China’s cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) sector – online trade between Chinese consumers and foreign sellers – has become a cornerstone of the country’s foreign trade.  In 2023, China’s CBEC import-and-export volume reached RMB 2.38 trillion (about US$331 billion), a 15.6% jump year-on-year.  This growth was driven largely by a 19.6% surge in exports, with imports up 3.9%.  The chart below illustrates China’s rising CBEC trade value.  Figure: China’s CBEC import-export value (RMB trillion) 2020–2023. Cross-border e-commerce in China includes both imported goods sold to Chinese consumers and Chinese exports sold abroad.  It is now mainstream: a 2024 study found 188 million Chinese shoppers bought…

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…