Estimated reading time: 20 minutes
Your Monday morning coffee briefing from TFG:
- Global trade “deteriorated sharply,” will shrink 0.2% in 2025, said WTO in Global Trade Outlook
- Komgo launches Global Trade Konnect, next-generation all-in-one trade finance solution
- Trade finance distribution: Unlocking liquidity in a fast-growing sector
- 5 takeaways from Finastra Europe Corporate Banking Day: AI, digitisation, and a changing industry
- Markets react to Liberation Day tariffs as global trade hangs in the balance
- The missing piece in digital trade: Why human interoperability matters
Global trade “deteriorated sharply,” will shrink 0.2% in 2025, said WTO in Global Trade Outlook
The WTO’s Global Trade Outlook for April 2025, published on Wednesday, 16 April, presents a grim view of international trade, one marred by reciprocal tariffs and fears of a worldwide trade war. Read more →
Komgo launches Global Trade Konnect, next-generation all-in-one trade finance solution
Leading trade finance technology and software company Komgo just announced its new flagship product, a next-generation business application for trade finance. Read more →
Trade finance distribution: Unlocking liquidity in a fast-growing sector
In the trade finance sector, recent tariff announcements and the seemingly impending trade war have spread uncertainty at every level: stocks tumbled, currencies became more volatile, and markets around the world are scrambling to adapt. Read more →
5 takeaways from Finastra Europe Corporate Banking Day: AI, digitisation, and a changing industry
Corporate lending and trade finance are undergoing a transformation – that much, everyone can agree on. Digitisation, AI, and a market that is in constant motion make the industry one of the most exciting sides of finance, ripe with opportunities as much as challenges. Read more →
Markets react to Liberation Day tariffs as global trade hangs in the balance
Global markets are continuing their descent as the impact of the recently announced tariffs becomes clearer. With more details being released by the US and some countries already releasing significant retaliatory tariffs, a clearer picture is emerging. Read more →
The missing piece in digital trade: Why human interoperability matters
For all the advancements in digital trade, one simple fact remains: paper still dominates global trade transactions. But why, in 2025, do businesses continue to rely on physical documents when electronic trade solutions exist? Read more →
- 5 takeaways from Finastra Europe Corporate Banking Day: AI, digitisation, and a changing industry
- Markets react to Liberation Day tariffs as global trade hangs in the balance
- The missing piece in digital trade: Why human interoperability matters
- TFG Tariff Tracker: What’s in store for Liberation Day?
- South Korean auto manufacturing sector faces bankruptcies as US tariffs loom
- PODCAST | Thriving amidst turbulence: The role of bespoke insurance
- Key findings from Marsh’s 2025 political risk report
5 takeaways from Finastra Europe Corporate Banking Day: AI, digitisation, and a changing industry
Corporate lending and trade finance are undergoing a transformation – that much, everyone can agree on. Digitisation, AI, and a market that is in constant motion make the industry one of the most exciting sides of finance, ripe with opportunities as much as challenges. Read more →
Markets react to Liberation Day tariffs as global trade hangs in the balance
Global markets are continuing their descent as the impact of the recently announced tariffs becomes clearer. With more details being released by the US and some countries already releasing significant retaliatory tariffs, a clearer picture is emerging. Read more →
The missing piece in digital trade: Why human interoperability matters
For all the advancements in digital trade, one simple fact remains: paper still dominates global trade transactions. But why, in 2025, do businesses continue to rely on physical documents when electronic trade solutions exist? Read more →
TFG Tariff Tracker: What’s in store for Liberation Day?
