This Week in Trade

⛏️ Trade tensions are escalating while supply chain compliance is becoming stricter. New US tariffs, expanding forced labour import bans, and emerging digital trade partnerships are reshaping how businesses operate across global markets.

Welcome to This Week in Trade #19, your quick, curated briefing on the latest developments in global trade, supply chains, customs, and international economic policy.

This week, George Riddell examines new US Section 301 tariffs on Brazilian imports, coordinated international action against forced labour in supply chains, the expansion of the FIT Partnership on digital trade and economic resilience, and continuing WTO reform deadlock.

📌 This week's key stories:

• US imposes Section 301 tariffs on Brazilian imports
• Australia and India tighten forced labour import rules
• New US supply chain reports highlight forced labour risks
• FIT Partnership expands to 19 members
• Digital trade and paperless trade initiatives advance
• WTO reform discussions remain divided

💡 Key takeaway:

Trade policy is increasingly being shaped through tariffs, supply chain regulation, and plurilateral cooperation. Businesses should strengthen supplier due diligence while preparing for new digital trade frameworks beyond the multilateral system.

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 Trade Headlines
00:35 US–Brazil Tariffs
02:00 Forced Labour Import Bans
03:43 FIT Partnership Expands
05:40 WTO Reform Deadlock
07:12 Wrap Up & Summer Break

🎙️ Subscribe to the This Week in Trade podcast: https://pod.link/1893068806

🤝 This briefcast builds on the weekly trade insights curated by George Riddell.

🔗 Follow George Riddell on LinkedIn: /griddell

🌐 Explore more from the Geneva Trade Platform: https://genevatradeplatform.org

🔗 Follow the Geneva Trade Platform on LinkedIn: /geneva-trade-platform

📩 Have feedback or topics you'd like us to cover? Let us know in the comments.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly updates on global trade, WTO developments, supply chains, customs, trade policy, and international economic affairs.

⚠️ Governments are intervening more directly in global trade. From export controls and national security investigations to new trade agreements and tougher EU regulations, businesses face a rapidly changing policy landscape.

Welcome to This Week in Trade #18, your quick, curated briefing on the latest developments in global trade, supply chains, customs, and international economic policy.

This week, George Riddell examines the US national security determination on commercial aircraft imports, China's temporary helium export controls, major updates to the EU's CBAM and EUDR frameworks, the landmark UK–Switzerland Free Trade Agreement, and growing calls for WTO reform amid the rise of industrial policy and state intervention.

📌 This week's key stories:

• US Section 232 national security determination on aircraft imports
• China's temporary helium export controls
• EU Parliament advances tougher CBAM reforms
• European Commission updates EUDR scope and implementation
• UK and Switzerland conclude an enhanced Free Trade Agreement
• WTO reform debates intensify as industrial policies continue to expand

💡 Key takeaway:

Trade policy is increasingly being driven by national security, industrial strategy, and regulatory intervention. Businesses must prepare for a world where export controls, compliance requirements, and state-led economic policies are becoming central features of international trade.

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 Trade Shock Headlines
00:32 US Aircraft Security Probe
01:20 China Helium Export Ban
01:54 EU CBAM Expansion
02:47 EUDR Scope Updates
03:54 UK–Switzerland FTA Breakthrough
05:36 WTO Reform & State Subsidies
06:34 Wrap Up and Feedback

🎙️ Subscribe to the This Week in Trade podcast: https://pod.link/1893068806

🤝 This briefcast builds on the weekly trade insights curated by George Riddell.

🔗 Follow George Riddell on LinkedIn: /griddell

🌐 Explore more from the Geneva Trade Platform: https://genevatradeplatform.org

🔗 Follow the Geneva Trade Platform on LinkedIn: /geneva-trade-platform

📩 Have feedback or topics you'd like us to cover? Let us know in the comments.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly updates on global trade, WTO developments, supply chains, customs, trade policy, and international economic affairs.

📦 Trade rules are shifting again. The US is reopening the future of the USMCA, the EU-US Turnberry Agreement has entered into force, and WTO reform discussions are back on the agenda.

Welcome to This Week in Trade #17, your quick, curated briefing on the latest developments in global trade, supply chains, customs, and international economic policy.

