South Africa and China Move Towards Stronger Trade Cooperation

South Africa and China are expected to strengthen trade relations through new regulatory agreements, with discussions scheduled for this week between the South African Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition and the Chinese Vice Minister of the State Administration for Market Regulation. According to a report by the South African think tank tralac, the discussions are expected […]

Indonesia-EU Trade Agreement Progresses Towards Ratification

On June 29, 2026, the European Commission presented its proposals on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) with Indonesia to the European Council for their signature and conclusion. Following signature, the agreements will require European Parliament’s consent before they can enter into force. The Indonesian authorities are in parallel going through […]

EU Tariff Framework Finalized for US Dried Fruits and Tree Nuts

Following formal adoption by the Council of the European Union on June 25, 2026, two regulations implementing tariff-related commitments under the August 2025 EU-US Joint Statement were published in the EU’s Official Journal on June 30 and entered into force the following day. The legislation sets zero customs duties for selected US dried fruit products and introduces a 500,000 metric ton […]

Brazil Faces Prospect of “Stacked” Tariffs on Goods Exported to the US

The United States has proposed a 25% tariff on imports from Brazil under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, in response to practices considered “unreasonable” in areas such as digital trade, intellectual property and market access. The measure, announced in early June 2026, could be implemented by mid-July and would apply broadly across sectors, although […]

India Pushes for Preferential Tariff Access in Trade Talks With US

India is seeking preferential tariff treatment as negotiations on an interim trade agreement with the United States enter an advanced stage. According to officials cited by Business Today, New Delhi aims to secure more favorable tariff conditions for its exporters than those available to competing manufacturing economies, with both sides continuing discussions on the first phase […]

EU Suspends Customs Tariffs on Nitrogen-Based Fertilizers for One Year

EU Suspends Customs Tariffs on Nitrogen-Based Fertilizers for One Year On May 22, 2026, the Council of the European Union approved a one-year suspension of customs duties on nitrogen-based fertilizers, including urea and ammonia, with an estimated savings of €60 million for EU farmers and the fertilizer industry. The suspension excludes imports from Russia and […]

INC Tariff Report & Updates

Iran: US Announces Blockade of Iranian Ports After Failed Peace Talks Following the breakdown of US-Iran peace talks in Pakistan on April 12, 2026, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports, effective April 13. The announcement said the blockade would “be enforced impartially against vessels of […]

INC Provides Input on First Draft of Codex Code of Practice on Ochratoxin A

As noted previously, the INC is taking part in a Codex Alimentarius electronic working group tasked with developing a code of practice aimed at preventing and reducing ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination in dried fruits, specifically raisins, dried apricots, dried figs, dried dates, and prunes. In March, the chair of the working group shared the first […]