagged such a huge amount from exports in a month ever before," he added.

India's exports touched a record high of $418 billion in 2021-22, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Sunday. "In March, India's exports touched around $40 billion which is itself a record as we have never bagged such a huge amount from exports in a month ever before," he added. Also read | Covid vaccine Covaxin supply through UN procurement agencies suspended by WHO Addressing a media briefing here, Goyal said that during 2021-22, $30 billion export was recorded on a monthly basis, and this was despite the second and third wave of Coronavirus pandemic hitting the country hard. The engineering goods exports hit a record $111 billion, of which about $16 billion worth goods were shipped to the US alone. "Our MSME sector, farmers, everybody together took India to new heights successfully," Goyal said. Watch | Gudi Padwa: India's financial capital Mumbai welcomes New Year Mentioning about 'RRR' film, the Union Minister said it has been learnt that the film has done the highest-ever business of Rs 750 crore in the history of Indian cinema. Goyal said that similarly, Indian economy is also ready to break all records and the country has the capability to achieve impossible targets. Also read | Amid economic crisis, India to send rice to Sri Lanka as part of credit facility "The growth has occurred in sectors that has smaller enterprises and involves the agriculture sector. I congratulate the farmers for raising the agricultural produce. Wheat exports have grown from 2 lakh tonnes in 2019-20 to 21.55 lakh tonnes last year and to over 70 lakh tonnes in 2021-22," the Commerce Minister said. Similar growth has been recorded in jute products, textiles, leather, gems and jewellery and other labour intensive sectors. "We will continue to work hard to enhance the capacity of MSMEs and farm sector to raise exports and create jobs," he added.

India's export touches record $418 billion in 2021-22, says Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal

&nbsp;The&nbsp;prices&nbsp;of&nbsp;red&nbsp;chilli&nbsp;peppers are surging as output in&nbsp;top&nbsp;exporter&nbsp;India&nbsp;is set to drop by a fifth from a year ago, hit by an invasive pest attack and&nbsp;damage&nbsp;from unseasonal rain in key southern producing states.

Lower production has boosted&nbsp;prices&nbsp;by 80% in four months to a record high and&nbsp;prices&nbsp;are likely to stay high through the year, forcing overseas buyers to shell out more at a time when the&nbsp;prices&nbsp;of fuel and other food ingredients are also soaring.

"The pest attack was widespread," said D. Kanungo, a trader from the biggest producing state of Andhra Pradesh. "In many areas, it forced farmers to uproot plants during the flowering stage."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-relief-for-indian-students-in-sumy-russia-announces-ceasefire-for-humanitarian-purposes-459790">In a relief for Indian students in Sumy, Russia announces ceasefire for humanitarian purposes</a>

As a result, farmers fear an output drop of at least 20%, he added.

India, the world's biggest&nbsp;exporter&nbsp;of&nbsp;red&nbsp;chillis, shipped out 578,800 tonnes in 2021, up nearly 8% from a year ago.

Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the United States accounted for the bulk of its exports of $1.3 billion in 2021.

Chilli&nbsp;plants were badly hit by thrips and the infestation spread despite heavy use of pesticide, said Mahankal Rao, a 46-year-old farmer, who planted the&nbsp;crop&nbsp;on his two-acre farm at Guntur in Andhra Pradesh.

"For me, yields were lower, despite heavy use of pesticides, but some farmers gave up and didn't use pesticides," said Rao, who has been planting&nbsp;chillies for nearly three decades.

The invasive pest species Thrips parvispinus must be tackled quickly but many farmers abandoned affected fields, allowing it to spread, said a senior agronomist at the&nbsp;Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

Farmers have now been reporting lower yields as the pest caused large-scale shedding of flowers, malformation of fruit and fruit drops, he said.

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SPIRALING&nbsp;PRICES

Farmers have completed harvesting but are going slow on releasing the&nbsp;crop&nbsp;into the market, said Alepata Srinivas Rao, a trader based in Guntur.

"Farmers know supplies are limited and they are anticipating further price rises, so they are delaying sales," Rao said.

Wholesale&nbsp;prices&nbsp;in&nbsp;India's biggest spot market of Guntur have risen to 18,000 rupees ($234) per 100 kg from about 10,000 rupees in November.

Indian spices companies worried about supplies have been making aggressive purchases in the past few months, which also aided&nbsp;prices, said A.P.J. Arun, an&nbsp;exporter&nbsp;in Guntur.

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But export demand will determine the price trend in coming months, said Arun, adding, "We need to see how buyers react to higher&nbsp;prices."

Though&nbsp;prices&nbsp;are high, overseas buyers cannot replace&nbsp;Indian&nbsp;chillis with those from any other origin, said trader Kanungo.

"No one has a massive surplus to replace&nbsp;Indian supplies," he said. "And for buyers, taste is also important. Other origins don't offer the same flavour."

Chilli&nbsp;production in Pakistan, another&nbsp;exporter, has also fallen because of erratic weather, traders said.

The prices of red chilli peppers are surging as output in top exporter India is set to drop by a fifth from a year ago, hit by an invasive pest attack and damage from unseasonal rain in key southern producing states.

The prices of red chilli peppers are surging as output in top exporter India is set to drop by a fifth from a year ago, hit by an invasive pest attack and damage from unseasonal rain in key southern producing states. Lower production has boosted prices by 80% in four months to a record high and prices are likely to stay high through the year, forcing overseas buyers to shell out more at a time when the prices of fuel and other food ingredients are also soaring. "The pest attack was widespread," said D. Kanungo, a trader from the biggest producing state of Andhra Pradesh. "In many areas, it forced farmers to uproot plants during the flowering stage." Also read | In a relief for Indian students in Sumy, Russia announces ceasefire for humanitarian purposes As a result, farmers fear an output drop of at least 20%, he added. India, the world's biggest exporter of red chillis, shipped out 578,800 tonnes in 2021, up nearly 8% from a year ago. Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the United States accounted for the bulk of its exports of $1.3 billion in 2021. Chilli plants were badly hit by thrips and the infestation spread despite heavy use of pesticide, said Mahankal Rao, a 46-year-old farmer, who planted the crop on his two-acre farm at Guntur in Andhra Pradesh. "For me, yields were lower, despite heavy use of pesticides, but some farmers gave up and didn't use pesticides," said Rao, who has been planting chillies for nearly three decades. The invasive pest species Thrips parvispinus must be tackled quickly but many farmers abandoned affected fields, allowing it to spread, said a senior agronomist at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Farmers have now been reporting lower yields as the pest caused large-scale shedding of flowers, malformation of fruit and fruit drops, he said. Also read | Mukul Arya, India's envoy to Palestine, found dead at office SPIRALING PRICES Farmers have completed harvesting but are going slow on releasing the crop into the market, said Alepata Srinivas Rao, a trader based in Guntur. "Farmers know supplies are limited and they are anticipating further price rises, so they are delaying sales," Rao said. Wholesale prices in India's biggest spot market of Guntur have risen to 18,000 rupees ($234) per 100 kg from about 10,000 rupees in November. Indian spices companies worried about supplies have been making aggressive purchases in the past few months, which also aided prices, said A.P.J. Arun, an exporter in Guntur. Also read | Indian shares plummet over 2% as oil prices soar on Ukraine crisis But export demand will determine the price trend in coming months, said Arun, adding, "We need to see how buyers react to higher prices." Though prices are high, overseas buyers cannot replace Indian chillis with those from any other origin, said trader Kanungo. "No one has a massive surplus to replace Indian supplies," he said. "And for buyers, taste is also important. Other origins don't offer the same flavour." Chilli production in Pakistan, another exporter, has also fallen because of erratic weather, traders said.

Red chilli pepper prices surge on crop damage in top exporter India

India&nbsp;is&nbsp;set&nbsp;to&nbsp;export&nbsp;a&nbsp;record&nbsp;7&nbsp;million&nbsp;tonnes&nbsp;of&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;this&nbsp;year&nbsp;as a rally in global prices gives the world's second biggest producer of the grain an opportunity to gain market share, a top government official said.

"Indian&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;exports have picked up," Sudhanshu Pandey, the most senior civil servant at the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, told reporters on Saturday.

"By the end of February, we had already&nbsp;exported 6.6&nbsp;million&nbsp;tonnes&nbsp;of&nbsp;wheat. Still one month is left."

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In the 2012-13 fiscal&nbsp;year,&nbsp;India&nbsp;shipped a&nbsp;record&nbsp;6.5&nbsp;million&nbsp;tonnes.

A recent rally in international prices has made&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;shipments more lucrative for traders.

Benchmark&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;prices in Chicago have surged by more than 40% this week on fears of supply disruptions due to sanctions on Russia and the war in Ukraine.

Russia and Ukraine together account for 30% of world&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;exports.

Traders last week said&nbsp;India's&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;exports were expected to accelerate with a flurry of enquiries from buyers seeking alternatives to Black Sea shipments.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-official-slams-pak-for-sending-inedible-wheat-says-indias-far-better-reports-459159">Taliban official slams Pak for sending inedible wheat, says India’s far better: Reports</a>

India&nbsp;will also send 50,000&nbsp;tonnes&nbsp;of&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;to Afghanistan, Pandey said, in a bid to help the country facing poverty and hunger since the takeover by the Taliban last&nbsp;year.

New Delhi has already sent 4,000&nbsp;tonnes&nbsp;of the grain to Afghanistan via an infrequently used land route through Pakistan.

India is set to export a record 7 million tonnes of wheat this year as a rally in global prices gives the world's second biggest producer of the grain an opportunity to gain market share, a top government official said.

India is set to export a record 7 million tonnes of wheat this year as a rally in global prices gives the world's second biggest producer of the grain an opportunity to gain market share, a top government official said. "Indian wheat exports have picked up," Sudhanshu Pandey, the most senior civil servant at the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, told reporters on Saturday. "By the end of February, we had already exported 6.6 million tonnes of wheat. Still one month is left." Also read | Sigh of relief: 183 Indian citizens reach Delhi in special flight under Operation Ganga In the 2012-13 fiscal year, India shipped a record 6.5 million tonnes. A recent rally in international prices has made wheat shipments more lucrative for traders. Benchmark wheat prices in Chicago have surged by more than 40% this week on fears of supply disruptions due to sanctions on Russia and the war in Ukraine. Russia and Ukraine together account for 30% of world wheat exports. Traders last week said India's wheat exports were expected to accelerate with a flurry of enquiries from buyers seeking alternatives to Black Sea shipments. Also read | Taliban official slams Pak for sending inedible wheat, says India’s far better: Reports India will also send 50,000 tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan, Pandey said, in a bid to help the country facing poverty and hunger since the takeover by the Taliban last year. New Delhi has already sent 4,000 tonnes of the grain to Afghanistan via an infrequently used land route through Pakistan.

India set to export record 7 million tonnes wheat this year

Months before Russia launched an all-out military attack against Ukraine, the United States started sending lethal military equipment and protective aid to Kyiv anticipating a multipronged invasion, the Washington Post reported citing declassified shipment list.

According to the report, the Pentagon had started sending arms as early as December. It had sent shotguns and specialized suits to safeguard soldiers handling unexploded ordnance.