This week, George Riddell unpacks the US decision not to renew the USMCA in its current form, a new Section 232 investigation into coal imports, the implementation of the EU-US Turnberry Agreement, renewed EU-China and UK-China trade talks, new free trade agreement developments, and the restart of WTO reform negotiations.

📌 This week's key stories:

• US declines to renew the USMCA in its current form
• Section 232 investigation into coal imports
• EU-US Turnberry Agreement enters into force
• EU-China and UK-China trade talks resume
• New developments on FTAs with Indonesia, Vietnam, India, and CPTPP
• WTO reform workstreams restart
• Latest anti-dumping and trade remedy actions

💡 Key takeaway:

Trade policy is increasingly being reshaped through parallel negotiations, regulatory reforms, and strategic security measures. Governments are updating trade agreements while strengthening tools on tariffs, supply chains, and industrial policy.

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 USMCA Renewal Shock
01:08 US Coal Tariff Probe
01:34 EU China Talks Reset
02:29 EU US Deal Begins
03:57 UK Trade Policy Updates
04:31 New FTAs Worldwide
05:04 WTO Reform Returns
06:09 Trade Remedies Roundup
06:43 Wrap Up and Feedback

🎙️ Subscribe to the This Week in Trade podcast: https://pod.link/1893068806

🤝 This briefcast builds on the weekly trade insights curated by George Riddell.

🔗 Follow George Riddell on LinkedIn: /griddell

🌐 Explore more from the Geneva Trade Platform: https://genevatradeplatform.org

🔗 Follow the Geneva Trade Platform on LinkedIn: /geneva-trade-platform

📩 Have feedback or topics you'd like us to cover? Let us know in the comments.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly updates on global trade, WTO developments, supply chains, customs compliance, and international economic policy.

⚖️ Trade compliance is tightening fast. New customs rules, steel measures, export controls, and tariff threats are reshaping global trade.Welcome to This Week in Trade #16, your quick, curated briefing on the latest developments in global trade, customs compliance, supply chains, and international economic policy.This week, George Riddell breaks down the major regulatory changes taking effect on 1 July, including new EU and UK steel regimes, China's tougher export controls on strategic minerals, and the end of the EU's €150 de minimis customs duty exemption. We also cover the US suspension of the $800 de minimis exemption for non-postal imports, the implementation of the EU-US Turnberry agreement, the extension of the Airbus-Boeing tariff truce, and renewed US tariff threats linked to digital services taxes.📌 This week's key stories:EU and UK introduce new steel trade regimesChina strengthens export controls on strategic mineralsEU abolishes the €150 de minimis customs duty exemptionUS suspends the $800 de minimis exemption for non-postal importsEU approves implementation of the US-EU Turnberry agreementAirbus-Boeing tariff suspension extendedFresh US tariff threats linked to digital services taxesSection 301 investigations remain in focus💡 Key takeaway:Trade compliance is becoming a strategic business priority. As customs procedures, export controls, and tariff regimes evolve simultaneously, companies should review supply chains, import processes, and compliance systems to stay ahead of rapidly changing rules.⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 July 1 Trade Shakeup00:28 EU and UK Steel Overhaul01:13 China Dual-Use Crackdown02:02 EU Ends De Minimis02:51 US De Minimis Suspended03:40 Tariff Relief and Risks04:58 Wrap Up and Feedback🎙️ Subscribe to the This Week in Trade podcast:https://pod.link/1893068806🤝 This briefcast builds on the weekly trade insights curated by George Riddell.🔗 Follow George Riddell on LinkedIn:/griddell🌐 Explore more from the Geneva Trade Platform:https://genevatradeplatform.org🔗 Follow the Geneva Trade Platform on LinkedIn:/geneva-trade-platform📩 Have feedback or topics you'd like us to cover? Let us know in the comments.🔔 Subscribe for weekly updates on global trade, WTO developments, supply chains, customs compliance, and international economic policy.

🔋 Supply-chain resilience is moving from ambition to policy. The G7 is setting concrete diversification targets for critical minerals, the EU is preparing one of the most significant customs modernisation efforts in years, and major trade agreements continue to reshape market access around the world.

Welcome to This Week in Trade #15, your quick, curated briefing on the developments shaping global trade, supply chains, customs compliance, and international economic policy.

