Advertisement

Image: Bayne Stanley/ZUMAPRESS.com/picture alliance Image: Bayne Stanley/ZUMAPRESS.com/picture alliance

Trade

In principle, the rules of trade are simple. The economic concept involves the buying and selling of goods or services.

Skip next section All Content on this topic

All Content on this topic

A bottle of Havana Club Anejo 3 rum seen at the bar counter

A bottle of Havana Club Anejo 3 rum seen at the bar counter

New US law ends decadeslong Havana Club trademark battle

Cuba's struggling government has lost the trademark rights to the Havana Club rum brand in the US due to a new law.

French farmers of the Coordination Rurale gather with their tractors in front of the Haute-Vienne Prefecture to protest against the prospect of a trade agreement with Mercosur

French farmers of the Coordination Rurale gather with their tractors in front of the Haute-Vienne Prefecture to protest against the prospect of a trade agreement with Mercosur

EU-Mercosur trade deal riles European farmers

As French farmers resume protests, expers say the impact of EU-Mercosur deal is soft due to modest increase in imports.

A file picture of Donald Trump sitting at a desk in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, United States

A file picture of Donald Trump sitting at a desk in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, United States

How Trump's 'America First' policy threatens global trade

Will the next US president accelerate the unraveling of global trade rules. What would that mean for smaller nations?

Canada's Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Mary Ng, centre left, speaks during the closing news conference at the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) commission meeting, in Vancouver, on Thursday, November 28, 2024.

Canada's Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Mary Ng, centre left, speaks during the closing news conference at the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) commission meeting, in Vancouver, on Thursday, November 28, 2024.

UK joins Indo-Pacific trade bloc as first European member

The UK formally became the 12th member of the CPTPP trading bloc as of Sunday.

national flags representing the United States, Canada, and Mexico fly in the breeze

national flags representing the United States, Canada, and Mexico fly in the breeze

Mexico and Canada weigh potential fallout of Trump tariffs

Will Donald Trump really put 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico? The move would cause havoc for the key economic partners.

China | Wirtschaft | Internationales Containerterminal im Hafengebiet Taicang des Hafens Suzhou

China | Wirtschaft | Internationales Containerterminal im Hafengebiet Taicang des Hafens Suzhou

How Chinese overcapacity threatens emerging economies

Is China's massive trade surplus ushering in a new wave of tariffs, and a new era in global trade?

An image of Chinese yuan banknotes, alongside the Chinese and US flags

An image of Chinese yuan banknotes, alongside the Chinese and US flags

China plans stimulus gamble as Trump's tariffs loom

Beijing has already announced more than $2 trillion in stimulus, but many analysts think it hasn't gone far enough.

Frankreich, Limoges | Bauern demonstrieren gegen EU-Mercosur-Abkommen

Frankreich, Limoges | Bauern demonstrieren gegen EU-Mercosur-Abkommen

EU-Mercosur pact faces crunch time at summit

Germany and Spain are in favor, but strong resistance — in part from French farmers — is threatening to derail the deal.

Automotive workers at an OPEL factory in Germany

Automotive workers at an OPEL factory in Germany

OECD slashes growth forecasts for Germany, France

Instability and weakened global demand have cut the growth prospects of the top two EU economies, according to the OECD.

A bull statue stands in front of the building of the German stock exchange in Frankfurt,

A bull statue stands in front of the building of the German stock exchange in Frankfurt,

Germany's stock index DAX hits 20,000 despite economic woes

Confidence in Germany's 40 biggest firms has little to do with sentiment on the ground.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin talks to Chinese President Xi Jinping attend a family photo at the 16th BRICS summit in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, on October 23, 2024

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin talks to Chinese President Xi Jinping attend a family photo at the 16th BRICS summit in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, on October 23, 2024

BRICS currency: Is Trump's tariff threat justified?

Donald Trump has vowed 100% tariffs on imports from BRICS countries if they create a new currency to rival the dollar.

Donald Trump puts on a MAGA hat during the US election campaign

Donald Trump puts on a MAGA hat during the US election campaign

Trump threatens steep tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China

The US president-elect said that the tariffs would help reduce illegal drugs and immigration to the US.

Rows of covered cars waiting at Germany's Emden port

Rows of covered cars waiting at Germany's Emden port

Trump tariffs: Does EU have to fear trade war with US?

The reelection of Donald Trump is forcing European businesses to confront the possibility of big tariffs or a trade war.

A man works on the production line in a car factory

A man works on the production line in a car factory

What Trump's tariffs mean for Germany's struggling industry

German businesses are bracing for the impact punitive tariffs from the US could have on their bottom lines.

Republican Donald Trump smiling standing at a podium in November 2024

Republican Donald Trump smiling standing at a podium in November 2024

What Donald Trump's election win means for the world economy

The US dollar and bitcoin are up as Donald Trump's renewed "America First" policies come into focus.

Boeing strike ends with new contract, but crisis not over

Boeing workers are set to resume work after a costly 7-week strike. But the US planemaker's financial woes remain.