The US newspaper further states that the volume of such exports increased dramatically in the last week with the Biden administration sending Stinger antiaircraft missile systems for the first time and supplying antitank Javelin missiles among other ammunition.

“This is a continuous process. We are always, always looking at what Ukraine needs, and we’ve been doing this for years now,” Washington Post quoted a senior defence official who was speaking to reporters on Friday on the condition of anonymity.

In February, US approved a $350 million in military assistance to Ukraine, of which $240 million has already been transferred, the official was quoted as saying said.

The United States, which is one of 14 countries that have delivered security assistance to Ukraine, committed about $3 billion in military aid to Ukraine since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014.

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The revelations come days after US President Joe Biden announced that US forces would not engage with the Russian forces in Ukraine.

Biden clarified that the US troops were deployed to Europe not to fight in Ukraine, "but to defend our NATO allies in the event that Putin decides to keep moving west."

"For that purpose, we have mobilised American ground forces, air squadrons, ship deployments to protect NATO countries, including Poland, Romania, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cyber-armageddon-in-europe-thousands-go-offline-following-russia-ukraine-war-says-report-459113">Cyberattack: Thousands in Europe go offline after Russia-Ukraine war</a>

At least 331 civilians are confirmed killed and 675 injured in Ukraine since Russia's invasion began on February 24, but the real toll is likely much higher, the UN has said.

Russian troops have 'blockaded' Ukraine's strategic port city Mauripol, the city's mayor announced today (Saturday).

Located on the Sea of Azov, the city of 450,000 people has been bombarded by shelling and cut off without water or electricity in the depths of winter.

Watch |&nbsp;Aerial bombardments hit the Kyiv region as Russia intensifies attacks amid invasion of Ukraine

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/aerial-bombardments-hit-the-kyiv-region-as-russia-intensifies-attacks-amid-invasion-of-ukraine-459186/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Months before Russia launched an all-out military attack against Ukraine, the United States started sending lethal military equipment and protective aid to Kyiv anticipating a multipronged invasion, the Washington Post reported citing declassified shipment list.

Months before Russia launched an all-out military attack against Ukraine, the United States started sending lethal military equipment and protective aid to Kyiv anticipating a multipronged invasion, the Washington Post reported citing declassified shipment list. According to the report, the Pentagon had started sending arms as early as December. It had sent shotguns and specialized suits to safeguard soldiers handling unexploded ordnance. The US newspaper further states that the volume of such exports increased dramatically in the last week with the Biden administration sending Stinger antiaircraft missile systems for the first time and supplying antitank Javelin missiles among other ammunition. “This is a continuous process. We are always, always looking at what Ukraine needs, and we’ve been doing this for years now,” Washington Post quoted a senior defence official who was speaking to reporters on Friday on the condition of anonymity. In February, US approved a $350 million in military assistance to Ukraine, of which $240 million has already been transferred, the official was quoted as saying said. The United States, which is one of 14 countries that have delivered security assistance to Ukraine, committed about $3 billion in military aid to Ukraine since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. Also read | Ukraine crisis: Russia declares ceasefire in 2 Ukrainian cities for evacuation The revelations come days after US President Joe Biden announced that US forces would not engage with the Russian forces in Ukraine. Biden clarified that the US troops were deployed to Europe not to fight in Ukraine, "but to defend our NATO allies in the event that Putin decides to keep moving west." "For that purpose, we have mobilised American ground forces, air squadrons, ship deployments to protect NATO countries, including Poland, Romania, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia," he added. Also read | Cyberattack: Thousands in Europe go offline after Russia-Ukraine war At least 331 civilians are confirmed killed and 675 injured in Ukraine since Russia's invasion began on February 24, but the real toll is likely much higher, the UN has said. Russian troops have 'blockaded' Ukraine's strategic port city Mauripol, the city's mayor announced today (Saturday). Located on the Sea of Azov, the city of 450,000 people has been bombarded by shelling and cut off without water or electricity in the depths of winter. Watch | Aerial bombardments hit the Kyiv region as Russia intensifies attacks amid invasion of Ukraine (With inputs from agencies)

Months before Russian invasion, US started sending missiles, ammunition to Ukraine: Report

The export registration in Jammu and Kashmir has gone up by 173 per cent in 2021, government data has revealed.

The Government of Jammu and Kashmir shared the data&nbsp;which showed that a total of 2,863 Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) registrations have been done till date in the state.

Moreover, the value of exports from the last five years has increased from US$ 124.47 million to US$ 159.64 million.

IEC is a key business identification number that is mandatory for exports or imports. According to the government, the number of IECs issued in Jammu and Kashmir has increased from 204 registrations in 2020 to 557 in 2021.

Such numbers were achieved thanks to a joint initiative Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion and Organisation in collaboration with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.

The collaboration was aimed to achieve the vision of export promotion under the Government of India’s vision of the ‘District as Export Hub’ initiative.

They had organised various registration drives, training-cum-capacity building workshops for strengthening the export scenario of J&amp;K.

More than 40 items from 20 districts of J&amp;K under the One District One Product have been selected and finalized by apex level Export Promotion Committee.

“A series of buyer-seller meets have been organised in association with different consulates in order to promote various products from Agriculture &amp; Handloom and Handicraft Sector and intends to do the same in near future also,” the Jammu and Kashmir government said in a statement.&nbsp;

The government intends to create an international brand for all the identified local products and give all the necessary support to interested exporters for promotion of their products and making connections with interested importers.

“As per the vision of the Prime Minister each district of our country has a diverse identity and potential for global market and we from the Department of Industries and Commerce have reached out to existing and potential Exporters. The UT of J&amp;K under the active guidance of Lieutenant Governor, Jammu and Kashmir is now on a fast transition path for opening global markets for the UT’s products and services,” said Ankita Kar, Managing Director, JKTPO.&nbsp;

The government expects the numbers of the registration of Importer-Exporter Code to go further up in 2022.&nbsp;

The export registration in Jammu and Kashmir has gone up by 173 per cent in 2021, government data has revealed. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir shared the data which showed that a total of 2,863 Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) registrations have been done till date in the state.

The export registration in Jammu and Kashmir has gone up by 173 per cent in 2021, government data has revealed. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir shared the data which showed that a total of 2,863 Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) registrations have been done till date in the state. Moreover, the value of exports from the last five years has increased from US$ 124.47 million to US$ 159.64 million. IEC is a key business identification number that is mandatory for exports or imports. According to the government, the number of IECs issued in Jammu and Kashmir has increased from 204 registrations in 2020 to 557 in 2021. Such numbers were achieved thanks to a joint initiative Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion and Organisation in collaboration with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. The collaboration was aimed to achieve the vision of export promotion under the Government of India’s vision of the ‘District as Export Hub’ initiative. They had organised various registration drives, training-cum-capacity building workshops for strengthening the export scenario of J&K. More than 40 items from 20 districts of J&K under the One District One Product have been selected and finalized by apex level Export Promotion Committee. “A series of buyer-seller meets have been organised in association with different consulates in order to promote various products from Agriculture & Handloom and Handicraft Sector and intends to do the same in near future also,” the Jammu and Kashmir government said in a statement. The government intends to create an international brand for all the identified local products and give all the necessary support to interested exporters for promotion of their products and making connections with interested importers. “As per the vision of the Prime Minister each district of our country has a diverse identity and potential for global market and we from the Department of Industries and Commerce have reached out to existing and potential Exporters. The UT of J&K under the active guidance of Lieutenant Governor, Jammu and Kashmir is now on a fast transition path for opening global markets for the UT’s products and services,” said Ankita Kar, Managing Director, JKTPO. The government expects the numbers of the registration of Importer-Exporter Code to go further up in 2022.

Export registration in Jammu and Kashmir goes up by 173 per cent

India's $375-billion defence deal with the Philippines is a huge boost to New Delhi's hopes of becoming an exporter of defence platforms. But what will be India’s next big defence export? Can the LCA 'Tejas' become a "game-changer" for India’s defence manufacturing?

Can Tejas become India's next biggest defence export to the world?

Colombia is one of the largest producers of flowers in the world, with roses carnations and orchids being the most popular flower producers.

Farmers in Colombia expect flower exports to surge this year

China's imposition of 'undeclared blockade' against Nepal has severely disrupted traffic of consumer items across the border between the two countries. This is resulting in loss of millions of rupees. China is attempting to tighten its grip on Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani, the two most crucial trading points.

China is using the pretext of Covid prevention and only allowing two to three truckloads of goods each day from the trading points into Nepal.

“Since two years the trading with China has come down drastically. After the 2015 earthquake, Tatopani was shut down for almost four years, and later when it was opened, the border once was again shut down by Chinese authorities citing COVID which slowed down the trading," says Ashok Shreshtha President of the Nepal Trans Himalayan Border Commerce Association.

He added that China should make arrangements for easy import and export of goods from the border.

Concerns are mounting in Nepal. At least 300 trucks are stuck at Kerung and Tatopani border points for last 16 months, Shreshtha said.

He stressed that traders were incurring heavy losses. Chinese government is not issuing visas to Nepalese traders as a result of which &nbsp;they are not ordering any goods from China.

<img alt="Maps" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="25c39907-2992-4461-b539-455605b203f0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/image_3.png" />

(Map shows&nbsp;location of trading points)

Earlier, it used to take only two weeks for container trucks to reach Nepal through the northern land border with China, but it now takes nearly three months for Chinese goods to reach Nepal when imported through Indian ports.

It appears unlikely that Chinese government is unaware of the reality at Nepal-China border.&nbsp;

A statement released by the Chinese side earlier said that they had opened cargo transportation to nepal

“The Chinese side opened one-way cargo transportation to Nepal by overcoming great difficulties and has continuously enhanced the ports' cargo handling capacity, which played an important role in ensuring the supply of anti-pandemic and livelihood materials in Nepal. We look forward to working with the Nepali side to overcome the present difficulties and make efforts to restore the economy and normal personnel exchanges.” Chinese Embassy in Nepal said in this statement on Jan 13, 2022.

However, China has not initiated any step to ease the trade deadlock between the two countries.&nbsp;

In addition to the blockade, the Chinese side has also banned entry of Nepali citizens under the pretext of Covid prevention. Nepalese MBBS students in China have been barred from entering the country.

Communist parties warm up to each other

While Nepali citizens face difficulties, Communist parties of both countries are warming up to each other.

Nepal adheres to the “One China” policy and had also signed China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for different infrastructure projects when Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal was the Prime Minister in 2017.&nbsp;

Recently, Dahal held an hour-long hush-hush virtual meeting last week with Song Tao, the high-ranking head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC).&nbsp;

Chinese leader Song Tao said China wants to deepen traditional ties with Nepal's political parties based on mutual political trust.&nbsp;

It appears that China is hina is being heavy-handed in dealing with Nepal and enforcing an undeclared blockade because the present coalition headed by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is perceived as being 'pro-India' and 'pro-West'.

As per Trade and Export Promotion Centre in&nbsp;Nepal:

Chinese imports to Nepal have shrunk by 3 per cent of its imports in a span of 2 years&nbsp;

2019-20: 17.6%

Current: 14.6%

China mainly exports electronic goods and garments to Nepal.&nbsp;

Nepal export to China have been reduced to lowest ever percentage in these countries' trading history.

