Trends Transforming Trade

Trade wars, economic sanctions, and resource control have shaped global history—and Hollywood has taken notice. From intergalactic blockades to corporate monopolies, films often reflect real-world struggles over trade, industry, and economic power. Whether set in historical contexts, dystopian futures, or fictional worlds, these movies explore the consequences of economic conflict in gripping and often unexpected ways.

The ongoing trade tensions between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico have now expanded beyond traditional tariffs to include e-commerce and de minimis thresholds. With the U.S. recently imposing a 10% tariff on imports from China and 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, the impact on cross-border online shopping has intensified, raising new challenges for retailers, consumers, and policymakers.

The trade war just got real - new tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and changing regulations are shaking up how businesses import and sell.

Join our new set of meet-and-greet sessions for TradeExperettes members only. With these sessions, we aim to provide a space to get to know each other and interact in a less formal space where we can all start to create our network.

We're excited to invite you to the PIT’s First Trade Networking Event of 2025, an evening of relaxed networking and vibrant conversations at the beautiful Orient Hotel in The Rocks, Sydney. You will also enjoy a complimentary first drink upon arrival to kick off the evening!

🗓 Date: Thursday, February 27th

🕠 Time: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

📍 Location: Mrs Jones Terrace inside the Orient Hotel (Second floor)

The United States has taken a significant step forward in customs compliance education with the launch of the new LCB Customs Program. This initiative, endorsed by the EMTC and GTPA, sets a new benchmark for customs education, ensuring professionals and organizations are equipped with the knowledge and skills to excel in today’s complex trade environment.

Are you interested in carving a career in international trade? Have you just started on your professional path in this field? Are you looking to receive valuable guidance from more experienced members of TradeExperettes to help you develop a career pathway that can best serve your interests and needs?

WTO members have agreed that the organization’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) will take place from 26 to 29 March 2026 in Cameroon. The dates were endorsed at a 16 December meeting of the WTO's General Council.

The General Council Chair, Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, has welcomed the “significant progress” made in the ongoing negotiations on dispute settlement reform, which is taking place under the purview of the General Council. He said he would be consulting with members early next year on how to further advance the reform work. Speaking at the last General Council meeting of the year on 16-17 December, Ambassador Ølberg thanked Ambassador Usha Dwarka-Canabady of Mauritius for her important contributions as facilitator of the talks over the past six months.

On 13 December 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the WTO held the 11th Trilateral Technical Symposium titled “Strengthening manufacturing capacities to respond to the noncommunicable diseases burden.” The event underscored the importance of strengthening production and its diversification through initiatives that promote innovation and enhance access to health technologies. It focused on the global health burden caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and the role that trilateral partners can play in this regard.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the WTO Secretariat have jointly launched a database on trade in critical minerals to enhance transparency regarding these minerals and to support the clean energy transition. The database provides information on trade flows, allows visualizations of trade networks and specialization patterns and compiles data on tariffs and other trade policies for 250 critical minerals and related products across value chains.

Step into Marbio, Morocco's first biotech company, leading the charge to achieve vaccine independence for both Morocco and Africa. Discover how its focus on vaccine production, technology transfer, and capacity building is paving the way for a healthier, more resilient future for the continent. Marbio’s efforts are transforming healthcare, empowering local talent, and promoting equitable global trade.

In the world of geopolitics and economics, trade policy is typically guided by consistent principles, clear objectives, and a recognition of long-term consequences. But when it comes to Donald Trump’s trade policy, such logic falls apart. Attempting to understand his approach—rooted in unpredictability, contradictory actions, and rhetoric over substance—becomes an exercise in futility. Here’s why.

Since Brexit, the UK has sought to forge a "Global Britain" narrative, looking beyond Europe to strengthen trade ties with the rest of the world. A key focus has been on enhancing trade with the United States. While the USA is an attractive market due to its size and economic power, the complexities, costs, and challenges of doing business there make the EU a more practical and profitable focus for UK businesses. Here’s why.

Members should not lose time on process and swiftly resume substantive talks in the new year, said the Chair of the agriculture negotiations, Ambassador Alparslan Acarsoy of Türkiye, in year-end meetings on 4 December.

WTO states that global action needed to make trade inclusive for persons with disabilities.

Diversifying supply chains is essential for SMEs looking to reduce risks and ensure the longevity of their operations.

CBP issued the final Federal Register Notice on November 1, 2024 with the critical dates for this program.

• Education Providers can submit courses and activities starting from November 1,2024.
• Licensed Brokers can start taking courses toward their 20 credits on January 1, 2025.

ESG and sustainability have become dominating issues in the world economy. But ESG regulation is evolving and to date no internationally recognised standards have emerged. This presents a huge challenge for banks, which are struggling to integrate ESG into their risk management framework. The challenge is especially acute for commodity trade finance, which is exposed to multiple ESG risks that are poorly understood. And with compliance and reporting standards strengthening by the day, the banks that finance commodity trade need to overhaul their risk management approach urgently.

The 2024 ICC Trade Register report, measuring global risk in trade and export finance, is now available for download and purchase.

The fifth review of the trade policies and practices of Paraguay takes place on 20 and 22 November 2024. The basis for the review is a report by the WTO Secretariat and a report by the Government of Paraguay.

Trade in intermediate goods (IGs) is playing an increasing role in Africa's economic development. In recent years, IG exports have risen much faster than imports, leading to a significant reduction in the continent's IG trade deficit. Africa’s IG exports (excluding fuels) in 2022 were estimated at US$ 312 billion compared with US$ 196 billion in 2019.