After months of starts and stops, threats and retreats, Liberation Day is upon us. The Trump administration’s promised wide-ranging regime of tariffs, a cornerstone of his winning presidential campaign, was set for 2 April. Read more →
South Korean auto manufacturing sector faces bankruptcies as US tariffs loom
An automotive parts manufacturer based in the Gumi National Industrial Complex in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, filed for court rehabilitation on 31 March, after failing to honour promissory notes. Read more →
PODCAST | Thriving amidst turbulence: The role of bespoke insurance
At the annual Women in Trade, Treasury, and Payments Conference on 27 February, Trade Finance Global (TFG) spoke to Sanda Blanco about the most important political risks of our time and how bespoke insurance can help businesses thrive in face of them. Read more →
Key findings from Marsh’s 2025 political risk report
Marsh’s political risk report identifies three key areas of concern: reshaping global trade dynamics, operational challenges from political risks, and navigating energy transition opportunities amid evolving climate regulations. Read more →
- TFG Tariff Tracker: What’s in store for Liberation Day?
- South Korean auto manufacturing sector faces bankruptcies as US tariffs loom
- VIDEO | Enabling inclusion by bridging trade finance gaps at ADB
- How can we #AccelerateAction for ESG in trade, treasury, and payments?
- Key findings from Marsh’s 2025 political risk report
- PODCAST | Will AI help or hinder international trade?
TFG Tariff Tracker: What’s in store for Liberation Day?
After months of starts and stops, threats and retreats, Liberation Day is upon us. The Trump administration’s promised wide-ranging regime of tariffs, a cornerstone of his winning presidential campaign, was set for 2 April. Read more →
South Korean auto manufacturing sector faces bankruptcies as US tariffs loom
An automotive parts manufacturer based in the Gumi National Industrial Complex in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, filed for court rehabilitation on 31 March, after failing to honour promissory notes. Read more →
VIDEO | Enabling inclusion by bridging trade finance gaps at ADB
TFG spoke with Ankita Pandey, a relationship manager with the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Trade and Supply Chain Finance Program (TSCFP), at TFG’s Women in Trade, Treasury & Payments event in London. Read more →
How can we #AccelerateAction for ESG in trade, treasury, and payments?
At Women in Trade, Treasury & Payments 2025, our attendees answered a series of hard questions. Some were technical, some strategic – but all focused on driving faster, more meaningful progress in our industry. Read more →
Key findings from Marsh’s 2025 political risk report
Marsh’s political risk report identifies three key areas of concern: reshaping global trade dynamics, operational challenges from political risks, and navigating energy transition opportunities amid evolving climate regulations. Read more →
PODCAST | Will AI help or hinder international trade?
TFG spoke with Emmanuelle Ganne, Chief of Digital Trade and Frontier Technologies at the World Trade Organization (WTO). Read more →
- PODCAST | Thriving amidst turbulence: The role of bespoke insurance
- Heathrow Airport closure raises concerns about supply chain resilience
- Sanctions in practice: How the trade industry is adapting to global restrictions
- China organises meetings with foreign executives and world leaders in preparation for Trump tariffs
- Fragmentation and uncertainty are biggest risks to global trade, says OECD
- India pushes ahead with free trade agreements with UK and New Zealand
PODCAST | Thriving amidst turbulence: The role of bespoke insurance
At the annual Women in Trade, Treasury, and Payments Conference on 27 February, Trade Finance Global (TFG) spoke to Sanda Blanco about the most important political risks of our time and how bespoke insurance can help businesses thrive in face of them. Read more →
Heathrow Airport closure raises concerns about supply chain resilience
This airport closure has instigated concern surrounding supply chain resilience and risk management, particularly on overdependence on single transit points. Read more →
Sanctions in practice: How the trade industry is adapting to global restrictions
At the Economic Sanctions Summit in London on 20 March, a panel of lawyers and compliance officers discussed how to navigate the most difficult aspects of sanctions and how technology tools like AI can help. Read more →
China organises meetings with foreign executives and world leaders in preparation for Trump tariffs
Chinese ministers, policymakers, and leaders including Premier Xi Jinping have been meeting a range of high-profile executives and foreign leaders during the past week to discuss international collaboration and supply chain resilience. Read more →