2019-20: 1.8%

Current: 0.4%&nbsp;

Nepal mainly exports carpets, handicraft items, traditional items to China.&nbsp;

China's imposition of 'undeclared blockade' against Nepal has severely disrupted traffic of consumer items across the border between the two countries. This is resulting in loss of millions of rupees.

China's imposition of 'undeclared blockade' against Nepal has severely disrupted traffic of consumer items across the border between the two countries. This is resulting in loss of millions of rupees. China is attempting to tighten its grip on Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani, the two most crucial trading points. China is using the pretext of Covid prevention and only allowing two to three truckloads of goods each day from the trading points into Nepal. “Since two years the trading with China has come down drastically. After the 2015 earthquake, Tatopani was shut down for almost four years, and later when it was opened, the border once was again shut down by Chinese authorities citing COVID which slowed down the trading," says Ashok Shreshtha President of the Nepal Trans Himalayan Border Commerce Association. He added that China should make arrangements for easy import and export of goods from the border. Concerns are mounting in Nepal. At least 300 trucks are stuck at Kerung and Tatopani border points for last 16 months, Shreshtha said. He stressed that traders were incurring heavy losses. Chinese government is not issuing visas to Nepalese traders as a result of which they are not ordering any goods from China. (Map shows location of trading points) Earlier, it used to take only two weeks for container trucks to reach Nepal through the northern land border with China, but it now takes nearly three months for Chinese goods to reach Nepal when imported through Indian ports. It appears unlikely that Chinese government is unaware of the reality at Nepal-China border. A statement released by the Chinese side earlier said that they had opened cargo transportation to nepal “The Chinese side opened one-way cargo transportation to Nepal by overcoming great difficulties and has continuously enhanced the ports' cargo handling capacity, which played an important role in ensuring the supply of anti-pandemic and livelihood materials in Nepal. We look forward to working with the Nepali side to overcome the present difficulties and make efforts to restore the economy and normal personnel exchanges.” Chinese Embassy in Nepal said in this statement on Jan 13, 2022. However, China has not initiated any step to ease the trade deadlock between the two countries. In addition to the blockade, the Chinese side has also banned entry of Nepali citizens under the pretext of Covid prevention. Nepalese MBBS students in China have been barred from entering the country. Communist parties warm up to each other While Nepali citizens face difficulties, Communist parties of both countries are warming up to each other. Nepal adheres to the “One China” policy and had also signed China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for different infrastructure projects when Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal was the Prime Minister in 2017. Recently, Dahal held an hour-long hush-hush virtual meeting last week with Song Tao, the high-ranking head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Chinese leader Song Tao said China wants to deepen traditional ties with Nepal's political parties based on mutual political trust. It appears that China is hina is being heavy-handed in dealing with Nepal and enforcing an undeclared blockade because the present coalition headed by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is perceived as being 'pro-India' and 'pro-West'. As per Trade and Export Promotion Centre in Nepal: Chinese imports to Nepal have shrunk by 3 per cent of its imports in a span of 2 years 2019-20: 17.6% Current: 14.6% China mainly exports electronic goods and garments to Nepal. Nepal export to China have been reduced to lowest ever percentage in these countries' trading history. 2019-20: 1.8% Current: 0.4% Nepal mainly exports carpets, handicraft items, traditional items to China.

Ground report: China imposes 'undeclared blockade' against Nepal

Various Latin American environmental experts and organisations&nbsp;have asked the US to decrease plastic waste exports to the region. The US is the biggest contributor to global plastic waste in the world as it contributed around 42 million metric tons of plastic waste in 2016. Also, a report revealed that the US had doubled exports to some countries in Latin America&nbsp;during the first seven months of 2020.&nbsp;

As per a study by the Last Beach Cleanup, over 75 per cent of imports to the region come to Mexico as it received more than 32,650 tons. El Salvador was second, with 4,054 tons. Ecuador was in the third position third, with 3,665 tons.

Fernanda Solíz, the health area director at the Simón Bolívar University, in a report by The Guardian said, "The cross-border plastic waste trade is perhaps one of the most nefarious expressions of the commercialisation of common goods and the colonial occupation of territories of the geopolitical south to turn them into sacrifice zones."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-scale-deluge-report-reveals-us-is-the-worlds-biggest-plastic-polluter-433451">Also read |&nbsp;'Global scale deluge': Report reveals US is the world's biggest plastic polluter</a>

Meanwhile, a report titled "Reckoning with the US Role in Global Ocean Plastic Waste," states that every American generates 130 kg of plastic waste per year.&nbsp;

Accounting to a 20-fold increase over half a century, global plastic production increased from 20 million metric tons in 1966 to 381 million metric tons in 2015.&nbsp;

There are a few nations that are doing their bit to fight against the problem of increasing plastic. For instance, the UK government is planning to ban single-use plastic plates and cutlery and polystyrene cups. France has decided to ban plastic packaging for nearly all fruit and vegetables from January 2022 in a bid to reduce plastic waste, followed by Spain which aims at banning the sale of fruit and vegetables wrapped in plastic from 2023.

(With inputs from agencies)

Various Latin American environmental experts and organisations have asked the US to decrease plastic waste exports to the region. The US is the biggest contributor to global plastic waste in the world as it contributed around 42 million metric tons of plastic waste in 2016.

Various Latin American environmental experts and organisations have asked the US to decrease plastic waste exports to the region. The US is the biggest contributor to global plastic waste in the world as it contributed around 42 million metric tons of plastic waste in 2016. Also, a report revealed that the US had doubled exports to some countries in Latin America during the first seven months of 2020. As per a study by the Last Beach Cleanup, over 75 per cent of imports to the region come to Mexico as it received more than 32,650 tons. El Salvador was second, with 4,054 tons. Ecuador was in the third position third, with 3,665 tons. Fernanda Solíz, the health area director at the Simón Bolívar University, in a report by The Guardian said, "The cross-border plastic waste trade is perhaps one of the most nefarious expressions of the commercialisation of common goods and the colonial occupation of territories of the geopolitical south to turn them into sacrifice zones." Also read | 'Global scale deluge': Report reveals US is the world's biggest plastic polluter Meanwhile, a report titled "Reckoning with the US Role in Global Ocean Plastic Waste," states that every American generates 130 kg of plastic waste per year. Accounting to a 20-fold increase over half a century, global plastic production increased from 20 million metric tons in 1966 to 381 million metric tons in 2015. There are a few nations that are doing their bit to fight against the problem of increasing plastic. For instance, the UK government is planning to ban single-use plastic plates and cutlery and polystyrene cups. France has decided to ban plastic packaging for nearly all fruit and vegetables from January 2022 in a bid to reduce plastic waste, followed by Spain which aims at banning the sale of fruit and vegetables wrapped in plastic from 2023. (With inputs from agencies)

Latin American organisations urge US to curb plastic waste export

Ladakh is among one of the topmost travelled destinations in the country, with breathtaking beautiful mountain ranges to freshwater lakes.&nbsp;

It has been one of the most visited places by tourists in India.

Now, the government is promoting the horticulture Industry in the Union Territory.&nbsp;

Apricots from Ladakh are famous and of high quality.&nbsp;

For the first time, the government is exporting the fruit to Dubai. Apricots are one of the major fruits with a very distinctive taste and texture produced in Ladakh.&nbsp;Around half a dozen varieties of apricots are grown in Ladakh.&nbsp;

<img alt="Apricots " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9a6ec9fd-e64a-4d39-85ad-9d533a9b7258" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Image%20%282%29.jpeg" />

Most of them are of high quality.

It is the primary cash crop for the farmers of Kargil and was never exported before.&nbsp;

However, this year, the government with help of a private farmer-centric firm undertook this task to market the apricots from Ladakh.

<img alt="apricot " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="af49b58b-88e1-4ad8-a737-3814abd1ef1d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Image%20%281%29.jpeg" />

''The event marks an important milestone for Kargil, the fruit has not only been sent to the Indian market but also to the international market, with their first order of 150 kg from Dubai. Paving the way for local entrepreneurs to participate in the value chain of Apricot, this initiative would also ensure that the farmers of Kargil benefit from reduced wastage and receive an immediate realisation of the value of their crop. Apricot has recently been identified as the primary crop for Kargil under the ODOC programme of the Government of India.'' said Feroz Ahmad Khan, CEC LAHDC Kargil.

The farmers from Ladakh are happy that this initiative was taken by the government along with a private firm Krishak Agritech.&nbsp;

Earlier the farmers could not send across the fresh apricots from the Ladakh region.

''We are thankful to Krishak Agritech and It's because of them that we are able to export apricots. We only used to dry the apricots earlier but now we are able to send fresh apricots to dubai. People are extremely happy by this step.'' said Mohd Abbas, Farmer Kargil.

Krishak Agritech has exported 20 MT of fresh apricots procured from more than 200 farmers of UT of Ladakh.&nbsp;

The value of this is around 30 Lakh rupees and also generating an avenue of employment for the locals.

''We have a plan to set up a food processing unit before next season of apricot. We will also teach farmers how to hygienically dry the apricots," said &nbsp;Naveen Gahlawat, Founder, Krishak Agritech. &nbsp;

The government is now looking at other countries in the middle east to export the apricots.

Ladakh is among one of the topmost travelled destinations in the country, with breathtaking beautiful mountain ranges to freshwater lakes. It has been one of the most visited places by tourists in India.

Ladakh is among one of the topmost travelled destinations in the country, with breathtaking beautiful mountain ranges to freshwater lakes. It has been one of the most visited places by tourists in India. Now, the government is promoting the horticulture Industry in the Union Territory. Apricots from Ladakh are famous and of high quality. For the first time, the government is exporting the fruit to Dubai. Apricots are one of the major fruits with a very distinctive taste and texture produced in Ladakh. Around half a dozen varieties of apricots are grown in Ladakh. Most of them are of high quality. It is the primary cash crop for the farmers of Kargil and was never exported before. However, this year, the government with help of a private farmer-centric firm undertook this task to market the apricots from Ladakh. ''The event marks an important milestone for Kargil, the fruit has not only been sent to the Indian market but also to the international market, with their first order of 150 kg from Dubai. Paving the way for local entrepreneurs to participate in the value chain of Apricot, this initiative would also ensure that the farmers of Kargil benefit from reduced wastage and receive an immediate realisation of the value of their crop. Apricot has recently been identified as the primary crop for Kargil under the ODOC programme of the Government of India.'' said Feroz Ahmad Khan, CEC LAHDC Kargil. The farmers from Ladakh are happy that this initiative was taken by the government along with a private firm Krishak Agritech. Earlier the farmers could not send across the fresh apricots from the Ladakh region. ''We are thankful to Krishak Agritech and It's because of them that we are able to export apricots. We only used to dry the apricots earlier but now we are able to send fresh apricots to dubai. People are extremely happy by this step.'' said Mohd Abbas, Farmer Kargil. Krishak Agritech has exported 20 MT of fresh apricots procured from more than 200 farmers of UT of Ladakh. The value of this is around 30 Lakh rupees and also generating an avenue of employment for the locals. ''We have a plan to set up a food processing unit before next season of apricot. We will also teach farmers how to hygienically dry the apricots," said Naveen Gahlawat, Founder, Krishak Agritech. The government is now looking at other countries in the middle east to export the apricots.

