Vietnamese exporters have proactively diversified their markets from the start of the year to mitigate risks as they may soon face significant tax hikes globally, said industry insiders and experts.

Indonesia has welcomed a recent ruling by the World Trade Organisation (WTO), which found that the European Union (EU) discriminated against Indonesian palm oil-based biofuel, giving it unfair and detrimental treatment, in setting biofuel regulations, according to Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto.

The EU is currently Malaysia’s fourth largest trading partner, with trade in goods worth 45 billion EUR (US$46.7 billion) in 2023 and trade in services worth 11 billion EUR in 2022.

Vietnam and Switzerland have significant opportunities to strengthen bilateral trade relations, especially as both countries have established strategic partnerships in multiple sectors.

Negotiating as a bloc will give the region greater bargaining power, especially since the new Trump administration plans to slap high tariffs on exports

The woodworking industry will strive to achieve the export target of 18 billion USD for this year, the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh City has said.

According to the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (Vietrade) under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, in 2024, numerous trade promotion events and programs organized abroad effectively supported businesses in expanding export markets. Strengthening cooperation with international trade promotion organizations has helped increase the presence of Vietnamese goods in the global market.

Last week's Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing for Senator Marco Rubio was very insightful, especially regarding comments related to US-Asean relations. Mr Rubio demonstrated knowledge about Asean and the need for flexibility in engaging with the countries in the region. His comments have also calmed surging concerns over a potential tariff hike under the Trump administration. Certainly, he is expected to be confirmed and replace Antony Blinken as Secretary of State.

Vietnamese and Czech officials have underscored the vast potential of expanded cooperation between the two nations, driven by the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

Vietnam’s rice exports to Singapore recorded significant growth in 2024, cementing Vietnam’s position as the third-largest rice supplier of the city state, according to the Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore.