Economy Shipping fuel crunch raises fears of higher prices worldwide Global shipping companies are bracing for fuel shortages and rising costs as the Iran war disrupts supplies of bunker fuel through the Strait of Hormuz. 12/05/2026
Europe News Poland takes Mercosur fight to EU court Poland has escalated its opposition to the Mercosur trade deal by filing a complaint with the EU’s top court and demanding that the agreement be suspended. 11/05/2026
The Ring Can Europe stand up to China on trade? Trade relations between the two economic superpowers have soured in recent weeks as Beijing has attacked EU plans to cut its reliance on China for key goods, services and resources. 07/05/2026
The Ring How to avoid a trade war with China? MEPs debate on The Ring Is a trade war with China looming? In this edition of our weekly debate show The Ring, Sakis Arnaoutoglou (S&D) and Nicolás de la Parte (EPP) discuss what could be one of the most consequential topics on the EU's political agenda. 06/05/2026
Europe News EU vows to fight ‘tooth and nail’ for industry after China threats In an interview with Euronews, EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič said the European Union would stand its ground after China threatened retaliatory measures over plans to strengthen the bloc’s industrial policy. 30/04/2026
Europe News China pushes EU to scrap 'Made in Europe' law or face retaliation As EU countries debate the European Commission’s proposal, Beijing is urging national governments to abandon the planned law. Otherwise, China says it will take countermeasures. 29/04/2026
Europe News China hawks are gaining ground in the Commission The European Commission's services are sizing up tools to counter Chinese rivals, including the Anti-Coercion Instrument. But despite mounting pressure from Beijing, the issue is still in its early stages — and EU member states remain divided. 28/04/2026
Europe News EU and US sign plan for strategic partnership for critical minerals EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič said that with the Memorandum of Understanding, "we will be delivering on our goals much faster than before." 24/04/2026
Business Armenia and Azerbaijan open up to trade after years of strained ties Early signs of economic contact emerge between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as export data points to a modest resumption of trade. 21/04/2026
Europe News Exclusive: EU chemical producers seek probe into Chinese rival European chemical producers want the Commission to launch a probe into Chinese LB Group as it seeks to purchase a competitor’s plant in the UK to export to the EU, according to sources. The group fears it could be used to get around anti-dumping duties. 18/04/2026
Kazakhstan Ankara pushes deeper economic ties with Astana ahead of Erdoğan visit Astana and Ankara aim to boost trade, diversify exports and launch joint industrial projects ahead of Erdoğan’s state visit to Kazakhstan, setting a goal of $15 billion in trade volumes. 17/04/2026
Kazakhstan China cements leadership position in trade with Central Asia China's trade with five Central Asian countries hit a record in 2025 — and the relationship has moved well beyond buying and selling. Chinese companies are now partners in strategic projects across high-tech industries including energy and mining. 15/04/2026
Europe News EU cracks down on Chinese goods bypassing tariffs via Belt and Road The European Commission has targeted glass fibre produced by Chinese firms using the Belt and Road initiative to bypass EU trade defences. However industry and unions warn the measures fall short and imports may continue to rise. 15/04/2026
Earth News Portugal introduces refund scheme for recycled bottles and cans Portugal has one of the lowest utilisation rates for recycled materials in the EU, at only three per cent in 2024. 10/04/2026
Europe News Lille clinches bid to host EU Customs Authority EU lawmakers voted on Wednesday to designate the French city of Lille as the headquarters of the upcoming European Customs Authority, beating Italy’s bid to host it in Rome. 25/03/2026
Europe News Europe shouldn’t fear trade war with China, EU agency says The European Union Institute for Security Studies has said the bloc should adopt an “escalate to de-escalate” strategy toward China, recommending faster deployment of the bloc’s so-called "trade bazooka”. 09/03/2026