Ladakh exports its first batch of Apricots to Dubai

Colombia gave the green light Friday to export dried cannabis flowers for use in medical products in addition to allowing manufacturers to produce goods such as textiles or food containing the plant.

In a bold embrace of a booming global market, President Ivan Duque signed a decree ending "the ban on the export of dried flower" in an event organised at Clever Leaves, one of the 18 multinationals that grows medicinal cannabis in Colombia.&nbsp;

Colombia "is coming in as a major player in the international market" for cannabis, Duque said.

Colombia, the world's top producer of cocaine and which has major cannabis production, legalised the production of medical marijuana in 2016.&nbsp;

Until now, however, it was only allowed to export extracts of the plant, not its flowers.

Authorities had feared that exportation of the flowers would allow them to be diverted to the illegal side of the trade.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-arrests-10-over-attacks-on-duques-helicopter-military-base-399923">Also read |&nbsp;Colombia arrests 10 over attacks on Duque's helicopter, military base</a>

In a letter sent to Duque on July 14, the cannabis cultivation company Canamonte argued that a rule against exportation of the flowers prevented growers from "accessing the largest and most profitable market segment of the medical cannabis industry."&nbsp;

Flowers, which concentrate the plant's medicinal and psychoactive compounds, "may represent 53 percent of this market worldwide," according to Duque.&nbsp;

The new authorisation also allows for the manufacture of "non-psychoactive derivatives" from the plant.&nbsp;

"We are no longer only in pharmaceutical use. We are opening the space to do much more in cosmetics... food and beverages" and even textiles, the president said.&nbsp;

Fabian Currea, Canamonte's director of cultivation, told AFP that ending the ban on exporting flowers "gives us the chance to explore new markets" and take advantage of the plant's low production costs in Colombia.&nbsp;

The rule also "helps control the informal market for fraudulent products" based on marijuana that has had a recent boom in Colombia, Currea said.&nbsp;

The government estimates that by 2024 the medical cannabis business could become a $64 billion industry.&nbsp;

Other countries in the region such as Uruguay, Ecuador and Peru have also legalized the production of marijuana for medicinal purposes.&nbsp;

Colombia gave the green light Friday to export dried cannabis flowers for use in medical products in addition to allowing manufacturers to produce goods such as textiles or food containing the plant.

Colombia gave the green light Friday to export dried cannabis flowers for use in medical products in addition to allowing manufacturers to produce goods such as textiles or food containing the plant. In a bold embrace of a booming global market, President Ivan Duque signed a decree ending "the ban on the export of dried flower" in an event organised at Clever Leaves, one of the 18 multinationals that grows medicinal cannabis in Colombia. Colombia "is coming in as a major player in the international market" for cannabis, Duque said. Colombia, the world's top producer of cocaine and which has major cannabis production, legalised the production of medical marijuana in 2016. Until now, however, it was only allowed to export extracts of the plant, not its flowers. Authorities had feared that exportation of the flowers would allow them to be diverted to the illegal side of the trade. Also read | Colombia arrests 10 over attacks on Duque's helicopter, military base In a letter sent to Duque on July 14, the cannabis cultivation company Canamonte argued that a rule against exportation of the flowers prevented growers from "accessing the largest and most profitable market segment of the medical cannabis industry." Flowers, which concentrate the plant's medicinal and psychoactive compounds, "may represent 53 percent of this market worldwide," according to Duque. The new authorisation also allows for the manufacture of "non-psychoactive derivatives" from the plant. "We are no longer only in pharmaceutical use. We are opening the space to do much more in cosmetics... food and beverages" and even textiles, the president said. Fabian Currea, Canamonte's director of cultivation, told AFP that ending the ban on exporting flowers "gives us the chance to explore new markets" and take advantage of the plant's low production costs in Colombia. The rule also "helps control the informal market for fraudulent products" based on marijuana that has had a recent boom in Colombia, Currea said. The government estimates that by 2024 the medical cannabis business could become a $64 billion industry. Other countries in the region such as Uruguay, Ecuador and Peru have also legalized the production of marijuana for medicinal purposes.

Colombia authorises export of dried cannabis flowers

China has prospered during much of the coronavirus pandemic as the world’s factory, making everything from face masks to exercise equipment for housebound consumers. Demand for its products does not appear to be slowing even as Western economies reopen.

China’s General Administration of Customs announced Tuesday that the country’s exports surged 32.2% in June compared with the same month last year. The increase caught many economists by surprise, as one of China’s biggest ports was partially closed for most of June and China’s exports of medical supplies have begun to level off.

China’s export performance in June “is quite impressive and not so easy to understand,” said Louis Kuijs, head of Asia economics in the Hong Kong office of Oxford Economics.

Kuijs said that a little more than a third of the increase in value of Chinese exports might reflect rising prices. Chinese factories are passing on their own higher costs to foreign consumers.

Chinese manufacturers face escalating costs these days because prices have increased worldwide over the past year for commodities like iron ore and copper and for industrial materials like steel.

China’s currency, the yuan, has also strengthened against the dollar. So Chinese producers need to charge more dollars to pay the same wages and other costs denominated in yuan.

By raising prices for foreign buyers, Chinese factories can preserve their profit margins — at the risk of contributing to inflation elsewhere.

Port and shipping delays are driving the price tags for Chinese goods even higher in foreign markets. The cost of shipping a 40-foot cargo container across the Pacific has ballooned from the usual $4,000 to $5,000 to a record $18,000 or more.

Part of the problem lies in China’s drastic actions to prevent new coronavirus variants from spreading. These measures have included forcing port workers into lengthy lockdowns at the first sign of outbreaks.

China’s policies have been effective in keeping virus cases to a minimum, but at some economic cost.

One of the world’s largest ports, Yantian Port in the southeastern Chinese city of Shenzhen, partially shut down for more than a month from late May through much of June. Shenzhen acted in response to fewer than two dozen coronavirus cases.

When the port fully reopened June 24, shipping executives and freight forwarders hoped that trade would start returning to normal.

It has not worked out that way.

Dozens of huge container ships fell far behind schedule when they had to wait weeks to dock in Shenzhen. That meant ships later showed up in bunches at ports in other countries, causing further congestion. Chinese export factories also sent goods by truck to alternative ports, like Shanghai’s, leaving them overcrowded as well.

Zhao Chongjiu, China’s deputy minister of transport, defended his country’s tough coronavirus measures.

“Everyone knows that during an epidemic, workers in ports must be placed under lockdown, and various countries have taken corresponding measures, so the efficiency of loading and unloading would be reduced,” he said when Yantian reopened.

By mid-June, the freight yard was so crammed with containers at Shanghai’s vast, highly automated Yangshan Deep Water Port that the stacking cranes barely had room to lift containers on and off ships. Dong Haitao, a senior administrator at the adjacent free trade zone, blamed foreign ports for failing to handle arriving containers on time.

“Their schedule of shipments has been disrupted, but not ours,” he said.

Shipping rates for containers have continued to rise steeply in the weeks since Yantian Port reopened. The increase is widely expected to keep going as stores in the United States in particular race to restock shelves for returning shoppers and also start preparing for the Christmas shopping season.

“Each week these rates go up another few hundred dollars,” said Simon Heaney, senior manager for container shipping research at Drewry Maritime Research in London. “Nobody seems to have any answers, and the only thing we can hope for is Chinese New Year — and that’s obviously a long way off.”

Factories in China typically close for several weeks during the Lunar New Year celebration, which could give the world’s ships time to catch up. But next year’s holiday does not start until the end of January.

China has prospered during much of the coronavirus pandemic as the world’s factory, making everything from face masks to exercise equipment for housebound consumers.

China has prospered during much of the coronavirus pandemic as the world’s factory, making everything from face masks to exercise equipment for housebound consumers. Demand for its products does not appear to be slowing even as Western economies reopen. China’s General Administration of Customs announced Tuesday that the country’s exports surged 32.2% in June compared with the same month last year. The increase caught many economists by surprise, as one of China’s biggest ports was partially closed for most of June and China’s exports of medical supplies have begun to level off. China’s export performance in June “is quite impressive and not so easy to understand,” said Louis Kuijs, head of Asia economics in the Hong Kong office of Oxford Economics. Kuijs said that a little more than a third of the increase in value of Chinese exports might reflect rising prices. Chinese factories are passing on their own higher costs to foreign consumers. Chinese manufacturers face escalating costs these days because prices have increased worldwide over the past year for commodities like iron ore and copper and for industrial materials like steel. China’s currency, the yuan, has also strengthened against the dollar. So Chinese producers need to charge more dollars to pay the same wages and other costs denominated in yuan. By raising prices for foreign buyers, Chinese factories can preserve their profit margins — at the risk of contributing to inflation elsewhere. Port and shipping delays are driving the price tags for Chinese goods even higher in foreign markets. The cost of shipping a 40-foot cargo container across the Pacific has ballooned from the usual $4,000 to $5,000 to a record $18,000 or more. Part of the problem lies in China’s drastic actions to prevent new coronavirus variants from spreading. These measures have included forcing port workers into lengthy lockdowns at the first sign of outbreaks. China’s policies have been effective in keeping virus cases to a minimum, but at some economic cost. One of the world’s largest ports, Yantian Port in the southeastern Chinese city of Shenzhen, partially shut down for more than a month from late May through much of June. Shenzhen acted in response to fewer than two dozen coronavirus cases. When the port fully reopened June 24, shipping executives and freight forwarders hoped that trade would start returning to normal. It has not worked out that way. Dozens of huge container ships fell far behind schedule when they had to wait weeks to dock in Shenzhen. That meant ships later showed up in bunches at ports in other countries, causing further congestion. Chinese export factories also sent goods by truck to alternative ports, like Shanghai’s, leaving them overcrowded as well. Zhao Chongjiu, China’s deputy minister of transport, defended his country’s tough coronavirus measures. “Everyone knows that during an epidemic, workers in ports must be placed under lockdown, and various countries have taken corresponding measures, so the efficiency of loading and unloading would be reduced,” he said when Yantian reopened. By mid-June, the freight yard was so crammed with containers at Shanghai’s vast, highly automated Yangshan Deep Water Port that the stacking cranes barely had room to lift containers on and off ships. Dong Haitao, a senior administrator at the adjacent free trade zone, blamed foreign ports for failing to handle arriving containers on time. “Their schedule of shipments has been disrupted, but not ours,” he said. Shipping rates for containers have continued to rise steeply in the weeks since Yantian Port reopened. The increase is widely expected to keep going as stores in the United States in particular race to restock shelves for returning shoppers and also start preparing for the Christmas shopping season. “Each week these rates go up another few hundred dollars,” said Simon Heaney, senior manager for container shipping research at Drewry Maritime Research in London. “Nobody seems to have any answers, and the only thing we can hope for is Chinese New Year — and that’s obviously a long way off.” Factories in China typically close for several weeks during the Lunar New Year celebration, which could give the world’s ships time to catch up. But next year’s holiday does not start until the end of January.

