Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade has set the August 2026 reference price for crude palm oil (CPO) at USD 996.52/MT, down 0.44% from July, affecting export duty (BK) and BPDP levy rates. Simultaneously, the ministry announced higher benchmark export prices (HPE) for cocoa beans, pine resin, and wood products for the same period. These prices determine […]
Topic Archives:Commodities
Indonesia Sets Export Reference Price and Benchmark Price for Gold, Period I August 2026 – Both Decline
Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade has set the export benchmark price (HPE) for gold at USD 130,921.50/kg for the first period of August 2026, down 0.7% from the second period of July 2026. The reference price (HR) for gold also fell to USD 4,072.12 per troy ounce from USD 4,100.67. These prices are established under Ministerial […]
Protocol to the Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement on Economic Resilience and Essential Supplies
Singapore and Australia have concluded a protocol to their existing Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) covering economic resilience and essential supplies. The protocol represents a named amendment or addition to the SAFTA framework, addressing supply chain resilience and access to essential goods. Specific provisions were announced on 27 July 2026.
MOFCOM Notice on Second Allocation of 2026 Agricultural Product Export Quota Quantities
China’s Ministry of Commerce has issued a notice allocating the second tranche of export quotas for agricultural products for 2026. The notice specifies quota quantities distributed to exporters for regulated agricultural commodities. This is a formal quota allocation under China’s export licensing regime.
Historic tariff-free Scotch whisky shipment bound for United States
Tariffs on Scotch whisky exports to the United States have been removed, benefiting UK whisky producers. This marks a significant trade policy development for the spirits sector under the UK-US trade arrangement. A shipment has been dispatched as the first under the new tariff-free terms.
Joint Statement on Third USMCA Joint Review Negotiating Round, US-Mexico
USTR Ambassador Greer and Mexican Secretary of Economy Ebrard issued a joint statement following the third bilateral negotiating round of the USMCA Joint Review, covering economic security, labor, and agriculture. The meeting included Mexican President Sheinbaum. Specific negotiating outcomes were discussed but not fully detailed in the snippet.
USTR Announces FY2027 WTO Tariff-Rate Quota Allocations for Sugar Products
USTR announced country-specific and first-come, first-served in-quota TRQ allocations for raw cane sugar, refined sugar, and sugar-containing products for FY2027 (October 1, 2026–September 30, 2027). These allocations are made under U.S. WTO commitments. The announcement directly affects market access for sugar-exporting countries to the U.S. market.
Entry into force of the Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies between Singapore and New Zealand
The Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies between Singapore and New Zealand has entered into force as of July 17, 2026. This bilateral agreement aims to ensure continued trade flows of essential goods between the two countries. It represents a named, specific trade policy outcome between two Asia-Pacific nations.
Department of Commerce Organises Chintan Shivir on Opportunities for Seafood Sector under India-EFTA TEPA
India’s Department of Commerce held a consultative session (Chintan Shivir) focused on opportunities for the seafood sector under the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). The event examined market access and trade prospects for Indian seafood exporters in EFTA markets. This follows the signing of the India-EFTA TEPA, which includes preferential tariff commitments.
India Achieves Major Milestone at Codex Commission with Adoption of Three Global Standards for Spices
India secured adoption of three international Codex Alimentarius standards for spices at the Codex Commission. These standards set global benchmarks that influence SPS/TBT measures and market access conditions for spice exports. India is a major spice exporter, making these standards significant for its trade.