By Noa Sussman, Director of Global Solutions, TECEX In today’s increasingly fragmented and protectionist global economy, few areas are more misunderstood — yet more impactful — than trade taxes. Terms like VAT, duties, tariffs, and more recently, duty drawbacks, are often lumped together or misused entirely, even in strategic discussions. But make no mistake: these taxes are no longer just regulatory details relegated to customs departments or accounting teams. They have become strategic levers, influencing sourcing decisions, pricing models, and executive-level trade...

While tariff policy changes present challenges, they also offer opportunities for strategic acquisitions and operational improvements. Changing tariffs are dramatically reshaping mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and private equity (PE) transactions. As companies and investors strategize their growth and exit plans, understanding the interplay between international trade policy and deal dynamics is critical. The uncertainty surrounding tariffs is leading to a more cautious approach in mergers and acquisitions. Deals are taking longer to close, with extended due diligence periods and more stringent conditions....

With a new 90-day tariff window, companies are ramping up production. While economists are still expecting a slowdown despite the temporary trade agreement, businesses are resuming factory operations and starting to ship goods. With a surge in shipping demand expected, there’s the potential for higher costs and delays. Some companies plan to reverse price increases and start producing again, while others are simply modifying their product lines in order to manage production schedules. And some are stocking up on products...

Diminished Duties on China, a Fresh Framework for U.S.-UK Trade Relations, and Other Recent Tariff Updates May 16, 2025 Following the introduction and partial recission of the “Liberation Day” tariffs last month, the latest U.S. government actions have largely—though not universally—continued down the path of an easing tariff burden. Of particular note, the U.S. and Chinese governments recently concluded their first direct trade negotiations since the imposition of reciprocal tariffs, resulting in a mutual agreement to reduce tariff rates for the first time in the...

European Commission launches strategic dialogues with defence and chemical industries On Monday, 12 May, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen initiated the first-ever strategic dialogues in Brussels with top representatives from Europe’s defence and chemical industries. These crucial meetings aimed to identify shared challenges and map out strategies to significantly enhance the competitiveness, resilience, and innovation of these vital sectors. Thus, safeguarding European security and economic prosperity in the current evolving global landscape. The Defence industry dialogue The first of these high-level...

By Simon Kaye, President & CEO, Jaguar Freight Services The road to supply chain recovery from the trade actions taken by the new US administration in 2025 was always going to be long. Even with a 90-day reprieve for the bulk of China tariffs and talk of other country-specific “deals” being struck, lasting supply chain damage has been done. However, the recent (and perhaps temporary) reduction of tariffs on China is quickly setting some important things in motion, including speeding...

By Nick Watson, Director, OCO Global The tariffs announced two weeks ago by President Trump kicked in last week and survived contact with reality in their original form for about twelve hours. Had they persisted – and of course they could yet be revived – the impact of this trade-weighted 21% tax on all US imports would have been profound, and profoundly negative, for both the US and the world economy. The markets breathed a huge sigh of relief, following the...