China reports strong export numbers despite shipping delays

Chinese&nbsp;exports&nbsp;grew at a forecast-busting rate last month, data showed Friday, while&nbsp;imports&nbsp;surged at their strongest in a decade as the global economy bounces back from the pandemic crisis and domestic consumption recovers.

With vaccines being rolled out around the world - particularly in the key US market - and economically painful lockdowns being eased, demand for&nbsp;China's goods has picked up this year, having fallen off a cliff in 2020.

Shipments abroad soared 32.3 percent on-year in April - smashing the 24.1 per cent expected in a Bloomberg survey - thanks to a sharp rise in demand for electronics and medical masks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="'Military knows all about biological warfare': Bolsonaro's swipe at China over COVID-19">'Military knows all about biological warfare': Bolsonaro's swipe at China over COVID-19</a>

The impressive figures are attributable to last year's very low base of comparison owing to the pandemic.

But they still show that the global recovery is underway, led by the United States where the economy is scorching along on the back of vast government spending and central bank largesse.

"The stimulus in developed economies, especially in the US, sustained their demand for Chinese manufactured products," Nomura chief&nbsp;China&nbsp;economist Lu Ting told AFP.

He added that the worsening Covid-19 outbreak in emerging markets including India also supported Chinese&nbsp;exports, in part because they then rely on&nbsp;China&nbsp;to supply protective gear.

At home, with the coronavirus largely brought under control,&nbsp;China's vast army of consumers are getting back to their daily lives after last year's travails, sending&nbsp;imports&nbsp;up 43.1 per cent, slightly below forecast but the&nbsp;best&nbsp;rise since early 2011.

The jump was also fired by a surge in commodity prices - iron ore is at a record and copper close to one - electronics and integrated circuits, which are then mostly turned around before being shipped abroad.

The strong figures will provide cheer to&nbsp;China's leaders who are looking to recalibrate the economy from state investment and&nbsp;exports-led&nbsp;growth&nbsp;to one more reliant on domestic consumer demand.

But Lu warned of the surging prices of imported commodities noting it "will both trigger higher inflation and depress domestic demand".

Rajiv Biswas, Asia Pacific chief economist at IHS Markit, added that factors such as rising container freight shipping costs, on&nbsp;top&nbsp;of global semiconductor shortages, had "added to&nbsp;China's&nbsp;import&nbsp;bill".

In April,&nbsp;China's trade surplus with the US - a key point of contention during their bruising trade war - rose 23 per cent to $28.1 billion.

Chinese exports grew at a forecast-busting rate last month, data showed Friday, while imports surged at their strongest in a decade as the global economy bounces back from the pandemic crisis and domestic consumption recovers.

Chinese exports grew at a forecast-busting rate last month, data showed Friday, while imports surged at their strongest in a decade as the global economy bounces back from the pandemic crisis and domestic consumption recovers. With vaccines being rolled out around the world - particularly in the key US market - and economically painful lockdowns being eased, demand for China's goods has picked up this year, having fallen off a cliff in 2020. Shipments abroad soared 32.3 percent on-year in April - smashing the 24.1 per cent expected in a Bloomberg survey - thanks to a sharp rise in demand for electronics and medical masks. Also read: 'Military knows all about biological warfare': Bolsonaro's swipe at China over COVID-19 The impressive figures are attributable to last year's very low base of comparison owing to the pandemic. But they still show that the global recovery is underway, led by the United States where the economy is scorching along on the back of vast government spending and central bank largesse. "The stimulus in developed economies, especially in the US, sustained their demand for Chinese manufactured products," Nomura chief China economist Lu Ting told AFP. He added that the worsening Covid-19 outbreak in emerging markets including India also supported Chinese exports, in part because they then rely on China to supply protective gear. At home, with the coronavirus largely brought under control, China's vast army of consumers are getting back to their daily lives after last year's travails, sending imports up 43.1 per cent, slightly below forecast but the best rise since early 2011. The jump was also fired by a surge in commodity prices - iron ore is at a record and copper close to one - electronics and integrated circuits, which are then mostly turned around before being shipped abroad. The strong figures will provide cheer to China's leaders who are looking to recalibrate the economy from state investment and exports-led growth to one more reliant on domestic consumer demand. But Lu warned of the surging prices of imported commodities noting it "will both trigger higher inflation and depress domestic demand". Rajiv Biswas, Asia Pacific chief economist at IHS Markit, added that factors such as rising container freight shipping costs, on top of global semiconductor shortages, had "added to China's import bill". In April, China's trade surplus with the US - a key point of contention during their bruising trade war - rose 23 per cent to $28.1 billion.

China's exports top forecasts, imports growth best in 10 years

In a move that is bound to increase trade between the two countries, India has allowed market access for 5 Bhutanese agricultural products. This will also allow Bhutan to gain access to large Indian market.

Now, Bhutan can market its Areca nuts, Mandarin Oranges, Apples, Potatoes and Ginger in India. Bhutan can access Indian market with immediate effect. The decision in this regard got impetus during the visit of Indian trade minister Piyush Goyal to Bhutan in February this year.

India's envoy to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj called the development, "a key commitment to grow our bilateral trade".

India's Ministry of Agriculture &amp; Farmers Welfare on 14th October had issued the notification that was published in the Gazette of India on 16 October 2020, notifying five agri-products originating from Bhutan in the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003.

A release by the Indian mission in Bhutan said, "India and Bhutan share exceptionally close and friendly ties inclusive of matters pertaining to trade and commerce. Agriculture being an important sector in the economy of both countries, this decision to allow market access for these agricultural commodities was arrived at after detailed deliberation".

Meanwhile, Bhutan's Ministry of Agriculture &amp; Forests has allowed import of Tomato, Onion, and Okra from India under the Plant Quarantine Rules and Regulations of Bhutan, 2018.

The decision comes after talks between India's National Plant Protection Organization and Bhutan's Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) and the Embassy of India, Thimphu. Earlier only two Bhutanese agri-products – asparagus and cardamom – were listed in the Plant Quarantine Order of India which meant -- Bhutan could formally export only these two commodities to India.

India will also be setting up a Plant Quarantine (PQ) centre at Jaigaon, one of the key route of trade route between the 2 countries. An Indian Plant Protection officer has been deployed and will assume office shortly. Till date, Bhutanese agri-traders had to wait for the PQ officer stationed at Panitanki on the India-Nepal border, to visit Jaigaon for clearance of their agri-exports to India.

India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. In 2018, the total bilateral trade between the two countries stood at Rs. 9227.7 crores. Major exports from India to Bhutan are mineral products, machinery and mechanical appliances, electrical equipment, plastics and articles. The major items of export from Bhutan to India are electricity, ferro-silicon, portland cement, dolomite etc.

In a move that is bound to increase trade between the two countries, India has allowed market access for 5 Bhutanese agricultural products. This will also allow Bhutan to gain access to large Indian market.

In a move that is bound to increase trade between the two countries, India has allowed market access for 5 Bhutanese agricultural products. This will also allow Bhutan to gain access to large Indian market. Now, Bhutan can market its Areca nuts, Mandarin Oranges, Apples, Potatoes and Ginger in India. Bhutan can access Indian market with immediate effect. The decision in this regard got impetus during the visit of Indian trade minister Piyush Goyal to Bhutan in February this year. India's envoy to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj called the development, "a key commitment to grow our bilateral trade". India's Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare on 14th October had issued the notification that was published in the Gazette of India on 16 October 2020, notifying five agri-products originating from Bhutan in the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003. A release by the Indian mission in Bhutan said, "India and Bhutan share exceptionally close and friendly ties inclusive of matters pertaining to trade and commerce. Agriculture being an important sector in the economy of both countries, this decision to allow market access for these agricultural commodities was arrived at after detailed deliberation". Meanwhile, Bhutan's Ministry of Agriculture & Forests has allowed import of Tomato, Onion, and Okra from India under the Plant Quarantine Rules and Regulations of Bhutan, 2018. The decision comes after talks between India's National Plant Protection Organization and Bhutan's Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) and the Embassy of India, Thimphu. Earlier only two Bhutanese agri-products – asparagus and cardamom – were listed in the Plant Quarantine Order of India which meant -- Bhutan could formally export only these two commodities to India. India will also be setting up a Plant Quarantine (PQ) centre at Jaigaon, one of the key route of trade route between the 2 countries. An Indian Plant Protection officer has been deployed and will assume office shortly. Till date, Bhutanese agri-traders had to wait for the PQ officer stationed at Panitanki on the India-Nepal border, to visit Jaigaon for clearance of their agri-exports to India. India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. In 2018, the total bilateral trade between the two countries stood at Rs. 9227.7 crores. Major exports from India to Bhutan are mineral products, machinery and mechanical appliances, electrical equipment, plastics and articles. The major items of export from Bhutan to India are electricity, ferro-silicon, portland cement, dolomite etc.

India allows market access for 5 Bhutanese agri-products

India's trade deficit sharply narrowed in February to $9.85 billion from $15.17 billion in the previous month, the trade ministry said in a statement on Friday, helped by a rise exports.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/pandemic-on-dalal-street-as-sensex-crashes-by-3090-points-trading-halted-for-45-minutes-286006">Pandemic on Dalal street as Sensex crashes by 3,090 points, trading halted for 45 minutes</a>

Trade deficit stood at $9.72 billion in February 2019.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/how-this-economic-slowdown-is-different-from-the-previous-ones-283955">How this economic slowdown is different from the previous ones</a>

Merchandise exports rose 2.91% to $27.65 billion in February compared with a year earlier, while imports rose 2.48% to $37.50 billion, the data showed.

India's trade deficit sharply narrowed in February to $9.85 billion from $15.17 billion in the previous month, the trade ministry said in a statement on Friday, helped by a rise exports.

India's trade deficit sharply narrowed in February to $9.85 billion from $15.17 billion in the previous month, the trade ministry said in a statement on Friday, helped by a rise exports. Also read: Pandemic on Dalal street as Sensex crashes by 3,090 points, trading halted for 45 minutes Trade deficit stood at $9.72 billion in February 2019. Also see: How this economic slowdown is different from the previous ones Merchandise exports rose 2.91% to $27.65 billion in February compared with a year earlier, while imports rose 2.48% to $37.50 billion, the data showed.

India's February trade deficit at $9.85 billion: Government

Colombia will seek to double its flower exports to $3 billion per year in the next decade by growing new species and expanding to markets in Asia and Latin America, President Ivan Duque said on Tuesday (February 11).

Colombia will seek to double flower exports to $3 bln by 2030

Australia has lifted a temporary ban on the controversial live sheep exports, with the first ship due to depart for the Middle East this week with about 60,000 animals on board.

The live export trade has been under scrutiny since horrific footage of dead and dying heat-stressed sheep on vessels bound for the Middle East was released in April 2018, prompting a public outcry and forcing sweeping reforms to the industry.

Though the government resisted calls to outlaw the practice entirely, a review led to a temporary embargo on live exports during the northern-hemisphere summer from June to September this year.

Rural Export and Trading WA, an exporter, said that the ship is due to leave Fremantle, in Western Australia state, for Kuwait by Tuesday.

