In response to the 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports introduced by the USA on 12 March 2025, the European Union (EU) has announced comprehensive countermeasures in a press release.

A nationwide strike by Brazilian customs officers has paralysed operations at ports and airports, significantly disrupting import and export processes. While essential shipments like perishables and medications are still being cleared, delays are mounting for other goods. The strike stems from grievances over unmet promises for salary adjustments and career restructuring.

The EUDR, formally known as Regulation (EU) 2023/1115, adopted on 9th June 2023, sets out detailed rules designed to prevent the importation and exportation of specific products linked to deforestation and forest degradation. EUDR affects internal EU trade as well as export and import to and from outside the European Union and requires European companies to prove that certain products traded by them were not produced on land that was deforested after 31 December 2020 or was subject to forest degradation. The Regulation will apply for most economic operators from 30th December 2024. Much of the practical implementation details, such as technical standards and specific guidelines for enforcement are still pending the adoption of secondary legislation in the form of implementing and delegated acts. These are expected to be published later in 2024.

The cargo in one of the containers may have played an important role in the explosion on a freighter in a Chinese harbour last Friday