Fragmentation and uncertainty are biggest risks to global trade, says OECD
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) recently published its Economic Outlook Interim Report, which paints a complex picture of global trade in the next few months. Read more →
India pushes ahead with free trade agreements with UK and New Zealand
India is intensifying its global economic integration and diversification efforts by relaunching talks towards securing pivotal free trade agreements (FTAs) with the UK and New Zealand. Read more →
- VIDEO | Enabling inclusion by bridging trade finance gaps at ADB
- Chinese government speaks out against Panama Canal deal, placing £18bn plan at risk
- VIDEO | The role of women in Africa’s trade and finance
- StoneX forms Latin American payments partnership with Bamboo
- Back to basics: The role of embedded payments
- India modernises bill of lading law to align with global trade standards
VIDEO | Enabling inclusion by bridging trade finance gaps at ADB
A significant aspect of ADB’s trade finance initiatives involves research and data-driven advocacy. The bank’s Trade Finance Gaps, Growth, and Jobs Survey, published biannually, remains the only global analysis dedicated to quantifying the shortfall in available financing. Read more →
Chinese government speaks out against Panama Canal deal, placing £18bn plan at risk
China and Hong Kong are speaking out against a planned deal to place key ports on the Panama Canal, currently held by a Chinese company, under US control. Read more →
VIDEO | The role of women in Africa’s trade and finance
Mahika Ravi Shankar of Trade Finance Global (TFG) spoke with Gwen Mwaba, Afreximbank’s Managing Director of Trade Finance and Correspondent Banking, at TFG’s annual Women in Trade Treasury and Payments event in London. Read more →
StoneX forms Latin American payments partnership with Bamboo
StoneX Group, the New York-based financial services company, has announced a strategic partnership with Bamboo Payment Systems to strengthen its cross-border payment capabilities in Latin America. Read more →
Back to basics: The role of embedded payments
Embedded payment solutions are enabling businesses to not only manage increasingly complex payment structures, but also to unlock new revenue streams. Read more →
India modernises bill of lading law to align with global trade standards
The Indian government has passed a key amendment modernising the 1856 Indian Bills of Lading Act, marking a significant step in aligning the country’s maritime legislation with international trade practices. Read more →
- Key findings from Marsh’s 2025 political risk report
- VIDEO | Uzbekistan opens the doors to $2bn factoring industry
- VOXPOP | Sarah Murrow on the importance of driving diversity and inclusion in the credit insurance sector
- Will treasurers come up Trumps? Top regulations to watch in 2025
- Bank of Ireland to use Surecomp platform for trade finance services efficiency
- Pump up the Jam: Stories about pumping for #IWD2025
- Panama’s government pushes back against Trump-backed BlackRock acquisition of Panama Canal ports
- UK plans to scrap Payment Systems Regulator
- VOXPOP | Emmanuelle Ganne on the challenges women face when accessing international trade markets
Key findings from Marsh’s 2025 political risk report
Marsh’s political risk report identifies three key areas of concern: reshaping global trade dynamics, operational challenges from political risks, and navigating energy transition opportunities amid evolving climate regulations. Read more →
VIDEO | Uzbekistan opens the doors to $2bn factoring industry
As mandated by a decree announced in August, Uzbek banks are now required to offer factoring services, which allow clients to sell their outstanding invoices and access immediate cash flows. Read more →
VOXPOP | Sarah Murrow on the importance of driving diversity and inclusion in the credit insurance sector
At Women in Trade, Treasury & Payments 2025, Bloomberg HT spoke to Sarah Murrow, CEO of Allianz Trade UK & Ireland and Head of Women in Credit Insurance at ICISA, about the importance of driving diversity and inclusion in the credit insurance sector. Read more →
Will treasurers come up Trumps? Top regulations to watch in 2025
One thing is certain: the regulatory outlook will change with Trump in charge. As an example, the green finance and ESG arena have already been hit as he signed an executive order to pull out of the Paris climate mitigation agreement for a second time upon his ascension. Read more →
Bank of Ireland to use Surecomp platform for trade finance services efficiency
The Bank of Ireland, one of Ireland’s largest banks, will deploy a Surecomp software service platform to streamline its trade finance operations, the digital trade solutions provider announced today. Read more →