It is expected to be the first of many to depart in the coming months, much to the chagrin of animal welfare campaigners.

New guidelines introduced in 2018 required exporters to significantly increase cargo space for sheep and to ensure independent observers travel on all ships carrying live animals, with penalties for non-compliance including fines and jail time.

But activists argue that the measures will do little to mitigate the animals' heat stress and the trade should be further restricted.

The resumption of shipments was welcomed by the Australian Livestock Exporters' Council, which said the moratorium had meant "competitors have entered some of our markets."

Lifting the ban means "renewed stability and food security" for consumers, they argued.

Live sheep, goat and cattle exports are worth about $1.35 billion each year to Australia's economy, according to the lobby group.

Australia has lifted a temporary ban on the controversial live sheep exports, with the first ship due to depart for the Middle East this week with about 60,000 animals on board.

Australia has lifted a temporary ban on the controversial live sheep exports, with the first ship due to depart for the Middle East this week with about 60,000 animals on board. The live export trade has been under scrutiny since horrific footage of dead and dying heat-stressed sheep on vessels bound for the Middle East was released in April 2018, prompting a public outcry and forcing sweeping reforms to the industry. Though the government resisted calls to outlaw the practice entirely, a review led to a temporary embargo on live exports during the northern-hemisphere summer from June to September this year. Rural Export and Trading WA, an exporter, said that the ship is due to leave Fremantle, in Western Australia state, for Kuwait by Tuesday. It is expected to be the first of many to depart in the coming months, much to the chagrin of animal welfare campaigners. New guidelines introduced in 2018 required exporters to significantly increase cargo space for sheep and to ensure independent observers travel on all ships carrying live animals, with penalties for non-compliance including fines and jail time. But activists argue that the measures will do little to mitigate the animals' heat stress and the trade should be further restricted. The resumption of shipments was welcomed by the Australian Livestock Exporters' Council, which said the moratorium had meant "competitors have entered some of our markets." Lifting the ban means "renewed stability and food security" for consumers, they argued. Live sheep, goat and cattle exports are worth about $1.35 billion each year to Australia's economy, according to the lobby group.

Australia lifts temporary ban on live sheep exports

Japan has agreed to phase out tariffs on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-wants-to-make-meaningful-progress-in-china-trade-talks-249287">US</a> wine imports as part of a bilateral <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/american-business-community-wants-trade-deal-between-us-china-249649">trade deal</a> expected to be signed at the end of the month, the Nikkei newspaper reported on Sunday.

Japan will eliminate the tariffs on US wine within five to seven years after the trade agreement goes into effect, the Nikkei reported without giving its sources.

Japan taxes imported wine at a rate of 15 per cent&nbsp;or 125 yen ($1.16) per litre, whichever is cheaper, according to the Nikkei.

The elimination of the tariff could cut the cost of US wine by about 13 per cent&nbsp;for wine distributors, the Nikkei said.

The trade agreement between the United States and Japan, which is expected to be signed on the sidelines of the UN&nbsp;General Assembly meeting, is also expected to gradually lower tariffs on US&nbsp;beef imports to 9&nbsp;per cent in 2033 from 38.5 per cent&nbsp;now, the Nikkei said.

Officials from Japan's trade ministry were not immediately available for comment.

Last month, the United States and Japan agreed in principle on the core elements of a free-trade deal that would cool a trade dispute between the allies. 
The United States is also trying to de-escalate its year-long trade war with China.

Chinese trade deputies are expected to meet their US&nbsp;counterparts in Washington before minister-level meetings in early October in the US&nbsp;capital. 
&nbsp;

Japan has agreed to phase out tariffs on US wine imports as part of a bilateral trade deal expected to be signed at the end of the month, the Nikkei newspaper reported on Sunday.

Japan has agreed to phase out tariffs on US wine imports as part of a bilateral trade deal expected to be signed at the end of the month, the Nikkei newspaper reported on Sunday. Japan will eliminate the tariffs on US wine within five to seven years after the trade agreement goes into effect, the Nikkei reported without giving its sources. Japan taxes imported wine at a rate of 15 per cent or 125 yen ($1.16) per litre, whichever is cheaper, according to the Nikkei. The elimination of the tariff could cut the cost of US wine by about 13 per cent for wine distributors, the Nikkei said. The trade agreement between the United States and Japan, which is expected to be signed on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting, is also expected to gradually lower tariffs on US beef imports to 9 per cent in 2033 from 38.5 per cent now, the Nikkei said. Officials from Japan's trade ministry were not immediately available for comment. Last month, the United States and Japan agreed in principle on the core elements of a free-trade deal that would cool a trade dispute between the allies. The United States is also trying to de-escalate its year-long trade war with China. Chinese trade deputies are expected to meet their US counterparts in Washington before minister-level meetings in early October in the US capital.

Japan to eliminate tariffs on United States wine in trade deal: Report

In early March 2019, President Donald Trump, announced that he would withdraw duty benefits on all imports from India. These benefits had been offered under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), a programme that allows duty-free imports of specified goods from beneficiary countries. &nbsp;

The scheme, introduced in 1974, was intended as a way of helping developing nations as well as giving the US manufacturers access to cheap raw material. &nbsp;

The March announcement should not have come as a surprise to India. In November, the US withdrew GSP benefits to some 50 products from India. &nbsp;

Earlier in 2018, the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) had begun an eligibility review of India, based on complaints received from US dairy associations and the medical technology association. &nbsp;

The trigger for these trade bodies to focus on India was because India had made it difficult for them to enter the market. &nbsp;

In the case of dairy, India had asked dairy importers to certify their products as being from livestock that had not been fed animal parts. &nbsp;

The reason for this is that dairy products in India are often used in religious rites, and need to be ritually “pure”. &nbsp;

Medical technology companies, meanwhile, have been hit hard by the Indian government providing heavy subsidies on medical equipment in order to make such equipment easily accessible. This “populist” move has meant that American companies cannot charge a premium on their products.

According to the USTR, beneficiary countries under GSP are expected to provide “equitable and reasonable access to its markets” to US companies. &nbsp;

India, however, has imposed several measures that the US considers protectionist, including the two steps mentioned above. &nbsp;

What does this mean for Indian exports? According to the government, very little. &nbsp;

Official sources have downplayed the impact of GSP removal. The numbers they quote seem convincing -- Indian exports to the US are valued at $5.6 billion; Indian trade authorities say that GSP covers some $190 million worth of exports and so the impact of removing India from GSP will be minimal. But any negative impact could hit the country’s balance of trade, and a big trade deficit will hit the GDP. 
 
Exporters will also take a hit. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) form the bulk of exporters who benefit under GSP, and having to pay duty on their goods could prove too expensive for them. &nbsp;

Many of these exporters are in labour-intensive industries, so if they go out of business, it could hit the labour market as well. Leather and footwear, chemicals, and bulk drugs will be the sectors most affected.

On the whole, other exports will not feel the pinch. However, the fear is that once the US has used GSP as a stick, it will make other exports from India unviable. &nbsp;

In the case of seafood, the US has already imposed stringent import regulations; given that the bulk of Indian seafood exports is to the US, these norms will hit India hard. &nbsp;

There’s also the possibility of the US imposing or increasing anti-dumping duties on a range of other goods.

The impact on exporters will likely be softened over the medium term as these players look at markets outside the US. While China and the US may both be closed to these exporters, there’s still a large market in the rest of the world. &nbsp;

Judging by the state of internal politics, and with elections coming up soon, the GSP issue may soon be buried or resolved to India’s benefit. &nbsp;

That’s because removing India from the GSP will mean that Indian goods will cost more in the US, which means that the cost of raw material for American industry could go up too.

Meanwhile, there are steps India can take to protect its exporters. For one, it can approach the World Trade Organisation. Under the Enabling Clause of the WTO’s General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs (to which both India and the US are signatories), developed countries can offer preferential treatment on a non-reciprocal basis. By removing India from the GSP on the grounds that the country isn’t providing access to its market, the US is violating this GATT clause. &nbsp;

India can take this matter to the WTO and, judging by a past victory against the European Union, win. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-india-s-removal-from-gsp-new-delhi-can-move-wto-2740316">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In early March 2019, President Donald Trump, announced that he would withdraw duty benefits on all imports from India. These benefits had been offered under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), a programme that allows duty-free imports of specified goods from beneficiary countries.

In early March 2019, President Donald Trump, announced that he would withdraw duty benefits on all imports from India. These benefits had been offered under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), a programme that allows duty-free imports of specified goods from beneficiary countries. The scheme, introduced in 1974, was intended as a way of helping developing nations as well as giving the US manufacturers access to cheap raw material. The March announcement should not have come as a surprise to India. In November, the US withdrew GSP benefits to some 50 products from India. Earlier in 2018, the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) had begun an eligibility review of India, based on complaints received from US dairy associations and the medical technology association. The trigger for these trade bodies to focus on India was because India had made it difficult for them to enter the market. In the case of dairy, India had asked dairy importers to certify their products as being from livestock that had not been fed animal parts. The reason for this is that dairy products in India are often used in religious rites, and need to be ritually “pure”. Medical technology companies, meanwhile, have been hit hard by the Indian government providing heavy subsidies on medical equipment in order to make such equipment easily accessible. This “populist” move has meant that American companies cannot charge a premium on their products. According to the USTR, beneficiary countries under GSP are expected to provide “equitable and reasonable access to its markets” to US companies. India, however, has imposed several measures that the US considers protectionist, including the two steps mentioned above. What does this mean for Indian exports? According to the government, very little. Official sources have downplayed the impact of GSP removal. The numbers they quote seem convincing -- Indian exports to the US are valued at $5.6 billion; Indian trade authorities say that GSP covers some $190 million worth of exports and so the impact of removing India from GSP will be minimal. But any negative impact could hit the country’s balance of trade, and a big trade deficit will hit the GDP. Exporters will also take a hit. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) form the bulk of exporters who benefit under GSP, and having to pay duty on their goods could prove too expensive for them. Many of these exporters are in labour-intensive industries, so if they go out of business, it could hit the labour market as well. Leather and footwear, chemicals, and bulk drugs will be the sectors most affected. On the whole, other exports will not feel the pinch. However, the fear is that once the US has used GSP as a stick, it will make other exports from India unviable. In the case of seafood, the US has already imposed stringent import regulations; given that the bulk of Indian seafood exports is to the US, these norms will hit India hard. There’s also the possibility of the US imposing or increasing anti-dumping duties on a range of other goods. The impact on exporters will likely be softened over the medium term as these players look at markets outside the US. While China and the US may both be closed to these exporters, there’s still a large market in the rest of the world. Judging by the state of internal politics, and with elections coming up soon, the GSP issue may soon be buried or resolved to India’s benefit. That’s because removing India from the GSP will mean that Indian goods will cost more in the US, which means that the cost of raw material for American industry could go up too. Meanwhile, there are steps India can take to protect its exporters. For one, it can approach the World Trade Organisation. Under the Enabling Clause of the WTO’s General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs (to which both India and the US are signatories), developed countries can offer preferential treatment on a non-reciprocal basis. By removing India from the GSP on the grounds that the country isn’t providing access to its market, the US is violating this GATT clause. India can take this matter to the WTO and, judging by a past victory against the European Union, win. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

India-US trade bumps: New Delhi can move WTO on its removal from GSP

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-china-open-trade-talks-in-beijing-197284">China</a>'s exports unexpectedly returned to growth in January after a shock decline the previous month, while imports fell much less than expected, but analysts said it was likely due to seasonal factors and predicted renewed trade weakness ahead.

