What Is a Trade Agreement and Why It Matters? A trade agreement is a deal between countries that sets the rules for buying and selling goods, services, or investments. The aim is to make international trade smoother and fairer. When countries agree on how to treat each other’s businesses, it builds trust and creates a […] Read More »

U.S. Tariff Actions Summary Tariffs on Chinese Imports: Up to 245%, including:• 125% reciprocal tariff – response to unfair trade• 20% fentanyl-linked tariff• 7.5%–100% additional duties on various goods Key Changes: • De Minimis ends May 2 – $800 import exemption scrapped (hits Temu, Shein)• Sector Tariffs Coming – new duties on electronics, semiconductors, pharma• […] Read More »

What Are Ad Valorem Tariffs? Ad valorem tariffs are import taxes based on the value of goods. The higher the value, the more you pay. Tariffs are usually calculated on the CIF value, which includes the cost of the goods, plus insurance and freight. For example, if the CIF value is $10,000 and the tariff […] Read More »

What Is a Trade Deficit? A trade deficit happens when a country buys more from other countries than it sells to them. This means the value of imports is higher than the value of exports. Trade deficits are recorded as part of a country’s current account, which tracks the flow of goods, services, and money […] Read More »

A tariff is a tax applied to goods imported from other countries. It’s usually charged at the border before those goods are allowed into the domestic market.  When one country imposes new tariffs, another country might respond with its own set of tariffs. These are known as retaliatory tariffs. They are often used as a […] Read More »

International trade is influenced by more than just the exchange of goods and services. It’s shaped by politics, affected by conflict, and swayed by how countries interact with one another. Governments don’t always see eye to eye. When they need to respond without resorting to force, they often turn to alternative measures. Some of these […] Read More »

What Is the Meaning of a Reciprocal Tariff? A tariff is a tax on goods that are brought into a country from abroad making imported products more expensive. A reciprocal tariff is a tax a country uses to respond to how another country treats its exports. For example, if Country A imposes a 10% tariff […] Read More »

What Are Free Trade Zones and How Do They Work? Free Trade Zones (FTZs) are areas where businesses can trade with fewer restrictions. These zones allow goods to be imported, stored, processed, or re-exported without immediate taxes or complex customs procedures. Many countries use FTZs to attract foreign investors, increase exports, and create jobs. FTZs […] Read More »

The bonded warehouse market is growing fast. It was valued at $165.21 billion in 2023 and is expected to hit $273.6 billion by 2031. That is a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.77% (Source: Verified market Research). This growth is driven by global trade, e-commerce, and the need for smarter inventory management. In 2025, […] Read More »

Countries use trade barriers to manage imports and protect their industries. Some barriers limit how much of a product can enter a country. Others make imports more expensive. Governments use these tools to support local businesses and control market prices. Import Quotas and Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQs) are two ways to regulate trade. Both influence […] Read More »