Trends Transforming Trade

Global trade has never looked more like a rollercoaster: a strange mix of tech-fuelled optimism, geopolitical chess moves, and tariff headaches. Last week is no exception. From the WTO’s bold claims that AI could transform the world economy, to China and the U.S. sparring over chips, to the EU finally sealing a deal with Indonesia after nearly a decade of haggling—trade headlines are swinging between the ridiculous and the real. For SMEs and export advisors, the challenge isn’t just keeping up, but knowing which twists will hit their shipments, margins, and compliance requirements next.

For decades, global trade strategy was primarily seen as an extension of market strategy—expanding into new regions, identifying customer bases abroad, and optimizing supply chains to serve them. However, the past few years have dramatically reshaped how companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), must approach global trade.

The shift didn’t happen overnight, but key milestones mark the turning point.

The Global Economy Is More Complex Than Ever

Trade today is about far more than moving goods across borders. It requires navigating a maze of compliance requirements, digital platforms, environmental standards, supply chain risks, and shifting policies. This growing complexity presents both challenges and opportunities for the global labour market.

In recent months, the U.S. has stepped up pressure on fellow G7 members—nations like Canada, France, Germany, Japan etc.—urging them to align their trade and tariff policies with U.S. preferences, particularly in relation to China, India, and purchases of Russian oil. Reports suggest the U.S. is pushing for steep tariffs (some as high as 100 %) on trading partners who continue to import from Russia, despite sanctions.

Earlier this week, several shipping containers fell into the sea at the Port of Los Angeles. For businesses involved in international trade, this type of incident is more than a headline—it’s a crisis that tests contracts, insurance policies, and customer relationships.

If you were the Importer of Record (IOR) or the Exporter of Record (EOR) for one of those lost containers, here’s what you should do next.

In a world where global supply chains are constantly tested by disruption, trade advisors, consultants, and policymakers are being asked tougher questions than ever before. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) trying to compete internationally, the advice they receive today can make or break their export journey.

Australia is one of the world’s most migrant-rich economies. As of 30 June 2024, 31.5% of people living in Australia were born overseas (8.6 million people)—a record share in modern times. The year prior, the ABS put the overseas-born share at 30.7%. That deep reservoir of global talent has long flowed into Australian enterprise, shaping everything from shopping centres and skyscrapers to e-commerce, toys, tech, and entire new cities.

Australia's vibrant small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector owes much of its dynamism to migrant entrepreneurs who have infused the economy with innovation, cultural diversity, and resilience. Here are several notable examples of immigrant-founded businesses that have made a significant impact across various industries:

If you sell online and ship overseas, you’ve probably heard rumblings about new U.S. rules that are shaking up the way parcels get delivered. Maybe you’ve noticed shipping delays, or even that your courier can’t send to the U.S. at all.

Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Most small online sellers never had to think about things like “de minimis” or “rules of origin.” But now, these trade terms are becoming part of daily business. This article will break it down in plain English, show you why it matters, and point you to the right people to ask for help.

U.S. De Minimis Rule Change Disrupts Postal Parcels — What SMEs Need to Know 

+ New e-Commerce Survival Toolkit

The short version

• From 29 August 2025, the U.S. suspends its $800 de minimis duty-free threshold for imports.
• National postal operators across Europe, Asia, and beyond have temporarily paused acceptance of U.S.-bound parcels, citing uncertainty over trade documentation, data requirements, and duty collection processes.
• Courier/express operators (DHL Express, FedEx, UPS) continue to move shipments, but often on a Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) basis.
• The GTPA has released a new e-Commerce Survival Toolkit to help SMEs navigate compliance, logistics, and scaling strategies during this transition.

Are you an online seller ready to master the complexities of international trade and logistics? The e-Commerce Survival Kit is designed specifically for e-Commerce businesses—offering the knowledge, tools, and credentials you need to scale globally with confidence.

Date: 26 August 2025

Executive Summary

• The U.S. government is considering sanctions—like visa bans—against EU or member-state officials who implement the Digital Services Act (DSA), a sweeping regulatory framework governing online platforms in Europe.
• These threats signal an extraordinary escalation—targeting individuals, not just policy or trade retaliation.
• Such actions defy normal diplomatic practice, where negotiations, multilateral channels, and proportional economic responses prevail.

Just like preparing for a trek into the wilderness, going global in business requires the right gear, the right plan, and the right skills. You wouldn’t set off without your map, first aid kit, and emergency rations — so why face the unpredictable terrain of international trade without your Survival Kit?