This week, George Riddell examines the G7's new strategy to reduce dependence on single-source suppliers of rare earths and permanent magnets, including the launch of a new Critical Minerals Resilience and Production Alliance. We also unpack the European Parliament's approval of legislation implementing the US–EU Turnberry trade deal and the safeguards designed to protect European industries.

The episode also covers the long-awaited entry into force of the UK–India Free Trade Agreement, ongoing USMCA negotiations, EU–Malaysia FTA talks, and new UK–Malaysia digital trade negotiations.

Finally, we explore the European Union's sweeping reform of preferential origin procedures under Implementing Regulation 2026/1183, a major digitalisation initiative that will transform supplier declarations, customs verification processes, and proof-of-origin requirements ahead of key 2027 compliance deadlines.

📌 This week's key stories:
• G7 adopts critical minerals diversification targets
• New G7 Critical Minerals Resilience and Production Alliance launched
• European Parliament approves implementation of the US–EU Turnberry trade deal
• UK–India Free Trade Agreement enters into force on 15 July
• USMCA negotiations continue in North America
• EU–Malaysia and UK–Malaysia trade negotiations advance
• EU launches major customs and preferential origin reform
• WTO members challenge the US universal import surcharge
• Australia proposes reforms to WTO decision-making procedures

💡 Key takeaway:

Governments are increasingly treating supply chains, customs systems, and trade agreements as strategic tools of economic security. Businesses should prepare for greater diversification requirements, expanded origin compliance obligations, and a more digital trade environment.

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 Trade Week Preview
00:54 G7 Critical Minerals Push
02:12 US–EU Turnberry Deal
03:36 Global FTA Quickfire
04:22 EU Customs Origin Overhaul
05:25 WTO Surcharge Clash
06:23 Wrap Up and Feedback

🎙️ Subscribe to the This Week in Trade podcast:
https://pod.link/1893068806

🤝 This briefcast builds on the weekly trade insights curated by George Riddell.

🔗 Follow George Riddell on LinkedIn: /griddell

🌐 Explore more from the Geneva Trade Platform:
https://genevatradeplatform.org

🔗 Follow the Geneva Trade Platform on LinkedIn: /geneva-trade-platform

📩 Have feedback or topics you'd like us to cover? Let us know in the comments.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly updates on global trade, WTO developments, supply chains, customs compliance, and international economic policy.

⚙️ Trade and technology policy are becoming increasingly intertwined. New restrictions on Chinese firms, tougher EU carbon and investment screening rules, and major developments in digital trade are reshaping the global business environment.

Welcome to This Week in Trade #14, your quick, curated briefing on the developments shaping markets, supply chains, technology governance, and international economic policy.

This week, George Riddell examines the looming US–EU Airbus–Boeing tariff deadline, new US efforts to restrict Chinese firms' access to patents and defense-related supply chains, the EU's expansion of its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and stricter foreign investment screening rules covering AI, critical raw materials, and digital infrastructure.

We also explore the EU–South Korea Digital Trade Agreement, progress toward the WTO's first global e-commerce framework, and new UK incentives designed to help high-growth firms attract international talent.

📌 This week's key stories:
• US–EU Airbus–Boeing tariff suspension approaches expiry
• New US legislation targets patents linked to national security threats
• Pentagon expands restrictions on military-linked Chinese firms
• EU advances CBAM reforms and tougher anti-circumvention measures
• New EU foreign investment screening rules for strategic sectors
• EU and South Korea sign a landmark digital trade agreement
• WTO members push forward global e-commerce rules
• UK launches visa support for high-growth technology firms

💡 Key takeaway:
Trade policy is increasingly being used to pursue economic security, technology leadership, climate objectives, and digital governance, creating new compliance obligations and strategic considerations for businesses operating across borders.

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 Trade & Tech Headlines
00:14 Airbus–Boeing Tariff Deadline
00:52 US Expands Restrictions on Chinese Firms
01:57 EU CBAM & Investment Screening Reforms
02:58 Digital Trade Developments
04:09 UK Talent Visa Support
04:54 Wrap Up & Next Steps

🎙️ Subscribe to the This Week in Trade podcast:
https://pod.link/1893068806

🤝 This briefcast builds on the weekly trade insights curated by George Riddell.

🌐 Explore more from the Geneva Trade Platform:
https://genevatradeplatform.org

🔔 Subscribe for weekly updates on global trade, WTO developments, supply chains, and international economic policy.