A Chinese flag attached to the back of a boat flaps in the wind as cargo containers sit on the dock of Shenzhen Port

A Chinese flag attached to the back of a boat flaps in the wind as cargo containers sit on the dock of Shenzhen Port

How Harris and Trump would run trade with China

DW looks at the US candidates' proposed plans — and how they could affect Asia's biggest economy, as well as the world.

Workers at a Daimler factory in Chennai, India

Workers at a Daimler factory in Chennai, India

German business eyes India to reduce Chinese dependence

German firms have long focused on the Chinese market but India is now becoming increasingly important, say experts.

German car giants alarmed by Donald Trump's trade threats

Carmakers are growing increasingly nervous about the US election after Donald Trump called for more US production.

Kombobild Harris Trump

Kombobild Harris Trump

Harris vs Trump: Who's better for the global economy?

We look at Donald Trump and Kamala Harris and whose policies might be better for the global economy.

A VW ID.3 model is being manufactured at the company's plant in Zwickau in eastern Germany

A VW ID.3 model is being manufactured at the company's plant in Zwickau in eastern Germany

Can Germany's economy benefit from China's stimulus plan?

China's economic slowdown has led to lower demand for German goods and dampened growth prospects.

A view of rows of electric cars waiting to be loaded on the "BYD Explorer NO.1," a vessel intended to export Chinese automobiles

A view of rows of electric cars waiting to be loaded on the "BYD Explorer NO.1," a vessel intended to export Chinese automobiles

Could new EU tariffs on Chinese cars backfire?

Europe has voted to raise tariffs on electric cars from China by up to 35%. China has threatened to retaliate — will it?

A group of International Longshoremen’s Association members holding signs as they strike in New Jersey

A group of International Longshoremen’s Association members holding signs as they strike in New Jersey

How will German carmakers be affected by US port strikes?

German exporters to the US are watching nervously as key American ports close due to a massive dockworkers' strike.

Mexico's president, Claudia Sheinbaum, receives the presidential sash during an inauguration ceremony

Mexico's president, Claudia Sheinbaum, receives the presidential sash during an inauguration ceremony

Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum faces economic challenges

How will the country's new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, navigate the troubled waters of "America First" policies?

Thailand | Straßenhändler | Durian Früchte

Thailand | Straßenhändler | Durian Früchte

A spiky delicacy from Malaysia gets trade boost from China

Malaysia, one of the world's biggest producers of the durian fruit, stands to profit from higher exports to China.

A picture of Turkish President and the President of Sudan Omar Al-Bashir (C) tour in Port Sudan

A picture of Turkish President and the President of Sudan Omar Al-Bashir (C) tour in Port Sudan

How Turkey is competing with China for influence in Africa

Turkey increases its engagement in Africa, but finding a role among dominant players China and Russia is difficult.

An illustration showing how Chinese cars are looking to increase market share in the EU

An illustration showing how Chinese cars are looking to increase market share in the EU

EU divided over higher tariffs for Chinese EV imports

Despite "constructive talks" between the EU and China, the impasse over tariffs on Chinese EVs threatens to escalate.

Petronas Twin Towers Hochhäuser KLCC Skyline von Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia

Petronas Twin Towers Hochhäuser KLCC Skyline von Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia

Malaysia's chip industry booming amid tech shift

As the US-China trade war heats up, Malaysia's industry is booming, attracting investments from global tech giants.

A smartphone screen shows the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris.

A smartphone screen shows the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris.

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump trade barbs on economy

Inflation and the economy were central themes in the presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

A worker produces semiconductors at a workshop of a semiconductor manufacturer in Binzhou, East China's Shandong Province

A worker produces semiconductors at a workshop of a semiconductor manufacturer in Binzhou, East China's Shandong Province

Harris vs. Trump: How do their China tariff plans differ?

Both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump would target China with tariffs. How are their plans similar, and what's different?

A woman stands in from of the new Mercedes G-Klasse vehicle at an autoshow in Beijing, China, on April 25, 2024

A woman stands in from of the new Mercedes G-Klasse vehicle at an autoshow in Beijing, China, on April 25, 2024

German firms ignore calls to shrink China investments

China continues to be a critical trade partner for Europe's largest economy, so how to get the balance right?

A Philippine resupply vessel is hit by Chinese coast guard water canon blast in the disputed South China Sea March 5, 2024.

A Philippine resupply vessel is hit by Chinese coast guard water canon blast in the disputed South China Sea March 5, 2024.

How South China Sea tensions threaten global trade

Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping have hurt trade. Is the South China Sea safe from China's fallout with its neighbors?

Donald Trump speaking with people in the background at a rally in Michigan

Donald Trump speaking with people in the background at a rally in Michigan

Donald Trump's vision for the US economy

Will the US ex-president stick to his protectionist measures including higher tariffs and a tough immigration stance?

