Trade • Table.Briefings

October 12th, 2025

Trade war or reorganization: Beijing uses US tariffs to strengthen regional markets

While Beijing defends the latest export controls on rare earths as a “legitimate measure,” Washington is once again responding with tariff threats. However, Chinese analysts see less of a “grand plan” by President Trump behind the escalation, and more a chaotic, inconsistent US policy – while China is strategically strengthening its trade relations in Asia and Africa. Traders in China remain calm.

By Amelie Richter

News | Steel industry

October 8th, 2025

Import tariffs on steel: Chinese Chamber of Commerce criticizes EU restrictions

The Chinese Chamber of Commerce in the EU is criticizing the EU rules on restricting steel imports. The EU Commission wants to allow a maximum of 18.3 million tons of duty-free steel imports into the European Union in future.

By Leonardo Pape

News | Steel

October 8th, 2025

Steel industry: Which countries are affected by the new EU steel tariffs

Imported steel is to be subject to higher tariffs from 2026. The duty-free import quotas will be almost halved. The EU Commission’s proposal also affects countries with which free trade agreements exist.

By Lukas Bayer and János Allenbach-Ammann

News | Trade

October 7th, 2025

Steel industry: How the EU Commission wants to restrict imports more in the future

The Brussels authority wants to present the successor regulation to the Steel Safeguards. A draft has already been leaked.

By Alex Veit

Feature | North Korea

October 5th, 2025

Kim Jong Un: From outsider to junior partner

North Korea is supporting Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine with troops, weapons and ammunition. Ruler Kim Jong Un and the regime’s elite benefit from this not only financially.

By Andreas Landwehr

From left to right: Marc FERRACCI (Minister with responsibility for Industry and Energy, attached to the Minister for Economic Affairs, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, France), Katherina REICHE (Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Germany), Adolfo URSO (Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy, Italy)

News | Industrial Decarbonization Accelerator Act

October 1st, 2025

Energy-intensive industries: Germany, France and Italy want people to "Buy European"

In a joint declaration, the governments of Germany, France and Italy are calling for the EU Commission to give preference to suppliers from the EU in its proposal for the "Industrial Decarbonization Accelerator Act."

By János Allenbach-Ammann

Feature | Vietnam

September 28th, 2025

China alternative: Why Vietnam is at a crossroads

Vietnam is attracting investors with free trade agreements and growing economic power. But dilapidated networks, a lack of space and high logistics costs are slowing down the upturn. Can the country keep its promise as an "alternative to China"?

By Marcel Grzanna

RECORD DATE NOT STATED Aerial photos show the containers for import and export cargo are in order, and gantry cranes and trucks are busy working in the cargo yard of Ganzhou International Inland Port, Ganzhou City, east China s Jiangxi Province, 4 November, 2022. Busy transportation for foreign trade goods in Ganzhou PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA

News | Transportation

September 25th, 2025

EU-China route: Poland opens border with Belarus

After the Belarusian-Russian military exercises "Zapad 2025," Poland is reopening its border with Belarus. This means blocked Chinese freight trains can continue their journey to the EU.

By Amelie Richter

News | WTO

September 24th, 2025

WTO: China renounces benefits of developing country status

According to Prime Minister Li Qiang, as a "responsible major developing country," China wants to waive its previous WTO privileges. However, China will retain its classification as a developing country.

By Leonardo Pape

News | Indonesia

September 24th, 2025

CEPA and anti-deforestation law: Indonesia's palm oil exports could rise in 2026

Indonesia's palm oil exports to the EU could increase again in 2026, supported by the CEPA trade agreement and the postponement of the EU anti-deforestation law. After a decline in exports in 2024, producers will benefit from greater planning certainty.

By Amelie Richter