#TradePolicy #InternationalTrade #DigitalTrade #CBAM #SupplyChains #EconomicSecurity #WTO #TechnologyPolicy #TradeCompliance #GenevaTradePlatform #ThisWeekInTrade #GeorgeRiddell

🛃 Trade compliance is moving to the forefront. New US tariff proposals, tougher customs enforcement, and stricter steel origin rules are raising costs and compliance obligations across global supply chains.Welcome to This Week in Trade #13, your quick, curated briefing on the developments shaping markets, supply chains, and international economic policy.This week, George Riddell examines proposed US Section 301 tariffs targeting 60 economies over forced labor enforcement, a major Customs and Border Protection enforcement crackdown, sweeping new EU steel import requirements, and ASEAN's landmark Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which could help double the region's digital economy by 2030.

📌 This week's key stories:

• USTR proposes new Section 301 tariffs on 60 economies

• CBP launches tougher importer enforcement measures• EU overhauls steel import rules with melt-and-pour requirements

• New EU steel safeguards cut import volumes and raise duties

• ASEAN concludes negotiations on the Digital Economy Framework Agreement

• Regional digital trade integration targets a $2 trillion digital economy by 2030

💡 Key takeaway:Governments are tightening trade enforcement and origin requirements, increasing compliance costs for businesses while creating new opportunities in rapidly integrating digital markets.

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 Trade Week Preview

00:44 US Forced Labor Tariffs

02:07 CBP Enforcement Crackdown

02:36 EU Steel Import Overhaul

03:39 ASEAN Digital Deal

04:30 Wrap Up and Next Steps

🎙️ Subscribe to the This Week in Trade podcast:https://pod.link/1893068806

🤝 This briefcast builds on the weekly trade insights curated by George Riddell.

🔗 Follow George on LinkedIn: / griddell

🌐 Explore more from the Geneva Trade Platform: https://genevatradeplatform.org

🔗 Follow the Geneva Trade Platform on LinkedIn: / geneva-trade-platform

📩 Have feedback or topics you'd like us to cover? Let us know in the comments.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly updates on global trade, WTO developments, supply chains, and international economic policy.

⛏️ Economic security is driving trade policy. Critical minerals, tariff disputes, and WTO reform are moving to the centre of the global trade agenda.

Welcome to This Week in Trade #12, your quick, curated briefing on the developments shaping markets, supply chains, and international economic policy.

This week, George Riddell examines the Quad's $20 billion critical minerals initiative, the latest legal battle over US IEEPA tariffs, a new Section 301 investigation into Vietnam, WTO reform proposals aimed at breaking institutional deadlock, tougher EU trade measures toward China, and plans for a future UK-EU SPS agreement.

📌 This week's key stories:
• Quad launches a $20 billion critical minerals financing initiative
• Trump administration appeals IEEPA tariff refund ruling
• USTR opens Section 301 investigation into Vietnam
• WTO reform proposals seek to accelerate plurilateral agreements
• EU considers tougher trade defence measures toward China
• UK-EU SPS agreement plans move forward

💡 Key takeaway:
Governments are increasingly using trade policy to advance economic security objectives, strengthen supply chains, and respond to geopolitical competition.

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 Big Trade Week Preview
00:41 Quad Critical Minerals Cash
01:40 US Tariffs Refund Appeal
02:18 Vietnam Section 301 Probe
02:51 WTO Reform Fast Lane
04:17 EU Gets Tough on China
04:58 UK-EU SPS Deal Update
05:39 Wrap Up and Feedback

🎙️ Subscribe to the This Week in Trade podcast:
https://pod.link/1893068806

🤝 This briefcast builds on the weekly trade insights curated by George Riddell.

🔗 Follow George on LinkedIn: / griddell

🌐 Explore more from the Geneva Trade Platform: https://genevatradeplatform.org

🔗 Follow the Geneva Trade Platform on LinkedIn: / geneva-trade-platform

📩 Have feedback or topics you'd like us to cover? Let us know in the comments.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly updates on global trade, WTO developments, supply chains, and international economic policy.

🚢 Trade diplomacy is back in the spotlight. APEC ministers are assessing a slowing regional outlook, major trade agreements are moving forward, and governments are tightening the rules around market access, preferences, and competition.