Smoke rises from the scene of a blaze at a port following an Israeli attack, in Hodeida, Yemen, on July 20th, 2024

Smoke rises from the scene of a blaze at a port following an Israeli attack, in Hodeida, Yemen, on July 20th, 2024

Red Sea shipping crisis worsens after Israel-Houthi attacks

Israel's strike on the Red Sea port of Hodeida marks a major escalation that could further hurt maritime trade.

Many cars parked at the Bremerhaven auto terminal, from where they would be shipped

Many cars parked at the Bremerhaven auto terminal, from where they would be shipped

Would a Trump presidency hurt German firms?

The former president likes to slap massive tariffs on the foreign products that he thinks are a threat to US businesses

A man gesturing at a container ship off the coast of Yemen

A man gesturing at a container ship off the coast of Yemen

Rising shipping costs hit global trade hard

International trade is under immense strain, freight costs are rising again, and environmental pollution is increasing.

Leapmotor vehicles are parked outside a showroom in Hangzhou in eastern China's Zhejiang province

Leapmotor vehicles are parked outside a showroom in Hangzhou in eastern China's Zhejiang province

EU slaps tariffs of up to 38% on Chinese electric vehicles

The EU has said its tariffs are to counteract "unfair" subsidies received by Chinese EV makers.

A closeup of welder in a blue helmet working on a ship with sparks flying around him

A closeup of welder in a blue helmet working on a ship with sparks flying around him

Can Greece's new six-day workweek be a model for others?

Greece is adopting a six-day workweek, while many other countries are experimenting with shorter office hours.

A customer buys pork at a market in Beijing

A customer buys pork at a market in Beijing

China fights back against EU tariffs

China is fighting back against the EU's plans to impose tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles.

A big chery SUV stands in a neon-lit showroom as people stand around it and some take photos

A big chery SUV stands in a neon-lit showroom as people stand around it and some take photos

Turkey to impose tariffs on all Chinese cars

Authorities want to protect domestic brands and convince Chinese manufacturers to build factories in the country.

New BYD cars wait to be loaded onto a ship in China

New BYD cars wait to be loaded onto a ship in China

China threatens WTO action over EU electric car tariffs

China accused the European Union of "naked protectionist behavior" in an evolving dispute over electric car import dutie

Two cars in a harbor in front of a container ship

Two cars in a harbor in front of a container ship

EU tariffs add to pressure on China's EV makers

China’s EV manufacturers already face poor sales in Europe, and EU tariffs of up to 38% on electric vehicles won't help.

A Chinese yuan bill is seen on the map of South America

A Chinese yuan bill is seen on the map of South America

Latin American anger grows over China's economic clout

Amid China's growing influence, Beijing has strong-armed countries such as Guatemala and outraged retailers in Brazil.

Electric cars for export waiting to be loaded onto a freighter at China's Yantai port

Electric cars for export waiting to be loaded onto a freighter at China's Yantai port

EU-China EV tariffs: German carmakers fear backlash

The EU could soon follow the US and impose duties on Chinese electric cars. German car CEOs fear reprisals from Beijing.

Two Africans sorting coffee beans in Coffee production in Bengo António Ambrósio, Angola

Two Africans sorting coffee beans in Coffee production in Bengo António Ambrósio, Angola

Coffee prices soar on poor harvests and new consumers

Coffee prices have risen for many reasons, including poor harvests in Vietnam and changing tastes.

Workers from Niger and China are seen on the construction site of an oil pipeline in Gaya, Niger, in October 2022

Workers from Niger and China are seen on the construction site of an oil pipeline in Gaya, Niger, in October 2022

Benin gives green light for Niger's oil exports to China

After Benin blocked crude oil exports for months, a tense standoff appears to have been resolved with China's mediation.

President of the United States Joe Biden is speaking about proposing tariffs on Chinese steel in his remarks at the United Steelworkers Headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, on April 17, 2024

President of the United States Joe Biden is speaking about proposing tariffs on Chinese steel in his remarks at the United Steelworkers Headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, on April 17, 2024

US-China trade war: Why Joe Biden has raised the stakes

The US president has quadrupled tariffs on Chinese EVs and raised levies on green technologies. Here's why.

The Seagull electric vehicle from Chinese automaker BYD on display at a showroom in Beijing, Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

The Seagull electric vehicle from Chinese automaker BYD on display at a showroom in Beijing, Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

US announces higher China tariffs, including 100% for EVs

Semiconductors, solar cells, batteries, electric vehicles and some minerals are among the affected items.

Union members clash with Turkish anti riot police officers as they march during Labor Day celebrations in Istanbul

Union members clash with Turkish anti riot police officers as they march during Labor Day celebrations in Istanbul

Turkey: Hundreds detained at May Day rallies in Istanbul

Police blocked off parts of Turkey's largest city and used tear gas and rubber bullets to stop demonstrations.

Lieferkettengesetz l Malaysia, Palmöl-Bauern

Lieferkettengesetz l Malaysia, Palmöl-Bauern

Indonesia wants progress on EU trade deal

Indonesia accuses the EU of "regulatory imperialism" following several trade disputes. But it's still hoping for a deal.