Customs duties • Table.Briefings

April 28th, 2026

Tariffs: Commerce minister hopes for help from the VDA

China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao has met with VDA President Hildegard Müller. During the meeting, he voiced the hope that the association would lend its support.

By Marcel Grzanna

News | Trade policy

April 13th, 2026

Africa: China plans to eliminate tariffs for 53 countries on the continent

Starting May 1, China will eliminate tariffs on goods from 53 African countries. In light of growing trade restrictions worldwide, Beijing hopes to secure resilient supply chains in Africa.

By Angela Köckritz

Opinion | E-Commerce

April 10th, 2026

WTO Ministerial Conference offers African countries a way out of the deadlock

After nearly 30 years, the WTO’s tariff moratorium on e-commerce has expired. This is good news for countries in the Global South, according to digital trade experts Africa Kiiza and Sven Hilbig. However, African governments must make wise use of this opportunity.

By Africa Kiiza and Sven Hilbig

News | WTO

March 22nd, 2026

WTO conference: EU pushes for comprehensive reforms

The World Trade Organization is at a turning point. The EU has called for a re-evaluation of the most-favored-nation principle.

By Ning Wang

News | Customs duties

March 22nd, 2026

Japan: New investments to counter US tariffs

To avoid US tariffs, Japan plans to invest USD 550 billion in the United States. Prime Minister Takaichi's trip to Washington suggests that Tokyo intends to stick to that commitment.

By Marcel Grzanna

News | India

March 18th, 2026

India: Anti-dumping investigation into chemical imports from China

India is launching an anti-dumping investigation into imports of ethyl chloroformate from China on grounds of unfair competition. An Indian manufacturer alleges that the chemical, which is used in pharmaceutical and agrochemical production, is being sold at low prices.

By Ning Wang

Ministertreffen in Hanoi China Vietnam Wang Yi

Feature | Diplomacy

March 17th, 2026

Vietnam: A Reform Agenda Caught in the Crossfire of the Great Powers

China is Vietnam's most important supplier, while the United States is its most important market. Yet its relations with both of these major powers are historically strained. Amid this complex situation, Hanoi is embarking on what is arguably the world's most ambitious development agenda.

By Angela Köckritz and Marcel Grzanna

News | Trade war

March 12th, 2026

Trade: US threatens China and the EU with new tariffs

The US government has launched a new trade investigation targeting 16 countries and regions – including China and the European Union – a move that could lead to fresh tariffs by this summer.

By Redaktion Table

Feature | Car industry

February 27th, 2026

Volkswagen: Why the carmaker is threatening to shut down its plant in South Africa

South Africa’s market for new cars is growing. However, this provides little cause for optimism among local manufacturers, as growth is driven primarily by rising imports. Volkswagen is now increasing pressure on the government to act and protect its industrial base.

By David Renke

Berichterstatter zum US-Handelsdossier Bernd Lange (SPD)

Talk of the Town | Trade policy

February 24th, 2026

US trade deal: EU Parliament pauses implementation

The reduction of tariffs on US products as part of the trade deal with the EU has been put on hold for the time being. The Parliament and the Commission are waiting for more detailed information from the US.

By János Allenbach-Ammann