Japan and the United States are deepening their partnership to secure supply chains for critical minerals. The collaboration focuses on the joint development and processing of essential materials like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths, aiming to reduce reliance on single-source suppliers and enhance economic security for both nations in the face of global market volatility.
The German Shipbuilding and Ocean Industries Association (VSM) and IG Metall Küste have jointly urged the German government to implement a national action plan to secure the future of the maritime sector, citing challenges from international competition and the need for technological transformation.
China has officially launched a major trade and consumption campaign in Hangzhou under the 'Big Market for All: Export to China' initiative. The event aims to boost domestic consumption, facilitate international trade, and strengthen economic ties by leveraging Hangzhou's position as a hub for e-commerce and digital innovation.
Japan and the United States are set to deepen their partnership on critical mineral supply chains during an upcoming summit. The collaboration aims to reduce reliance on single-source suppliers, enhance economic security, and support the transition to clean energy technologies by securing stable access to essential materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel.
The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has introduced a temporary concession allowing scanned copies of veterinary health certificates at borders. This measure aims to mitigate trade delays caused by ongoing regional logistics disruptions, ensuring the continued flow of essential animal and plant products into the United Kingdom.
A federal judge has ordered the U.S. government to initiate a refund process for certain tariffs imposed during the Trump administration. The ruling follows legal challenges regarding the scope and implementation of Section 301 tariffs on goods imported from China, impacting billions in duties collected by the government.
A federal judge has ordered the U.S. government to initiate a refund process for certain tariffs imposed during the Trump administration. The ruling follows legal challenges regarding the scope and implementation of Section 301 tariffs on goods imported from China, impacting billions of dollars in duties collected by the government.
Canada and Australia have formalized a new partnership to bolster critical mineral supply chains. The agreement aims to enhance cooperation in research, development, and investment, securing essential resources for the global transition to clean energy and advanced technologies.
The US ISM Manufacturing PMI registered 52.4% in February 2026, marking a second consecutive month of expansion, though at a slightly slower pace. The data, released on March 2, 2026, surpassed expectations of 51.8%. However, intensifying price pressures, with the Prices Paid Index hitting 70.5%, and concerns over the escalating Middle East conflict overshadowed the report.
FedEx has announced its intention to refund customers for tariff payments recovered from a lawsuit against the U.S. government. This move comes after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on February 20, 2026, that tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were unlawful. FedEx filed its lawsuit on February 23, 2026, seeking a full refund of these duties.
FedEx has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, including Customs and Border Protection, seeking a full refund of tariffs paid under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. This action follows a recent Supreme Court decision that declared the imposition of these tariffs by the former administration unlawful.
Japan has pledged a substantial investment of up to $550 billion in the United States, with an initial $36 billion earmarked for strategic projects in energy and advanced manufacturing. This move, part of a trade deal reducing US tariffs on Japanese goods, is set to bolster American industries and is widely expected to accelerate the diversification of global supply chains away from China.
Mexico and Canada announced plans to develop a joint action plan on minerals, infrastructure, and supply chains, following a meeting between their economy and trade ministers in Mexico City. The initiative aims to boost investment, commerce, and streamline regulations, with the plan expected in the second half of 2026.
A recent Aon survey indicates that Japanese business leaders are primarily concerned with cyber attacks and supply chain disruptions. The 2025 Global Risk Management Survey highlights these as the leading risks, alongside natural disasters and geopolitical volatility, impacting the complex operational landscape in Japan.
British manufacturing activity accelerated significantly in January 2026, with the S&P Global UK Manufacturing PMI rising to 51.8. This marks the best performance since August 2024, driven by a notable increase in new export orders—the first rise in four years—and sustained output growth.
China-Europe freight trains have significantly increased the flow of European goods into Yiwu, Zhejiang Province, in preparation for the upcoming Spring Festival. A total of 208 trains operated between January 1 and 28, 2026, delivering products like wine, ham, and dairy to meet holiday demand in 'the world's supermarket'.
China has officially launched island-wide special customs operations in Hainan, establishing it as a Free Trade Port. Effective December 18, 2025, this new customs regime aims to significantly reduce costs for overseas trade and expand zero-tariff imports, with 74% of tariff lines now eligible for duty-free status. The initiative marks a pivotal step in China's high-level opening-up strategy.
Bunge Brazil has secured the world's first ISCC CORSIA PLUS certification with a Low-LUC seal for soybeans destined for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This landmark achievement, announced in late December 2025, ensures traceability and low indirect land-use change risk for 100,000 tonnes of soybeans from its Rondonópolis facility, marking a pivotal step for low-carbon aviation.
Liam Mooney and Emma Cochrane, the Ottawa-based creators of the viral 'Canada is not for sale' hats, are launching a consultancy to share their hard-won lessons in domestic manufacturing. Their initiative aims to help other Canadian companies strengthen local supply chains and reduce reliance on foreign production.
China's Hainan Free Trade Port officially commenced island-wide special customs operations on December 18, 2025. This landmark move significantly expands zero-tariff coverage to 74% of goods, introduces a 'two-line' customs system, and offers tax incentives, marking a crucial step in China's high-standard opening-up policy.
