Trade policy news covering tariffs, trade agreements, import/export regulations, trade wars, and international commerce.
US tariffs of up to 100 percent on foreign-made drones took effect Thursday, targeting heavy or thermal-imaging models and docking stations. Smaller units face a 25 percent levy. The move aims to reduce reliance on China's DJI, which holds over 70% of the global market, amid national security concerns.
Brazil warned of retaliation if negotiations fail, as an ongoing EU audit of Brazilian poultry and honey stalls due to Brasília's failure to provide inspection guarantees. The dispute threatens a provisional Mercosur-EU free trade deal amid farmer concerns over food safety standards.
The US trade gap expanded significantly in July, driven by a surge in imports of computers and technological equipment. Capital goods imports surged 11.4%, marking the largest increase since 1993 due to AI infrastructure investment, while export values declined by 2.1%. The White House cited year-to-date data showing a 29.6 percent deficit reduction compared to 2025.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal insists the bilateral trade agreement requires Washington to offer terms better than those given to competitors like Vietnam and Bangladesh. He emphasized that India must avoid becoming a conduit for unethical trade, rejecting marginal value addition models after the US accused New Delhi of acting as part of a shadow transhipment network for Chinese goods.
American shoppers are increasing demand for domestic beef following the Trump administration's announcement of a 90-day tariff-free import deal. A Connecticut grocery store clarified its US sourcing after a multi-state recall of uninspected Argentine beef, confirming imported trimmings primarily serve the fast food industry.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick accused the Canadian Liberal government of deliberately derailing trade negotiations for political gain, citing last-minute demands on heavy trucks. In response, Prime Minister Mark Carney demanded binding assurances against future tariff changes and proposed retaliatory tariffs scheduled to take effect Tuesday after talks collapsed.
A new EU levy on small parcels from China has triggered a sharp decline in trade, with imports falling 53% at Belgium's Liege airport in July compared to the previous year. The measure generated approximately €224 million in its first seven weeks, aiming to curb cheap merchandise inflows.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced new 25% duties on U.S. toilet paper and facial tissue starting Sept. 8, alongside 50% tariffs on American dairy, fish, paper towels, and raw wood pulp. These measures respond to recent U.S. duties on Canadian goods.
A bill imposing 100% tariffs on major Russian oil importers is stalled in the U.S. House of Representatives ahead of midterm elections. The legislation, championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, expands President Donald Trump's authority to levy tariffs on countries buying Russian energy.
South Korea's Industry Minister stated tariff talks are proceeding under the understanding Seoul will not be disadvantaged compared to competitors. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick warned companies they must build domestically to access the market, while Seoul officials emphasized preventing trade issues from hindering broader investment negotiations involving Samsung and SK Hynix.