It is likely that the USA, EU and Japan will lodge complaints with the World Trade Organisation over China’s restrictions on exports of rare earths. These commodities contain 17 elements which are essential for the manufacture of high tech products, and China is the world’s largest producer.  The country’s policy is to restrict exports to [...]

With demand from the European Union and the USA slowing in September, China is expecting the export sector to face difficult times in the months ahead.  Imports of processing materials remained slow in September. China engages a lot in the processing trade – the country imports raw materials and half-finished goods, processes them and exports [...]

Cargo importers in Taiwan are complaining that their shipments are being delayed because Customs authorities are taking too long to inspect goods.  The Customs officials say they need more time to prevent ‘possible misunderstandings’ while the importers complain that officials are excessively cautious. There have  been a number of alleged scams in Taiwan in which [...]

The Spanish exporters association, FEPEX has said that it will retaliate against French threats to once more disrupt imports of fresh fruit. Farmers in France have been intercepting freight trucks from Spain at the border tolls, and in some cases throwing the fresh produce on the roads. The Catalonia and Tarragon branches of Spanish farmers’ [...]

Against a background of unstable stock markets and Eurozone chaose, the confidence of UK exporters rose during the second quarter of the year, according to a new survey by the British Chamber of Commerce.  However, export orders and confidence are not rising as fast as in the latter quarter of 2010 or the first quarter [...]