Pump up the Jam: Stories about pumping for #IWD2025
We can learn a lot from those working mothers or fathers who have experienced this pumping journey firsthand. We can also normalise the topic by talking about it. Read more →
Panama’s government pushes back against Trump-backed BlackRock acquisition of Panama Canal ports
Investment giant BlackRock’s plans to buy the Panama Canal, likely motivated by US President Donald Trump’s insistence on restoring the crucial trade route to US control, look set to encounter pushback from the Panamanian government. Read more →
UK plans to scrap Payment Systems Regulator
The UK government has announced plans to abolish the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) as part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s broader initiative to streamline regulation and boost economic growth. Read more →
VOXPOP | Emmanuelle Ganne on the challenges women face when accessing international trade markets
This International Women’s Day, Bloomberg HT spoke to Emmanuelle Ganne, Chief of Digital Trade and Frontier Technologies at the World Trade Organization, about some of the challenges women face when accessing international trade markets. Read more →
- In the Global South’s new renaissance, Africa and the GCC can lead the charge
- VIDEO | Keeping pace with Uzbekistan’s bold series of reforms
- Driving disability inclusion forward: ADB’s new project targets accessibility in banking
- Beyond the boardroom – Accelerating a holistic call to action for gender equity
- Hong Kong unveils tech investment and trade innovation in ambitious new budget
- Clawing back LC payments: BCP v China Aviation Oil
- China and Canada impose retaliatory trade tariffs against Trump
- Artis Finance placed into administration
In the Global South’s new renaissance, Africa and the GCC can lead the charge
Collaboration between Africa and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States is important to achieve diversification and prosperity as the Global South enters a period of significant opportunity with Africa. Read more →
VIDEO | Keeping pace with Uzbekistan’s bold series of reforms
Çağatay Baydar, Chairman of FCI, spoke with Abrorkhuja Turdaliev, Deputy Chairman and Member of the Board at the Central Bank of Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan’s financial system and its future. Read more →
Driving disability inclusion forward: ADB’s new project targets accessibility in banking
The Disability Inclusion Project, pioneered by the TSCFP in partnership with the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub), was first launched two years ago to further ADB’s goal of financial inclusion and extend it to people with disabilities. Read more →
Beyond the boardroom – Accelerating a holistic call to action for gender equity
Research consistently shows that diverse leadership drives better financial performance, fosters innovation, and improves decision-making. Read more →
Hong Kong unveils tech investment and trade innovation in ambitious new budget
The new budget represents a clear effort by the government to place Hong Kong in a strategic position in the global economy, stay resilient in the face of shocks, and remain fiscally responsible. Read more →
Clawing back LC payments: BCP v China Aviation Oil
The collapse of traders like Hin Leong and Zenrock left banks struggling to recover payments made under letters of credit (LCs) for potentially fraudulent transactions, as the law largely protects LC payments as the “lifeblood of commerce.” Read more →
China and Canada impose retaliatory trade tariffs against Trump
US Treasury yields dipped on Tuesday 4 March as markets digest the first day of President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs against China, Canada, and Mexico, with both Beijing and Ottawa swiftly unveiling retaliatory measures. Read more →
Artis Finance placed into administration
Artis Finance has fallen into administration, becoming the latest casualty in a troubled non-bank trade finance industry that has seen multiple firms close their doors in recent months. Read more →
- EU unveils 2040 Agriculture vision, ambitious plan to boost European farming
- TDM economic insight: New US tariffs focus on auto supply chains
- Standard Chartered first to adopt ICC’s Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance
- British, Swedish, and Norwegian development banks collaborate on $85mn investment in agribusinesses in Africa
- Merz’s election victory signals German pivot from US ties
- DCSA releases new Booking and Bill of Lading standards with security and compliance updates
EU unveils 2040 Agriculture vision, ambitious plan to boost European farming
On 18 February, the EU unveiled the “Vision for Agriculture and Food,” its ambitious new roadmap to boost the European agricultural sector, making it more resilient and internationally competitive. Read more →
