Philippines Urges Swift PJEPA Review to Bolster Market Access
The Philippines is actively pushing for an expedited conclusion to the ongoing review of the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA), emphasizing the need for improved market access, particularly for bananas. Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty highlighted the urgency of accelerating the review process and addressing pending issues during negotiations with Japan. A key focus of the Philippines is to enhance market access for bananas by reducing tariffs. The Department of Agriculture is collaborating with the Department of Trade and Industry to secure preferential tariff rates, given the rising competition from other countries. The negotiation timeline depends on the shared ambitions of both nations, with the Philippines urging a swift resolution.
Oman’s Export Landscape, Navigating Shifting Markets and Emerging Trends
Oman’s export sector is undergoing a significant transformation, with recent data shedding light on its shifting trends and challenges. Non-oil exports have experienced a notable decline of nearly 12% in the first five months of 2023, attributed largely to reduced shipments to the United States. On the other hand, re-exports have surged by 28.7%, fueled by growing economic activity and demand in the Gulf region. As Oman navigates these changes, focusing on diversification, regional relationships, and sectoral adaptability remains crucial to ensuring a resilient export economy.
German industrial orders bounce back, but supply bottlenecks weigh
German industrial orders rose more than twice as much as expected in June, driven by bookings from domestic clients for large manufacturing products, but weaker turnover suggested that supply bottlenecks continued to hold back production.
BOJ’s price outlook views muddled by commodity rise, weak spending
Bank of Japan policymakers saw the price outlook muddled by rising global commodity costs and soft consumption, minutes of their June meeting showed, underscoring the central bank’s policy conundrum brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
U.S. producer prices post biggest annual gain in more than 10-1/2 years
U.S. producer prices accelerated in June, leading to the largest annual increase in more than 10-1/2 years, suggesting inflation could remain high as robust demand fueled by the economy’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic strains the supply chain.
UK recovery quickens in April as economy posts record annual jump
Britain’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic sped up in April as lockdown measures eased, with the fastest monthly growth since July leaving output a record 27.6% higher than a year earlier, when the virus was rampant and lockdown tightest.
Japan’s wholesale prices rise at fastest pace in 13 years on commodities surge
Japan’s wholesale prices rose at their fastest annual pace in 13 years reflecting higher commodity costs, data showed on Thursday, a sign global inflationary pressures are pinching firms already struggling amid the coronavirus pandemic.
EU’s carbon border tariff to target steel, cement, power, Bloomberg News says
The European Union plans to impose carbon emission costs on imports of goods including steel, cement and electricity, Bloomberg News reported late on Wednesday.
China holds economic talks with second top U.S. official in a week
Chinese Vice Premier Liu He exchanged views with U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on issues of mutual “concern”, in his second virtual call in a week with top economic and trade officials under the U.S. Biden administration.