This is your backpack of global trade essentials — filled with the knowledge, tools, and credentials you need to navigate customs checkpoints, cross supply chain rivers, and summit the mountains of global growth.

Raise your glass — but maybe don’t fill it too fast, because this week’s global trade headlines are giving the alcohol and beverage sector a serious hangover.

Meet "Jake", owner of “Hoppy Trails”, a craft brewery in Portland, Oregon. Known for its small-batch IPAs and seasonal brews, "Jake’s" business is built on quality ingredients, skilled workers, and reliable equipment. But recent global trade twists are turning his brewing dreams into a bitter brew.

Meet "David", a chef-owner in Chicago whose upscale bistro is celebrated for its European-inspired menu — rich espressos, artisanal cheeses, seasonal produce, and indulgent desserts. But lately, "David" has been facing challenges that have nothing to do with cooking skills and everything to do with global trade shifts and policy changes.

Tariffs: The Hidden ‘Tax’ Adding Up

Since mid-2024, the U.S. imposed tariffs ranging from 10% to 25% on key imports that "Maria" relies on:

• Coffee beans and processing equipment: 15% tariff on coffee imports and related machinery.
• Aluminium components for kitchen appliances face a 25% tariff.
• Cutlery, crockery, and kitchenware from China: tariffs averaging 20%.
• Certain fruits and vegetables imported from Central and South America have seen increased inspection fees and delays but no direct tariff yet—though this could change.

Hold on to your wallets, folks — this week’s global trade scene is looking like the sequel nobody asked for, but everyone’s feeling the sting.

The TradeExperettes’ SkillsLab is a monthly program offering interactive tutorials and hands-on practice to help Members boost their professional confidence and public speaking skills.

This special guidance session is designed for those attending their first international conference- whether speaking or participating- and wanting to navigate the experience with confidence.

Date & Time: Wednesday, August 13, 2025

• 09:00 EDT

• 15:00 CEST

• 21:00 CST (Beijing)

The Chile Pacific Foundation is pleased to announce the next edition of its Ambassadors Series, featuring a distinguished guest: Juan Gabriel Valdés, Ambassador of Chile to the United States.

This special dialogue will explore the multifaceted relationship between Chile and the United States, with a focus on how it is evolving amid today’s complex global environment. Discussion topics will include trade cooperation, economic opportunities, and the geopolitical challenges shaping bilateral and regional priorities.

Date: July 29, 2025

Summary: Today's announcement unveils a framework—not a full trade deal—between the U.S. and the European Union. The pact imposes a uniform 15% tariff on most European goods entering the U.S., a substantial increase from pre‑Trump levels (~1–2%) and higher than original EU proposals (around 10%)

Date: July 29, 2025

Summary:
The newly announced U.S.–EU “framework” is not a full trade agreement. It imposes a 15% tariff on most EU imports to the U.S., up from pre‑Trump levels of around 1–2%, while imposing no reciprocal tariffs on U.S. exports to the EU. There is no binding treaty text; these terms could shift in coming weeks.

1. Trump’s “largest deal ever” might not be a deal at all

President Trump declared the agreement with Japan “perhaps the largest Deal ever made,” asserting Japan would invest $550 billion in the U.S. and face a reciprocal tariff rate of 15% on exports to America (down from proposed 25%). However, Japanese officials have firmly denied that this constitutes a binding treaty or any formal commitment. Japan’s Cabinet Office stated profit-sharing will depend on “degree of contribution and risk,” not a fixed 90% return to U.S. investors, and clarified that there is no legally binding written.

On May 28, 2025, the US Court of International Trade determined that President Trump exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977 by unilaterally imposing broad global tariffs without congressional approval. The three-judge panel emphasised that the IEEPA does not grant the president "unbounded" authority to regulate imports via tariffs, reinforcing that such powers are constitutionally vested in Congress.

This ruling came in response to lawsuits filed by small businesses and a coalition of twelve Democratic-led states, who argued that the U.S. trade deficit did not constitute the "unusual and extraordinary threat" required to invoke the IEEPA.

They now behave more like a weather vane—spinning with the political wind. A bold Friday announcement is followed by a quiet Sunday reversal. This weekend was no different: President Trump unveiled a 50% tariff on EU imports, only to delay it two days later after a “very nice call” with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

This isn’t a one-off. Back in April, we had “Liberation Day,” complete with sweeping “reciprocal tariffs”—reversed within days after markets wobbled and pressure mounted.

It defies logic to think that targeting international students at Harvard—or any single institution—wouldn't have broader repercussions across the entire U.S. higher education sector. Why jeopardise a $43.8 billion industry that supports over 378,000 jobs?

Trump often touts his business acumen yet seems to overlook the fundamentals of service exports. Ironically, his own enterprises thrive on services like hospitality and branding.

As the UK edges toward realigning its food standards with the EU under the new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, some voices have begun to raise tired concerns about sovereignty and "regulatory control." But let’s be honest: these arguments are political theatre, not economic strategy — and they ignore what matters most to real British businesses.

President Donald Trump has announced a major new phase in U.S. trade policy: the United States will begin sending formal letters to over 150 countries, outlining new, unilateral tariff rates to be imposed on their exports. The move marks a departure from traditional trade negotiations in favour of what the administration calls a "streamlined tariff communication strategy.

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is emerging as a pivotal trade framework in the 21st century. As global economic dynamics shift and traditional globalization models face challenges, the CPTPP offers a flexible, rules-based platform that could be more adaptable than existing structures like the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Brought to you by the Global Trade Professional Alliance

In today’s fast-changing global environment, the rules that govern international trade, supply chains, and even online businesses can shift overnight. Whether you're managing operations, advising clients, or supporting a global network, staying informed is more important than ever.

On May 12, 2025, Donald Trump dusted off one of his greatest policy hits — the “Most Favoured Nation” (MFN) drug pricing rule. In true Trump fashion, he declared that America should pay no more than the lowest price any other developed country pays for prescription drugs.

“We’re the most favoured nation, folks. It’s right there in the name. So, we get the best deal,” he proclaimed, possibly confusing trade law with birthday party guest rankings.

First, it was penguins. Seriously.

In April 2025, the Trump administration imposed a 10% tariff on imports from Heard and McDonald Islands—two remote sub-Antarctic territories best known for being cold, wild, and completely uninhabited. No ports. No exports. Just penguins and seals living their best lives.

So let me get this straight: the UK just signed something called an “Economic Prosperity Deal” with the U.S., which sounds like a Netflix drama about trade envoys falling in love during a G7 summit.

Spoiler alert: it’s not romantic. It’s ransom. Economic hostage-taking, dressed up in diplomacy. Picture this: America walks into the room with a smug smile and a 10% tariff gun on the table.

The UK’s already sweating through its tailored Savile Row suit. “Nice economy you’ve got there,” says the U.S., polishing its MAGA mug. “Be a shame if something… happened to it.” And boom—out comes this "prosperity" deal. It’s called prosperity, but only for one side. The other side gets to smile awkwardly at a press conference and pretend like it didn’t just agree to terms last seen in a hostage video.

It's worth noting that earlier in 2025, the U.S. had implemented a 20% tariff on Chinese imports as part of measures to address the influx of synthetic opioids. However, the most recent agreement supersedes this, establishing a 30% tariff rate during the 90-day pause. Therefore, the current tariff rate is 30%, not 20%.

Ah, the much-heralded US-UK "breakthrough" economic agreement of May 2025. Let's peel back the layers of this so-called deal and see what's inside.

Upon closer inspection, this is a modest framework addressing specific sectors, with many critical issues left untouched. As Reuters noted, while the agreement offers immediate sectoral relief, it falls short of being comprehensive.

From students to seasoned professionals, the Global Trade Passport Program by GTPA and EMTC is your journey to recognition, growth, and international impact.

Reopening Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks between Australia and the European Union (EU) is worth serious reconsideration—especially if Australia is willing to revisit its stance on Geographical Indicators (GIs). The deadlock over GIs, while significant, shouldn’t be viewed as insurmountable. Instead, it could be reframed as an opportunity—not only to unlock substantial trade benefits with one of the world’s largest markets, but also to carve a distinctive path that aligns with Australia’s evolving national identity and priorities, including reconciliation with Indigenous communities.

Donald Trump keeps repeating his greatest hits: “I set the deal. I do the deal. I’m doing the deals.”

Same line, same bravado—as if saying it enough times turns fiction into fact. But trade doesn’t work that way, especially with countries that have already learned how the show ends.

Now comes his latest plot twist: tariffs on movies made overseas.

Not goods. Not commodities. Movies.

The LA Port Director explains it perfectly—most people don’t realise how far tariffs ripple through the economy. Every single container that passes through the port is tied to someone's job.

As of 12:01 am ET on May 2, 2025, low-value (<$800) direct-to-consumer (D2C) shipments comprising goods made in China, Hong Kong and Macau will no longer be eligible for duty-free entry to the U.S. under de minimis (19 U.S.C. Sec. 1321).