Exports

Decision to reduce duty-free quotas by 47% aimed at curbing Chinese importsThe EU is to go ahead with plans to double tariffs and halve quotas on imports of steel from July, in a move designed to curb Chinese imports but which could damage UK exports to the bloc.The decision by EU lawmakers and member states after late night talks on Monday, will reduce duty-free quotas by 47%. Exact country allocations have yet to be determined. Continue reading...

‘Partnership’ on drug pricing also gives patients in Britain greater access to potentially life-extending treatments British drug exports to the United States will escape tariffs imposed by Donald Trump as part of a controversial UK-US medicines deal that critics fear will mean less money for the NHS.The deal will also give patients in Britain greater access to potentially life-extending drugs because the rules have been relaxed to allow the NHS to pay more for particular treatments. Continue reading...

• The Office of the United States Trade Representative submitted the 2026 National Trade Estimate Report to President Trump and Congress on March 31, 2026, detailing significant foreign trade barriers impacting U.S. exports. • The annual report, due by March 31 each year, outlines Trump Administration strategies to address non-reciprocal practices and ensure a level playing field for American workers. • It highlights barriers in key markets and proposes actions to counter discriminatory policies abroad, reinforcing U.S. trade priorities amid ongoing global tensions.

• Two key Democratic lawmakers have raised national security concerns about the Trump administration's approval for exports of Nvidia chips to China, warning that the move risks harming U.S. technological leadership. • The legislators are calling for bipartisan legislation to prevent American technology from reaching Chinese hands and being used improperly, echoing broader concerns about technology transfer and competitive advantages in AI computing. • Nvidia has pushed back against criticism of the Trump administration's export approval decision, defending the company's position on international trade and technology availability.

President says forces ‘obliterated’ military targets on Kharg Island and warned its oil infrastructure could be nextMiddle East crisis – live updatesDonald Trump said Friday that US forces have “obliterated” military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island and warned that the oil infrastructure there could be next.“For reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island,” Trump wrote on social media. “However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision.” Continue reading...

This blog is now closedAustralia to release nearly 20% of fuel stockpile as Bowen insists country ‘nowhere near’ running outGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastJoyce says surge in support for One Nation reflects will of the people, not political jostlingBarnaby Joyce spoke to RN Breakfast this morning about One Nation’s targets in the next federal election.We want to win seats wherever they are. We have no real target against National seats or Liberal seats, but we want to give people the option to vote for us in Labor seats, in National seats, and Liberal seats, and in teal seats.If people choose to vote for One Nation, then you must respect that choice. You must understand. You do not own their vote. You earn their vote. Continue reading...

The US Commerce Department withdrew a planned rule on Friday that would have required permits for exports of advanced AI chips from companies like Nvidia and AMD to global customers. The abandoned Trump administration proposal aimed to involve case-by-case reviews by the Commerce Department's licensing office, contingent on factors such as government agreements and end-user computing power needs. Commerce officials rejected returning to the prior administration's 'burdensome, overreaching and disastrous' AI diffusion framework. This decision eases restrictions on the semiconductor industry amid ongoing trade tensions.