Welcome to This Week in Trade #11, your quick, curated briefing on the global trade developments shaping markets, supply chains, and international economic policy.

This week, we unpack the outcomes of the APEC Trade Ministers Meeting in Suzhou and examine the latest APEC economic outlook, which points to slower growth across the Asia-Pacific as geopolitical tensions and energy market disruptions continue to weigh on trade and logistics. We also cover the conclusion of the landmark UK–GCC Free Trade Agreement, updates from the EU–Mexico, EU–Philippines, and EFTA–Vietnam negotiations, reforms to the EU's Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP), and the latest developments in the EU–US Turnberry trade arrangement. Finally, we look at new US antitrust indictments targeting alleged collusion in the global shipping container sector.

📌 This week's key stories:
• APEC ministers meet in Suzhou amid slowing regional growth forecasts
• Oil price surge continues to pressure supply chains and logistics networks
• UK and GCC conclude a major free trade agreement with digital trade provisions
• EU–Mexico, EU–Philippines, and EFTA–Vietnam negotiations advance
• EU adopts revised GSP rules with stronger conditionality and safeguard measures
• EU and US reach provisional agreement on the Turnberry trade arrangement
• US DOJ indicts four container manufacturers over alleged price-fixing scheme

💡 Key takeaway:
Trade policy is increasingly being shaped by economic security concerns, energy market volatility, and strategic market access negotiations. As growth slows, governments are relying more heavily on trade agreements, preference schemes, and regulatory tools to strengthen resilience and maintain competitiveness.

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 APEC Summit Overview
01:04 Oil Shock and Supply Chains
01:58 UK GCC Trade Deal
02:42 Rapid Fire FTA Updates
03:50 EU Preference Rules Tighten
04:57 EU US Turnberry Deal
05:42 Shipping Indictments Fallout
06:24 Wrap Up and Feedback

🤝 This briefcast builds on the weekly trade insights curated by George Riddell.

🔗 Follow George on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/griddell

🌐 Explore more from the Geneva Trade Platform: https://genevatradeplatform.org

🔗 Follow the Geneva Trade Platform on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/geneva-trade-platform

📩 Have feedback or topics you'd like us to cover? Let us know in the comments.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly updates on global trade, WTO developments, supply chains, and international economic policy.

🌏 Trade diplomacy is shifting again. The US and China are reopening commercial channels, pharmaceutical firms face a potential 100% tariff shock, and new trade corridors are emerging between the UK and the Gulf.

Welcome to This Week in Trade #10, your quick, curated briefing on the global trade developments shaping markets, supply chains, and international economic policy.

This week, we unpack the Trump–Xi summit in Beijing, new US Section 232 pharmaceutical tariffs, and the latest trade and regulatory developments across Europe and the Middle East.

📌 This week’s key stories:
• Trump–Xi summit signals partial US–China commercial thaw
• Proposed US–China Board of Trade and investment coordination
• Taiwan tensions remain unresolved despite economic engagement
• US Section 232 pharmaceutical tariffs could reach 100%
• Onshoring and pricing agreements may reduce tariff exposure
• EU launches CBAM rebate consultation for third-country carbon pricing
• UK–GCC free trade agreement nears completion
• Austria proposes €2 delivery tax on distance sales packages

💡 Key takeaway:
Governments are increasingly blending trade policy, industrial strategy, and national security tools — creating both new commercial openings and major compliance risks for globally exposed businesses.

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 Trade Shock Opener
00:46 US China Summit Deals
01:30 Boards Trade Investment
02:04 Taiwan Risk Reality
02:37 Pharma Tariff Bomb
03:00 Onshoring Escape Hatch
03:44 Compliance And Penalties
04:10 CBAM Rebate Rules
04:50 UK GCC FTA Nears
05:14 Austria Delivery Tax
05:35 Wrap Up And Feedback

🤝 This briefcast builds on the weekly trade insights curated by George Riddell

🔗 Follow George on LinkedIn:
LinkedIn Profile

🌐 Explore more from the Geneva Trade Platform:
Geneva Trade Platform

🔗 Follow the Geneva Trade Platform on LinkedIn:
LinkedIn Page

📩 Have feedback or topics you’d like us to cover? Let us know in the comments.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly updates on global trade, WTO developments, supply chains, and international economic policy.