Africa's IG exports are mostly composed of raw or semi-processed materials and primary products supplied at earlier production stages in global value chains (GVCs). They cover a wide range of products, from ores, minerals and precious stones (e.g., iron, rhodium, non-monetary gold and diamonds) and agricultural inputs (e.g., cocoa, coffee and cotton), to manufactured parts, components and accessories (e.g., car wiring kits) used by industries to produce final products.

Africa's IG exports (excluding fuels) in 2022 represented around 77 per cent of total non-fuel merchandise exports from the continent, the highest share in the world.

At a meeting of the Informal Working Group (IWG) on Trade and Gender on 18 November 2024, members took stock of the Group’s achievements in 2024 in advancing gender equality in global trade. Attention was drawn to the paragraph on trade and gender included in the Abu Dhabi Ministerial Declaration, the launch of a new policy tool supporting the financial inclusion of women entrepreneurs, and the inaugural International Prize on Gender Equality in Trade.

The World Health Organization (WHO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the WTO will hold the 11th Trilateral Technical Symposium on “Strengthening Manufacturing Capacities to Respond to the Non-Communicable Diseases Burden” on 13 December 2024 at the WTO. The deadline for registration is 9 December.

As we face the possibility of new tariffs in 2025, let's look back at the impact of the last major trade dispute between the United States and China.

Supply chain refers to the interconnected network of businesses, individuals, activities, and resources involved in the production and distribution of goods and services to end consumers. It involves the coordination of various activities such as design procurement, production processes, transportation, and logistics to ensure that products are delivered to customers in a timely, efficient, and cost-effective manner.

Congratulations! You've achieved your Customs Broker's license. The journey begins here. Where do you go from here?

With new U.S. tariffs on the horizon, now is the time to strengthen and diversify your supply chain. GTPA and EMTC are here to help with an exclusive offer to support your business resilience and expansion!

As a valued member of the Global Trade Professionals Alliance (GTPA), you now have exclusive, FREE access to our Supply Wise toolkit and strategy template! This powerful resource is crafted to help you streamline your supply chain and expand into new markets with confidence.

Boost Your Career with Global Pathways.

The Global Pathways Program is more than just a certification—it's a journey of growth, recognition, and global opportunity. Whether you're just starting out or looking to cement your position as a leader, this program provides the tools and community to help you chart your course to success.

For the first time ever, all continuing education programs must be accredited by CBP’s selected partners.

The goal? Raising the bar for expertise and professionalism like never before!

Meet the Global Pathways Program—a seamless way to earn your required credits and much more!

With the Federal Register Notice released on November 1, 2024, all U.S. Customs Brokers must now complete 20 credits of accredited training by January 31, 2027 to meet the updated regulatory requirements under 19 CFR 111. This world-first initiative not only aims to boost expertise and ensure compliance but also introduces a new standard of professionalism across the industry.

The Global Trade Professionals Alliance (GTPA) is offering FREE access to the Supply Wise toolkit and strategy template—designed to streamline your supply chain and open doors to new markets.

In the rapidly evolving global economy, success in trade and supply chains requires a professional to nimbly interact with professional colleagues across a wide array of specialisations. For professionals and businesses working in or impacted by international trade, a broad skill set is vital to navigating complex global dynamics. This article explores the key areas where developing diverse capabilities can help both individuals and organisations thrive.

Trade is the backbone of the global economy, connecting markets, industries, and people across borders. However, modern trade is far more complex than the simple exchange of goods and services. It is shaped by a range of factors, including regulations, technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, sustainability concerns, and more.

Job Description

As the Customs & Trade Operations Leader, your primary responsibility will be the implementation and management of bonded warehouses in both the UK and the Netherlands.

You will handle all trade operations across the EMEA region, with a particular focus on goods movement to and from the Distribution Centres in these countries, ensuring compliance with customs warehouse requirements.

Ready to unlock new global career opportunities?

Apply for your Global Pathways Passport and start earning digital badges today! 

GTPA is pleased to announce that together with EMTC, our ISO certification partner, we have been selected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as an Accreditor and reviewer of U.S. Licensed Customs House Broker Continuing Education.

EMTC & GTPA are honored to be selected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as an Accreditor for training that supports the professional growth of our Licensed Custom House Brokers. CBP selected a limited number of accreditors to review training presented by educators and organizations in the industry. CBP’s Office of Trade is implementing an accreditation process for broker training educational activities not offered by a U.S. Government Agency.

In a world where borders blur digitally, mastering e-commerce and digital skills is not a choice but a necessity. The e-commerce Toolkit and the NSW Government, City of Sydney and GTPA’s program empower businesses to thrive:

1. Global Reach: E-commerce enables businesses to transcend borders, reaching a global audience.
2. Adaptability: Digital skills equip businesses to swiftly adapt to evolving market trends.
3. Efficiency: Automation and AI streamline processes, enhancing operational efficiency.
4. Competitive Edge: Businesses with advanced digital skills gain a competitive advantage.
5. Market Expansion: Digital strategies open doors to new markets and diverse opportunities.

In a rapidly evolving global landscape, staying ahead requires not just adaptation but mastery. The NSW Government and GTPA e-commerce Toolkit is your key to unlocking digital potential, ensuring your business not only survives but thrives.

Whether you're an e-commerce novice or a seasoned player, our resources cater to your specific needs.