What US withdrawal from UN bodies could mean?

What US withdrawal from UN bodies could mean?

When UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric briefed correspondents in New York on Thursday following the release of the White House Memorandum, he insisted that the Organization will continue to carry out its mandates from Member States “with determination.” Wednesday’s memorandum states that the US administration is “ceasing participation in or funding to those entities to the […]

Shipping faces ‘stormy seas’ as trade slows and costs rise

Shipping faces ‘stormy seas’ as trade slows and costs rise

After firm expansion last year, seaborne trade volumes are forecast to rise by just 0.5 per cent in 2025, the slowest pace in years, according to the agency’s Review of Maritime Transport 2025, launched in Geneva. The slowdown comes as geopolitical tensions, new trade barriers and climate pressures reshape shipping routes, push up costs and […]

Trade measures critical to ending plastic pollution

Trade measures critical to ending plastic pollution

That assessment by UN trade and development body, UNCTAD, comes in an update published on Thursday ahead of the final round of talks to develop a legally binding international instrument against plastic pollution. “Although plastics are directly linked to the triple planetary crisis – pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change – there is still no comprehensive international […]

US tariff delay deepens trade uncertainty, warns top UN economist

US tariff delay deepens trade uncertainty, warns top UN economist

While the initial 90-day pause on so-called “reciprocal” tariffs offered some relief compared to planned increases of up to 50 per cent, the US imposed a 10 per cent baseline tariff instead, added on top of existing duties. This means many countries – especially developing economies – faced higher costs exporting goods to the US. […]

Despite the fall of Assad, the illicit drug trade in Syria is far from over

Despite the fall of Assad, the illicit drug trade in Syria is far from over

Despite the current government’s hostility to the trade, the country remains a hub for the production and distribution of the drug. During the country’s long-running civil war, the Assad regime was hit by sanctions and diplomatic isolation, and the trade in Captagon is believed to have brought in billions of dollars for the dictator and […]

Sudden escalation of trade tensions sends shockwaves through global economy

Sudden escalation of trade tensions sends shockwaves through global economy

Tariff-driven price pressures are adding to inflation risks, leaving trade-dependent economies particularly vulnerable. Higher tariffs and shifting trade policies are threatening to disrupt global supply chains, raise production costs, and delay key investment decisions – all of this weakening the prospects for global growth. General slowdown The economic slowdown is widespread, affecting both developed and […]

Stuck in the middle? Indebted nations plot path to growth amid global trade upheaval

Stuck in the middle? Indebted nations plot path to growth amid global trade upheaval

The High-Level Conference of Middle-Income Countries (MICs), held on 28 and 29 April, was attended by senior representatives from 24 MICs, many of which are highly indebted, leaving them little room for spending on developing their economies. Since 2000, only 27 countries transitioned from middle income to high-income status, and many have experienced reversals back […]

India Signed Air Services Agreements or Drafts with 114 Countries So Far

India Signed Air Services Agreements or Drafts with 114 Countries So Far

India has so far signed and initiated Air Services Agreement with 114 countries and latest one was with Rwanda, signed on 20th February 2017 at Kigali, informed Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The Air Services Agreements between India and other countries […]

Japan Seeks India to Resolve Transfer Pricing Issue First

Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held talks with the visiting Japanese delegation led by Hiroshige Seko, Minister, Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry (METI) where the Japanese side raised the Transfer Pricing issue that has remained contentious between the two sides for long. Japanese side said India should address the complaints raised by the […]