Cross-border trade has been a key driving force in the development of most of the world since the existence of the first civilizations. From the Silk Road that connected the East and West in ancient times to the goods we purchase online today, it has been essential to the growth of a multitude of civilizations, empires, and nations throughout the course of history. Decades back, countries in the European Union (EU) collaborated on facilitating cross-border economic activity w

Official China Trade Data Analysis by John W. Miller, Chief Economic Analyst, Trade Data Monitor - May 2021 China Preliminary Data by Major Products & by Country/Region Asia is really humming. Chinese exports of goods to top Asian trading partners boomed in May, suggesting that the continent is blowing past Europe and the U.S. in 2021 in the speed and scale of its recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. Chinese exports to the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Nations, o

Interview with Kunio Mikuriya, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization What are the biggest challenges Customs authorities face from Covid-19? Kunio Mikuriya: Customs administrations, like many essential government services, have continued to operate throughout this challenging situation to ensure the smooth supply of goods (including key medical equipment), and prevent attempts by smugglers and criminals to bring in illicit and sometimes dangerous goods. Administ

As India emerges from a public health crisis, the serious issues of illegal products need to be addressed on a war footing. COVID-19-induced mobility restrictions gave an impetus to illicit trade of essentials and non-essential items. As a result, the alcohol and tobacco trade invariably hung in an uncomfortable situation. According to a market research report by Euromonitor research and TII (2019), India has become the fourth-largest and fastest-growing illegal cigarette cap

Levies now cover about $250 billion a year in goods—down from $370 billion—as U.S. companies shift purchases elsewhere U.S. tariffs have led to a sharp decline in Chinese imports and significant changes in the types of goods Americans buy from China, new data show, with purchases of telecommunications gear, furniture, apparel and other goods shifting to other countries. Nearly two-thirds of all imports from China—or roughly $370 billion in annual goods—were covered by tariffs

China preliminary data for April (release by Major Products & by Country/Region) and below TDM insight by John W. Miller, Chief Economic Analyst - Trade Data Monitor For years, economists marveled at China’s history-shaping growth in manufacturing exports. But as this April’s trade data from Beijing illustrates, it’s time to start paying more attention to the ballooning of shipments to China. Chinese imports in April increased 43.1% year-on-year to $221.1 billion, the biggest

The country’s pandemic policy offers a case study in the effects of prohibition As the taverns and drinking spots filled up with revellers in Xhora Mouth, deep in South Africa’s rural Eastern Cape, Lynne Wilkinson worried that the crowds celebrating Christmas would bring a new wave of coronavirus infection to an isolated region with few hospitals and clinics. Bulungula Incubator, a charity where Wilkinson is acting director, had worked with villagers to manage the risk of big

Interesting article by Andrés Rodríguez‐Pose from FDI Intelligence. With so many of SEZs popping up around the world, relying on them could be a mistake for emerging economies. There are now more than 5300 Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the world, 90% of which, according to Unctad, are in developing and transitioning economies. Yet the question that remains is whether the growing army of SEZs is delivering on its objectives. The Shenzhen SEZ in China — established in 1980 —

Official China Trade Data from our partners at Trade Data Monitor based on official HS Customs data on all commodities. It was March 2020 that marked the depths of the Covid-19 economic crisis. Factories closed. Shops shuttered. Consumer locked their doors and wallets. Last month’s Chinese exports signals that the global economy has found its way back. Spring is here. Wallets are open. In March, Chinese exports increased 30.7% year-on-year to $241.1 billion. That’s significan

Pleased to share the PWC Asia Customs & Trade February / March 2021 issue of Trade Intelligence which includes the following highlights: · Lead Article - Celebrate or Commiserate? Taking stock in the world of customs and international trade · ASEAN signs MRA impacting automotive products · Korea-Central America FTA enters into full force · China releases draft administrative measures on approved exporters · India’s digitisation initiatives · Revocation of excise duty exemptio

For over 11 years we have been at the centre of FDI, Trade & Investment in Asia: Inbound & Outbound FDI, Trade & Supply Chain Digitalisation, Anti Illicit Trade, Intelligence, Technologies & Market Access from our HQ in Malaysia. KEY SERVICES · Technical Consulting - Donors, Governments & Technologies · In Market Representation · Investment Lead Generation and Investment Outreach (By Region and By Sector) · FDI Consultancy, Marketing & Communications Strategy · Corporate Site

Exports to U.S., EU Drive China Export Comeback - Official January & February China Trade Data insights from our partners at Trade Data Monitor, authored by Chief Economist, John W Miller For a copy of the latest trade data for China and other countries email: andrewk@kwconfex.com The global economy appears ready for a strong rebound from the Covid-19 pandemic. Shipments from China, the world’s top exporter, increased a whopping 60.6% year-on-year to $468.9 billion over the f

With only a limited number of product inspections carried out inside free zones, many customs administrations now require that tobacco products carry a special declaration with detailed information that would enable joint investigations, effective risk management and electronic recordkeeping, as highlighted in a report published by the Secretariat of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). The report, Examples of current practices on the implementation of

Dentsu Tracking joins the EU-ASEAN Business Council to support supply chain digitisation and the fight against illicit trade with its tracking and tracing expertise. Managing Director, Philippe Castella said: "Dentsu Tracking is delighted to become a member of the EU-ASEAN Business Council. As the operator of the European Union Tobacco Tracking & Tracing System, we are a trusted partner for authorities worldwide to help implement digital supply chain control solutions based o

Trade in counterfeit goods represents a longstanding, and growing, worldwide socio-economic risk that threatens effective public governance, efficient business and the well-being of consumers. At the same time, it is becoming a major source of income for organised criminal groups. It also damages economic growth by undermining both business’s revenue and their incentive to innovate. Counterfeit and pirated products tend to be shipped by virtually every means of transport. In

We are delighted to announce a new partnership between Dentsu Tracking and KW Group to lead development in the Asia Pacific region. Dentsu Tracking is committed to assist governments and the private sector in the digitisation of supply chains in the region and to support the fight against illicit trade through collaboration with ministries of finance, customs, and enforcement bodies. The company fully supports the regional development of trade digitisation as a driver for eco

System will strengthen tax and customs cooperation, enabling instantly the sharing and exchange of data and information, including corporate tax registration, corporate import and export declaration documents, sales and purchase records, as well as other related documents. The introduction of the data automation system represents Cambodia’s optimisation of new technology to strengthen inter-institutional cooperation. Under the automated exchange system, the two tax authoritie

Pandemic has further exposed weaknesses throughout the region and in the online world that allow shady operators to thrive - Article from Jan 18th Bangkok Post Not only has the Covid-19 pandemic exposed flaws in social and health systems, disrupted supply chains and taken at least 38,000 lives across Southeast Asia, it has also shed light on the growing problem of illicit trade in the region. Smuggling, counterfeiting and related illegal activities rob the global economy of U

As the world seeks to recover from the devastation of the Covid-19 pandemic, trade data suggests it’s more dependent than ever on the Chinese export engine - Latest December China Trade Data insights from our partners at Trade Data Monitor, authored by Chief Economist, John W Miller - For a copy of December's trade data for China and other countries email: andrewk@kwconfex.com China’s full-year numbers show how global trade was almost crippled by the Covid-19 pandemic during

A 2020 update of the ICC BASCAP report assessing the environment and highlighting trends in counterfeiting and other forms of illicit trade facilitated within free trade zones. What’s at risk? Free Trade Zones (FTZs) provide significant opportunities for legitimate business and play a critical role in global trade as well as economic growth for the host nation. However, our updated research has continued to confirm that insufficient oversight remains a major enabler of illic