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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.

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All Content on this topic

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.

Volkswagen automobile plant employees celebrate winning a vote to join the UAW union Friday, April 19, 2024, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Volkswagen automobile plant employees celebrate winning a vote to join the UAW union Friday, April 19, 2024, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Volkswagen's Tennessee workers vote to join UAW trade union

More than 70% of votes from Volkswagen staff at the Chattanooga factory in Tennessee were in favor of joining the UAW.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei with the Iranian flag in the background

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei with the Iranian flag in the background

Iran's attack on Israel has muted impact on oil markets

The global economy has reacted mostly with indifference to the Iranian strike on Israel. Can the calm last?

The German and Chinese flags flying side by side in Tianjin China

The German and Chinese flags flying side by side in Tianjin China

China: Germany's rival and partner

On his three-day visit to China, Chancellor Olaf Scholz is expected to call for more fairness in economic relations.

Chinese workers on an electric vehicle production line in Jinhau, Zhejiang province, China on March 24, 2021

Chinese workers on an electric vehicle production line in Jinhau, Zhejiang province, China on March 24, 2021

From solar to EVs: How China is overproducing green tech

The US and EU are working to ensure their clean-energy sectors aren't wiped out by unfair competition from China.

A trader approaches the closed Niger-Nigeria border in Jibia

A trader approaches the closed Niger-Nigeria border in Jibia

Reopened Nigeria-Niger border promises trade

Trade has resumed through the Niger-Nigeria border — and a Chinese-funded railway promises to further boost the economy.

A worker produces semiconductors at a workshop in Binzhou, eastern China on Jan 9, 2022

A worker produces semiconductors at a workshop in Binzhou, eastern China on Jan 9, 2022

Tech war: China could face US, EU curbs over legacy chips

After the US cut China's access to cutting-edge chips, could those used in everyday products be next?

A driver trying to attract tourists to the guided tour on a busy street in the Asakusa district in Tokyo

A driver trying to attract tourists to the guided tour on a busy street in the Asakusa district in Tokyo

Tourists bask in the glow of Japan's weak yen

The value of the yen is sliding and financial authorities are nervous. But for tourists, it's time to shop.

Containers ships unload their cargo at northern Germany's Bremerhaven port on February 24, 2022

Containers ships unload their cargo at northern Germany's Bremerhaven port on February 24, 2022

Red Sea attacks cause global trade to splutter

Ships have been forced to make detours due to Houthi attacks on the Suez Canal route and low waters in the Panama Canal.

Undated file photo of a commercial plane flying over Baden-Württemberg in Germany, pictured from the ground.

Undated file photo of a commercial plane flying over Baden-Württemberg in Germany, pictured from the ground.

Germany: Airport security staff strike at smaller hubs

Airport strikes will again impact flights in Germany, with security staff at a series of smaller hubs not working.

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,

Why German stock index DAX breaks record as recession looms

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

A WV employee monitors the production of electric car batteries, in Salzitter, Germany, on September 23, 2019

A WV employee monitors the production of electric car batteries, in Salzitter, Germany, on September 23, 2019

Will Germany face a rare earths shortage?

The raw materials needed for the green transition are in the hands of rivals, including China and Russia.

picture shows a banner saying 'Stop EU-Mercosur' during a protest action of Greenpeace environmental activists at the European Council building, Thursday 25 May 2023, in Brussels

picture shows a banner saying 'Stop EU-Mercosur' during a protest action of Greenpeace environmental activists at the European Council building, Thursday 25 May 2023, in Brussels

EU-Mercosur: Will the trade negotiation saga ever end?

A deal between the two blocs on how to liberalize their trade, seems elusive. Will China seize its chance?

India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor

India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor

India-Middle East corridor in doubt due to Israel-Hamas war

The future of the US and EU-backed India-Middle East-Europe Corridor is uncertain because of the Israel-Hamas war.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan walking alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan walking alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Modi signs intercontinental trade pact during UAE visit

The deal is a framework for a ship-to-rail trade corridor that would link India with Europe.

Travelers wait for a train on a crowded platform in November 2023, no train in sight

Travelers wait for a train on a crowded platform in November 2023, no train in sight

Germany's train drivers call for a six-day nationwide strike

The latest strike by the GDL German train drivers' trade union will start on Wednesday and run for almost a full week.