TDM economic insight: New US tariffs focus on auto supply chains
As the world’s top consumer market, the US has leverage in controlling access to its markets, and many of its outsourcing manufacturers now seek countries to replace China and other targets for tariffs on more favourable terms. Read more →
Standard Chartered first to adopt ICC’s Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance
Standard Chartered has become the first international bank to fully adopt the International Chamber of Commerce’s (ICC) Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance, the bank announced yesterday from its Singapore headquarters. Read more →
British, Swedish, and Norwegian development banks collaborate on $85mn investment in agribusinesses in Africa
British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development bank, announced on Thursday, 20 February, its collaboration with Swedfund and Norfund to invest in AgDevCo, a specialist investor supporting smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. Read more →
Merz’s election victory signals German pivot from US ties
Merz’s top priority is now creating strong a intraregional network within Europe so that “step by step, we can really achieve independence from the US.” Read more →
DCSA releases new Booking and Bill of Lading standards with security and compliance updates
The Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) announced yesterday the release of the final version of its Booking 2.0 and Bill of Lading 3.0 standards, which set universal frameworks on the treatment of key trade documents and the communication between shippers and carriers. Read more →
- Ready-made factoring: Fast-track finance or one-size-fits-none?
- All roads lead to Saudi: The digital transformation driving economic diversification
- Surecomp acquires UK trade finance solution provider ELCY in digital push
- Subsidies for services: Insights from the TISMOS and GTA Databases
- DCSA releases new Booking and Bill of Lading standards with security and compliance updates
- Irish exports hit record €224bn while trade with UK falters
- Argentina deepens key shipping canal and lowers tariffs, chasing international trade
- Asian currencies stay strong in the face of Trump tariffs
Ready-made factoring: Fast-track finance or one-size-fits-none?
Unlike custom-built systems that require significant development and coding to adapt to specific processes, ready-made software is offered as a standardised, off-the-shelf product. Read more →
All roads lead to Saudi: The digital transformation driving economic diversification
At the BAFT MENA Bank to Bank Forum in Dubai, Michael O’Loughlin, founder of OLOUGHLIN.io Global Business Advisory, delivered a keynote speech titled “All Roads Lead to Saudi”, providing a firsthand look at their Vision 2030 initiative. Read more →
Surecomp acquires UK trade finance solution provider ELCY in digital push
Trade finance software provider Surecomp has acquired UK-based ELCY Limited in a move to consolidate the increasingly digital trade finance landscape. Read more →
Subsidies for services: Insights from the TISMOS and GTA Databases
The service sector trade also continues to grow faster than goods trade. Yet little is known about the range of selective policy interventions deployed in services sectors. Read more →
DCSA releases new Booking and Bill of Lading standards with security and compliance updates
The Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) announced yesterday the release of the final version of its Booking 2.0 and Bill of Lading 3.0 standards, which set universal frameworks on the treatment of key trade documents and the communication between shippers and carriers. Read more →
Irish exports hit record €224bn while trade with UK falters
Ireland’s international trade reached new heights in 2024, with exports surging to a record €224 billion despite significant disruption in UK trade relations, official data showed yesterday. Read more →
Argentina deepens key shipping canal and lowers tariffs, chasing international trade
Argentina announced yesterday it plans to deepen the Paraná, the continent’s second-longest river and a crucial shipping channel linking the South American continent to the Atlantic Ocean. Read more →
Asian currencies stay strong in the face of Trump tariffs
At the start of this week, Asian currencies have shown strength brought about by rising foreign reserves and financial derivatives. This comes amid worries about domestic currencies’ positions compared to a strong dollar in the face of tariffs. Read more →
- CBAM under threat: Slow climate tech adoption threatens climate compliances for SMEs
- Brazil and India explore long-term trade agreement for pulses