Global investors and China's major trading partners are closely watching to see how quickly its economy is cooling, or if a spate of support measures announced last year are beginning to take hold, lifting some of the gloom hanging over the world economy.

January exports rose 9.1 per cent from a year earlier, customs data showed on Thursday. Economists polled by Reuters had expected a 3.2 per cent drop after a 4.4 per cent decline in December.

Imports fell 1.5 per cent from a year earlier, much better than analysts' forecasts for a 10 per cent fall and narrowing from December's 7.6 per cent drop.

That left the country with a trade surplus of $39.16 billion for the month, better than forecasts of $33.5 billion

Analysts warn that data from China in the first two months of the year must be treated with caution due to business distortions caused by the long Lunar New Year holidays, which fell in mid-February in 2018 but started on February 4 this year.

"Clearly, the numbers surprised the market on the upside. But given the deceleration of global PMI and the weak Korean trade data, it might be premature to conclude that the trade prospect has improved just based on the January number alone," said Tommy Xie, China economist at OCBC Bank in Singapore.

"I suspect that the recovery may be partially due to the Chinese New Year effect as this year's CNY is slightly earlier as compared to last year."

Economists had widely tipped that China would see weaker exports early this year. Factories have reported shrinking overseas orders for months and warehouses in America are packed to the rafters with Chinese goods that retailers stockpiled last year in anticipation of more US tariffs.

Trade globally has also been faltering amid rising protectionism and a loss of momentum in some major economies, most notably in Europe.

Pressure on China will escalate quickly if Beijing and Washington cannot reach a deal soon to end their year-long trade war. The US is set to sharply raise tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports from March 1, though President Donald Trump said this week he could let the deadline "slide for a little while" if a deal appears close.

China's trade surplus with the United States narrowed to $27.3 billion in January, from $29.87 billion in December, customs data showed on Thursday.

Exports to the United States fell 2.4 per cent in January from a year earlier, while imports from the United States plunged 41.2 per cent.

Net exports actually dragged on China's growth by 8.6 per cent last year, even after the unexpected jump in sales to the US, Reuters calculations based on official data showed.

Factory surveys have also show weakening domestic orders, and broader economic weakness is taking a toll on both business and consumer confidence. Retail sales during the Lunar New Year holiday rose 8.5 per cent from a year earlier, still solid but the slowest pace since at least 2011.

China's economic growth slowed to 6.6 per cent in 2018, weighed down by rising borrowing costs and a clampdown on riskier lending that starved smaller, private companies of capital and stifled investment.

 
&nbsp;

China's exports unexpectedly returned to growth in January after a shock decline the previous month, while imports fell much less than expected, but analysts said it was likely due to seasonal factors and predicted renewed trade weakness ahead.

China's exports unexpectedly returned to growth in January after a shock decline the previous month, while imports fell much less than expected, but analysts said it was likely due to seasonal factors and predicted renewed trade weakness ahead. Global investors and China's major trading partners are closely watching to see how quickly its economy is cooling, or if a spate of support measures announced last year are beginning to take hold, lifting some of the gloom hanging over the world economy. January exports rose 9.1 per cent from a year earlier, customs data showed on Thursday. Economists polled by Reuters had expected a 3.2 per cent drop after a 4.4 per cent decline in December. Imports fell 1.5 per cent from a year earlier, much better than analysts' forecasts for a 10 per cent fall and narrowing from December's 7.6 per cent drop. That left the country with a trade surplus of $39.16 billion for the month, better than forecasts of $33.5 billion Analysts warn that data from China in the first two months of the year must be treated with caution due to business distortions caused by the long Lunar New Year holidays, which fell in mid-February in 2018 but started on February 4 this year. "Clearly, the numbers surprised the market on the upside. But given the deceleration of global PMI and the weak Korean trade data, it might be premature to conclude that the trade prospect has improved just based on the January number alone," said Tommy Xie, China economist at OCBC Bank in Singapore. "I suspect that the recovery may be partially due to the Chinese New Year effect as this year's CNY is slightly earlier as compared to last year." Economists had widely tipped that China would see weaker exports early this year. Factories have reported shrinking overseas orders for months and warehouses in America are packed to the rafters with Chinese goods that retailers stockpiled last year in anticipation of more US tariffs. Trade globally has also been faltering amid rising protectionism and a loss of momentum in some major economies, most notably in Europe. Pressure on China will escalate quickly if Beijing and Washington cannot reach a deal soon to end their year-long trade war. The US is set to sharply raise tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports from March 1, though President Donald Trump said this week he could let the deadline "slide for a little while" if a deal appears close. China's trade surplus with the United States narrowed to $27.3 billion in January, from $29.87 billion in December, customs data showed on Thursday. Exports to the United States fell 2.4 per cent in January from a year earlier, while imports from the United States plunged 41.2 per cent. Net exports actually dragged on China's growth by 8.6 per cent last year, even after the unexpected jump in sales to the US, Reuters calculations based on official data showed. Factory surveys have also show weakening domestic orders, and broader economic weakness is taking a toll on both business and consumer confidence. Retail sales during the Lunar New Year holiday rose 8.5 per cent from a year earlier, still solid but the slowest pace since at least 2011. China's economic growth slowed to 6.6 per cent in 2018, weighed down by rising borrowing costs and a clampdown on riskier lending that starved smaller, private companies of capital and stifled investment.

China's January trade data beats forecasts

Bangladeshi police Wednesday used water cannon to disperse <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/tear-gas-rubber-bullets-as-bangladesh-garment-workers-strike-188998">10,000 striking garment workers </a>who were blocking a major highway in the fourth day of industrial action, an official said.

Authorities meanwhile confirmed that one worker was killed and 50 others injured on Tuesday after police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at some 5,000 workers protesting in Dhaka and on the outskirts of the capital.

Bangladesh's 4,500 textile and clothing factories exported more than $30 billion worth of apparel last year, making clothing for retailers such as H&amp;M, Walmart, Tesco, Carrefour, and Aldi.

Police said some 10,000 workers blocked the highway at several places outside the industrial town of Savar, on the outskirts of Dhaka, for hours after some 50,000 workers walked out of their factories in the morning demanding higher wages.

"We used water cannon to disperse them from the highway," police official Sana Shaminur Rahman told AFP.

Some 2,000 workers from a major factory in Dhaka also walked off their shift and blocked a road in the northern suburb of Kalshi, an AFP photographer at the scene said.

The protests are <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hasina-sworn-in-as-bangladesh-pm-after-tainted-polls-188815">the first major test for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina since winning</a> a fourth term in December 30 elections marred by violence, thousands of arrests and allegations of vote rigging and intimidation.

Bangladesh raised the minimum monthly wage for the garment sector's four million workers by 51 per cent to 8,000 taka ($95) from December.

But senior workers say their raise was less than this and unions, which warn the strikes may spread, say the hike fails to compensate for price rises in recent years.

"We won't leave the road until our demand is met," said Asma Khatun, a protesting worker at Kalshi.

Mohammad Abdullah, another worker, said manufacturers have hired local musclemen to stop workers in other factories from joining the protest.

The protests came despite a move by the country's authorities to set up a committee to review wages.

Bangladesh is the world's second-largest garment maker after China.&nbsp;

But despite the industry's role in transforming the impoverished nation into a major manufacturing hub, garment workers are some of the lowest paid in the world.

The industry also has a poor workplace safety record, with the collapse of the Rana Plaza garment factory complex in Savar killing more than 1,130 people in 2013 in one of the world's worst industrial disasters.

Following the disaster, major retailers formed two safety groups to push through crucial reforms in the factories, prompting manufacturers to plough in more than a billion dollars in safety upgrades. 
&nbsp;

Bangladesh's 4,500 textile and clothing factories exported more than $30 billion worth of apparel last year, making clothing for retailers such as H&M, Walmart, Tesco, Carrefour, and Aldi.

Bangladeshi police Wednesday used water cannon to disperse 10,000 striking garment workers who were blocking a major highway in the fourth day of industrial action, an official said. Authorities meanwhile confirmed that one worker was killed and 50 others injured on Tuesday after police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at some 5,000 workers protesting in Dhaka and on the outskirts of the capital. Bangladesh's 4,500 textile and clothing factories exported more than $30 billion worth of apparel last year, making clothing for retailers such as H&M, Walmart, Tesco, Carrefour, and Aldi. Police said some 10,000 workers blocked the highway at several places outside the industrial town of Savar, on the outskirts of Dhaka, for hours after some 50,000 workers walked out of their factories in the morning demanding higher wages. "We used water cannon to disperse them from the highway," police official Sana Shaminur Rahman told AFP. Some 2,000 workers from a major factory in Dhaka also walked off their shift and blocked a road in the northern suburb of Kalshi, an AFP photographer at the scene said. The protests are the first major test for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina since winning a fourth term in December 30 elections marred by violence, thousands of arrests and allegations of vote rigging and intimidation. Bangladesh raised the minimum monthly wage for the garment sector's four million workers by 51 per cent to 8,000 taka ($95) from December. But senior workers say their raise was less than this and unions, which warn the strikes may spread, say the hike fails to compensate for price rises in recent years. "We won't leave the road until our demand is met," said Asma Khatun, a protesting worker at Kalshi. Mohammad Abdullah, another worker, said manufacturers have hired local musclemen to stop workers in other factories from joining the protest. The protests came despite a move by the country's authorities to set up a committee to review wages. Bangladesh is the world's second-largest garment maker after China. But despite the industry's role in transforming the impoverished nation into a major manufacturing hub, garment workers are some of the lowest paid in the world. The industry also has a poor workplace safety record, with the collapse of the Rana Plaza garment factory complex in Savar killing more than 1,130 people in 2013 in one of the world's worst industrial disasters. Following the disaster, major retailers formed two safety groups to push through crucial reforms in the factories, prompting manufacturers to plough in more than a billion dollars in safety upgrades.

Bangladesh garment workers' strike: One dead, 50 injured

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-president-moon-jae-ins-popularity-ends-2018-at-its-lowest-rating-187462">South Korea</a>'s exports reached a record high last year of $605.47 billion, 5.5 per cent more than in 2017, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy reported on Tuesday.

According to official data, South Korean imports totalled $534.99 billion in 2018, 11.8 per cent more than in 2017, resulting in a trade surplus of $70.48 billion, marking the 10th consecutive year with a surplus.

It is the first time in South Korea's history that exports have exceeded $600 billion, the Yonhap news agency reported. These volumes make the country the world´s sixth-largest exporter.

The ministry also noted that microprocessor exports reached a record high of $126.7 billion last year.

China remains the main market for South Korean exports, which were worth $162.2 billion last year, 14.2 per cent more than in 2017.

China remains the main market for South Korean exports.

