In the complex theatre of global commerce, a palpable shift is underway. After years of escalating tensions, retaliatory tariffs, and profound supply chain uncertainty, a thaw has emerged in the US–China trade relationship, bringing with it a notable, if tentative, reduction in duties. For the international exporters, brand executives, and trade analysts who have navigated the volatile currents of this economic conflict, the development represents more than just a headline—it is a strategic inflection point. In a global economic climate still healing from pandemic-era disruptions and grappling with inflationary pressures, the relaxation of punitive tariffs, however temporary, reopens commercial corridors…

Early after Donald Trump reelection for his second term, the U.S.–China trade tensions increased after the U.S. reignited the trade war with China: leading to new tariff hikes and export curbs pushed both sides into unprecedented territory, forcing a return to the negotiating table. In spring 2025, negotiators met in Geneva and reached an initial “Geneva consensus” to halt the spiral. This produced a fragile tariff truce, and a 90-day pause on some measures, but ambiguities soon emerged. Each side accused the other of backtracking – Beijing imposed fresh limits on exports of critical minerals, and Washington pressed ahead with tech…

A recent diplomatic development has reminded Europe’s trade community of a recurring issue in international cooperation: the mismatch between stated alliances and actual practice. On May 7, Reuters reported that the Danish government is seeking clarification from the United States over allegations that U.S. surveillance activities may have extended into Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory of growing commercial and strategic importance. While the details of the case remain largely unconfirmed and will likely be addressed quietly through official channels, the news is relevant to companies operating internationally, particularly those working in sectors such as logistics, energy, and digital infrastructure. When even…

China has unveiled an ambitious 2025 foreign investment plan aimed at opening key service sectors – notably telecommunications and healthcare – to greater foreign participation. In February 2025, the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) released the Action Plan for Stabilizing Foreign Investment (2025), which explicitly calls for “expanding pilot programs to open up the telecommunications and healthcare sectors”. These reforms are designed to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) and modernize China’s service industries. The timing is strategic: China is pursuing these openings amid global economic headwinds, as officials seek to boost the domestic…

Background: A Pause in the Trade War A 90-day tariff truce between the United States and China was announced on May 12, 2025, after intense weekend negotiations in Geneva. Under the deal, both countries agreed to roll back the bulk of their recent reciprocal tariffs and halt further escalations for three months. U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods will drop from a towering 145% combined rate to 30%, while China will slash its duties on American imports from 125% down to 10%. This marked a dramatic de-escalation from the trade war brinkmanship that had nearly frozen $600 billion in two-way trade. At…

The international trade landscape in early 2025 is dominated by the volatile US–China relationship. After years of frictions, both sides have unleashed unprecedented tariff measures, ushering in a “new era” in global economics. China and the U.S. still account for about 43% of world GDP and nearly half of global manufacturing output, so any shifts between them ripple through the global economy. In 2025, confrontation peaked with punitive tariffs up to 125–145%, though tentative moves toward negotiation hint at a possible thaw. Trade Flows and Key Commodities Despite tensions, trade volumes remain massive. In 2023, the U.S. imported roughly $427 billion in…

Spain made a bold move in global trade: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government doubled down on strengthening commercial ties with China – even in the face of U.S. warnings. This pivot comes on the heels of a new wave of U.S. tariffs under the revived Trump administration, a protectionist push that has upended the global trading order and spurred fears of recession. As Washington raises barriers, countries like Spain are looking east for growth opportunities, signalling a broader shift in trade strategy worldwide. International business executives, export managers, and growth-focused entrepreneurs are taking note: a new era of “sell in…

On April 2, 2025, the Trump administration unveiled sweeping global import tariffs, framing the day as “Liberation Day” for the American economy. President Trump described the new duties as a corrective to decades of “unfair” foreign trade practices, aiming to reduce U.S. dependence on imported goods and level the playing field through reciprocal taxation. The announcement, made without prior disclosure, introduces stackable tariffs across a wide range of industries: automotives, metals, pharmaceuticals, tech, and consumer goods. A new 25% tariff on global car imports comes into immediate effect, complementing revived steel and aluminum duties. Pharmaceuticals, long exempt due to health concerns,…

We are excited to announce our strategic partnership with CorpelServe to provide enhanced market entry solutions for businesses looking to expand into India. This partnership strengthens Gate Kaizen’s presence in Asia, complementing our existing operations in China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia. With this expansion, we continue to support businesses in navigating diverse and dynamic Asian markets with expert guidance and seamless execution. India: The Next Global Growth Engine India, now the world’s most populous country, is also one of the fastest-growing major economies. With a rapidly expanding consumer base, rising disposable incomes, and a digital revolution fueling new opportunities, India has…