- Argentina deepens key shipping canal and lowers tariffs, chasing international trade
- Fintech start-up ETR Digital launches digital trade finance platform
- BP U-turns from renewables to mitigate profit slump
- Trade finance registry launches real-time bill of lading verification in Singapore
CBAM under threat: Slow climate tech adoption threatens climate compliances for SMEs
The complexity of supply chains and the extensive data required for accurate carbon calculations necessitate robust technological integration – a resource that remains largely inaccessible and prohibitively expensive for MSMEs. Read more →
Brazil and India explore long-term trade agreement for pulses
Najla Souza, Director at IBRAFE, the Brazilian Institute of Beans and Pulses, has highlighted the need for long-term trade policies between Brazil and India to ensure stability and growth in the pulses trade. Read more →
Argentina deepens key shipping canal and lowers tariffs, chasing international trade
Argentina announced yesterday it plans to deepen the Paraná, the continent’s second-longest river and a crucial shipping channel linking the South American continent to the Atlantic Ocean. Read more →
Fintech start-up ETR Digital launches digital trade finance platform
ETR Digital, a new fintech venture, is bringing to market a new easily deployable tech application designed to digitise negotiable instruments, as traditional paper-based trade documentation continues to give way to electronic alternatives. Read more →
BP U-turns from renewables to mitigate profit slump
BP is expected to announce on 26 February that it will scale back its renewable energy commitments and increase fossil fuel production. The company is likely to abandon its target of 50GW of renewable generation capacity by 2030. Read more →
Trade finance registry launches real-time bill of lading verification in Singapore
The Trade Finance Registry (TFR), a central trade finance registry in Singapore, and SGTraDex, a digital data-sharing platform for supply chain partners, have unveiled a new automated system for Singapore-based banks to verify bills of lading in real time. Read more →
- Five big trends in Global South country risk in the coming year
- The Trump tariffs begin
- When would you issue a letter of credit available by deferred payment?
- Visa report reveals growing cross-border payments market shifting towards security
- UAE trade reaches all-time high amid increased international collaboration
- Navigating the complex web of trade finance fraud and TBML
- OPEC Fund secures £40m Paraguay SME finance deal
- Trump targets Chinese consumer imports as trade leaders remain cautiously optimistic
Five big trends in Global South country risk in the coming year
What are the top political, security, and economic trends and risks shaping Africa and the Middle East in 2025? This research and analysis is provided by PANGEA-RISK and distributed in partnership with Trade Finance Global. Read more →
The Trump tariffs begin
Trump admitted on Sunday that there may be “some pain” from his tariffs, “but […] it will all be worth the price that must be paid.” Trade wars rarely have victors, but those who suffer the most are invariably the poorest. Read more →
When would you issue a letter of credit available by deferred payment?
A deferred payment credit, or letter of credit (LC) available by deferred payment, specifies a tenor for payment of drawings under the LC. Read more →
Visa report reveals growing cross-border payments market shifting towards security
Despite a growing range of cross-border payments providers, most users still haven’t found a single trusted platform, instead using multiple different methods and platforms according to their specific needs. Read more →
UAE trade reaches all-time high amid increased international collaboration
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA), a wide-ranging bilateral trade pact the UAE has signed with 6 countries from India to Israel, contributed to boosting growth and increasingly diverse trading partners and sources of revenue. Read more →
Navigating the complex web of trade finance fraud and TBML
Economic warfare, such as the sanctions on Russian oil, is driving new fraud tactics in trade finance, particularly through ship-to-ship transfers on the high seas. Read more →
OPEC Fund secures £40m Paraguay SME finance deal
The OPEC Fund for International Development (OPEC Fund) has orchestrated a £40 million syndicated loan facility to boost small business lending in Paraguay, marking its first collaboration with the UAE’s Commercial Bank of Dubai in the nation. Read more →
Trump targets Chinese consumer imports as trade leaders remain cautiously optimistic
Trump’s new package of tariffs removes the de minimis exception, which had allowed shipments with a value of under $800 to bypass customs checks and be exempt from tariffs. Read more →