South Korea's exports reached a record high last year of $605.47 billion, 5.5 per cent more than in 2017, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy reported on Tuesday. According to official data, South Korean imports totalled $534.99 billion in 2018, 11.8 per cent more than in 2017, resulting in a trade surplus of $70.48 billion, marking the 10th consecutive year with a surplus. It is the first time in South Korea's history that exports have exceeded $600 billion, the Yonhap news agency reported. These volumes make the country the world´s sixth-largest exporter. The ministry also noted that microprocessor exports reached a record high of $126.7 billion last year. China remains the main market for South Korean exports, which were worth $162.2 billion last year, 14.2 per cent more than in 2017.

South Korea's exports reach record high in 2018

India has cut import taxes on crude and refined palm oil from Southeast Asian (ASEAN) countries after a request from suppliers, a government notification said.

The reduction will lead to higher imports of palm oil by the world's biggest edible oil buyer in coming months as it would narrow the difference between the tropical vegetable oil and competitors such as soy oil and sunflower oil.

The duty on crude palm oil was lowered to 40 per cent from 44 per cent, while a tax on the refined variety was cut to 50 per cent from 54 per cent, according to the notification issued late on Monday. The cuts took effect on Tuesday.

Malaysian shipments of refined palm oil will be taxed at 45 per cent compared with 54 per cent earlier, the government said in a separate notice.

In March 2018, India raised the import tax on crude palm oil to 44 per cent from 30 per cent and lifted the tax on refined palm oil to 54 per cent from 40 per cent.

Palm oil has been more competitive due to the duty reduction and this will lead to higher imports from January onwards, said Sandeep Bajoria, chief executive of the Sunvin Group, a Mumbai-based vegetable oil importer.

India primarily imports palm oil from Indonesia and Malaysia and soy oil from Argentina and Brazil. It also buys small volumes of sunflower oil from Ukraine and canola oil from Canada.

Its palm oil imports dropped 6.4 per cent from a year ago to 8.7 million tonnes in the 2017/18 marketing year ended in October, according to Solvent Extractors' Association (SEA), a Mumbai-based trade body.

Indonesia and Malaysia, the top two palm oil producers, were seeking a reduction in the import tax by New Delhi as inventories were rising in both countries due to higher output.

India's palm oil imports could have fallen in December but will jump this month as some importers had delayed shipments in anticipation of tax cuts, said B.V. Mehta, executive director of the SEA.

The effective duty difference between crude and refined palm oil has narrowed to 5.5 per cent from 11 per cent for shipments from Malaysia, which could lead to higher imports of refined palm oil, Mehta said.

"This is a death knell for the domestic refining industry and will halt the expansion of palm plantations in the country," he said.

India relies on imports for 70 per cent of its edible oil consumption, up from 44 per cent in 2001/02.

"Traditionally, Indonesia corners the bulk of India's palm oil market. The duty reduction will now allow Malaysia to raise its share," said a Mumbai-based dealer with a global trading firm.

India's palm oil imports could have fallen in December but will jump this month as some importers had delayed shipments in anticipation of tax cuts, said B.V. Mehta, executive director of the Solvent Extractors' Association (SEA).

India has cut import taxes on crude and refined palm oil from Southeast Asian (ASEAN) countries after a request from suppliers, a government notification said. The reduction will lead to higher imports of palm oil by the world's biggest edible oil buyer in coming months as it would narrow the difference between the tropical vegetable oil and competitors such as soy oil and sunflower oil. The duty on crude palm oil was lowered to 40 per cent from 44 per cent, while a tax on the refined variety was cut to 50 per cent from 54 per cent, according to the notification issued late on Monday. The cuts took effect on Tuesday. Malaysian shipments of refined palm oil will be taxed at 45 per cent compared with 54 per cent earlier, the government said in a separate notice. In March 2018, India raised the import tax on crude palm oil to 44 per cent from 30 per cent and lifted the tax on refined palm oil to 54 per cent from 40 per cent. Palm oil has been more competitive due to the duty reduction and this will lead to higher imports from January onwards, said Sandeep Bajoria, chief executive of the Sunvin Group, a Mumbai-based vegetable oil importer. India primarily imports palm oil from Indonesia and Malaysia and soy oil from Argentina and Brazil. It also buys small volumes of sunflower oil from Ukraine and canola oil from Canada. Its palm oil imports dropped 6.4 per cent from a year ago to 8.7 million tonnes in the 2017/18 marketing year ended in October, according to Solvent Extractors' Association (SEA), a Mumbai-based trade body. Indonesia and Malaysia, the top two palm oil producers, were seeking a reduction in the import tax by New Delhi as inventories were rising in both countries due to higher output. India's palm oil imports could have fallen in December but will jump this month as some importers had delayed shipments in anticipation of tax cuts, said B.V. Mehta, executive director of the SEA. The effective duty difference between crude and refined palm oil has narrowed to 5.5 per cent from 11 per cent for shipments from Malaysia, which could lead to higher imports of refined palm oil, Mehta said. "This is a death knell for the domestic refining industry and will halt the expansion of palm plantations in the country," he said. India relies on imports for 70 per cent of its edible oil consumption, up from 44 per cent in 2001/02. "Traditionally, Indonesia corners the bulk of India's palm oil market. The duty reduction will now allow Malaysia to raise its share," said a Mumbai-based dealer with a global trading firm.

India cuts tax on palm oil imports; Malaysia to gain most

India plans to export 2 million tonnes of raw sugar to China from next year, the trade ministry said on Thursday, as part of efforts to trim bulging stocks of the sweetener and bridge a widening trade deficit.

Producers' body Indian Sugar Mills Association and China's state trader COFCO have already signed an initial deal for 15,000 tonnes of sugar, the ministry said in a statement.

Last month, the ministry said India was keen to sell more rice and sugar to China to help cut the widening trade deficit.

India plans to export 2 million tonnes of raw sugar to China from next year, the trade ministry said on Thursday, as part of efforts to trim bulging stocks of the sweetener and bridge a widening trade deficit.

India plans to export 2 million tonnes of raw sugar to China from next year, the trade ministry said on Thursday, as part of efforts to trim bulging stocks of the sweetener and bridge a widening trade deficit. Producers' body Indian Sugar Mills Association and China's state trader COFCO have already signed an initial deal for 15,000 tonnes of sugar, the ministry said in a statement. Last month, the ministry said India was keen to sell more rice and sugar to China to help cut the widening trade deficit.

India plans to export two million tonnes of sugar to China from next year

German exports fell unexpectedly in October while vibrant domestic demand pushed up imports, narrowing its trade surplus and adding to evidence that Europe&#39;s biggest economy started the fourth quarter on a weak footing, data showed on Friday.

The German economy, which is expected to grow by more than 2 percent this year, is enjoying a consumer-led upswing, propelled by record-high employment, rising real wages, moderate inflation, and ultra-low borrowing costs.&nbsp;

Seasonally adjusted exports edged down by 0.4 per cent on the month while imports jumped by 1.8 per cent, data from the Federal Statistics Office showed. The exports figure confounded expectations for a 1.0 per cent rise while imports beat a forecast for a 1.1 per cent increase.

&quot;German industry has gone through a small roller coaster ride since the start of the summer&quot;, ING economist Carsten Brzeski said, adding that disappointing numbers had been followed by impressive rebounds.&nbsp;

&quot;Behind the vacation and weather-driven white noise of monthly data, however, there is a clear upward trend. The export sector has once more become an important growth driver in 2017&quot;, Brzeski&nbsp;continued.

A breakdown of unadjusted figures showed that German imports from other European Union countries surged by 10.1 per cent while those from countries outside the bloc rose by 4.8 per cent.&nbsp;The seasonally adjusted trade surplus narrowed to 19.9 billion euros from an upwardly revised 21.9 billion euros in September. The October reading was lower than the Reuters consensus forecast for 21.8 billion euros.

Germany&#39;s wider current account surplus, which measures the flow of goods, services, and investments, fell to 18.1 billion euros after an upwardly revised reading of 25.8 billion euros in September, unadjusted data showed.&nbsp;

The trade figures followed economic data released on Thursday that showed industrial output fell unexpectedly in October - a drop economists linked to public holidays that let workers take long weekends.

The weak figures came after data on Wednesday showed that industrial orders had risen unexpectedly in October, suggesting that output could bounce back in the coming months.&nbsp;Rising exports and business investment in equipment helped the German economy to shift into a higher gear in the third quarter - it expanded by 0.8 per cent on the quarter, up from 0.6 per cent in the previous three months.

&quot;This week&#39;s industrial data show that even the German economy can have weaker moments&quot;, Brzeski said, adding that the fourth quarter could bring a slowdown in overall growth.&nbsp;For 2017 as a whole, the Ifo Institute for Economic Research predicts economic growth of 2.3 per cent which would translate into a calendar-adjusted expansion rate of 2.6 per cent - the fastest pace in six years.

Europe's second-biggest economy - Germany - takes a hit as it sees an unexpected decline in exports sector

German exports fell unexpectedly in October while vibrant domestic demand pushed up imports, narrowing its trade surplus and adding to evidence that Europe's biggest economy started the fourth quarter on a weak footing, data showed on Friday. The German economy, which is expected to grow by more than 2 percent this year, is enjoying a consumer-led upswing, propelled by record-high employment, rising real wages, moderate inflation, and ultra-low borrowing costs. Seasonally adjusted exports edged down by 0.4 per cent on the month while imports jumped by 1.8 per cent, data from the Federal Statistics Office showed. The exports figure confounded expectations for a 1.0 per cent rise while imports beat a forecast for a 1.1 per cent increase. "German industry has gone through a small roller coaster ride since the start of the summer", ING economist Carsten Brzeski said, adding that disappointing numbers had been followed by impressive rebounds. "Behind the vacation and weather-driven white noise of monthly data, however, there is a clear upward trend. The export sector has once more become an important growth driver in 2017", Brzeski continued. A breakdown of unadjusted figures showed that German imports from other European Union countries surged by 10.1 per cent while those from countries outside the bloc rose by 4.8 per cent. The seasonally adjusted trade surplus narrowed to 19.9 billion euros from an upwardly revised 21.9 billion euros in September. The October reading was lower than the Reuters consensus forecast for 21.8 billion euros. Germany's wider current account surplus, which measures the flow of goods, services, and investments, fell to 18.1 billion euros after an upwardly revised reading of 25.8 billion euros in September, unadjusted data showed. The trade figures followed economic data released on Thursday that showed industrial output fell unexpectedly in October - a drop economists linked to public holidays that let workers take long weekends. The weak figures came after data on Wednesday showed that industrial orders had risen unexpectedly in October, suggesting that output could bounce back in the coming months. Rising exports and business investment in equipment helped the German economy to shift into a higher gear in the third quarter - it expanded by 0.8 per cent on the quarter, up from 0.6 per cent in the previous three months. "This week's industrial data show that even the German economy can have weaker moments", Brzeski said, adding that the fourth quarter could bring a slowdown in overall growth. For 2017 as a whole, the Ifo Institute for Economic Research predicts economic growth of 2.3 per cent which would translate into a calendar-adjusted expansion rate of 2.6 per cent - the fastest pace in six years.

Unexpected decline in German exports narrows trade surplus

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