GTA Monthly Roundup: March 2026

The Global Trade Alert team documented 805 trade and industrial policy developments during March 2026. Five trends emerge:

1. The US launched new Section 301 investigations, and China responded in kind. Washington initiated two sets of new investigations: one targeting structural excess capacity in manufacturing sectors across 16 economies, and another examining 60 economies' alleged failure to prohibit imports of goods produced with forced labour. Beijing retaliated by launching two foreign trade barrier investigations against the US. 

2. The Hormuz crisis triggered energy and fertiliser export restrictions. Following the military conflict in the Middle East, China reportedly instructed major refiners to suspend diesel and gasoline exports. Hungary, Slovakia, and Romania restricted fuel exports. Thailand suspended exports of finished petroleum products and LPG. Brazil set export taxes of 12% on crude oil and 50% on diesel. Russia banned ammonium nitrate exports.

3. Some governments eased previously imposed energy sanctions and restrictions in response to the Hormuz crisis. Washington and London issued temporary licences permitting oil transactions with Russia, Iran, and Venezuela. The US also waived the Jones Act to allow foreign vessels to transport oil, gas, fertiliser, and coal between ports. 

4. Several jurisdictions rolled out national support packages to shield industries from energy price shocks. Brazil allocated USD 2.8 billion to support affected industrial companies. India announced the RELIEF programme, providing USD 53 million in risk coverage to exporters affected by logistics disruptions in West Asia. South Korea established a USD 1 billion Middle East Damage Response Special Programme. The Philippines authorised the suspension of excise taxes on petroleum products.

5. Industrial policy continued at a high pace. China's National People's Congress approved the 15th Five-Year Plan, committing to "extraordinary measures" for breakthroughs in core technologies. The EU proposed the Industrial Accelerator Act, introducing content requirements for public procurement. The US unveiled funding of over USD 1 billion for critical materials, energy research, and AI.

The GTA Monthly Roundup provides a rapid overview of changes in import barriers, export curbs, subsidies, and related industrial policy measures. It is organised by geography, beginning with the United States, China and the European Union. The final section briefly summarises developments in further regions covered by the GTA. Links to official sources are included in the references.

The US advanced its trade agenda through new Section 301 investigations, multiple antidumping and countervailing duty actions, and a reciprocal trade agreement with Ecuador. Washington also reacted to the Hormuz crisis and unveiled funding for critical materials, energy research, and AI. The GTA team documented 94 new interventions during the last four weeks.

The Department of Energy authorised Venture Global Plaquemines LNG to export additional volumes of liquefied natural gas to non-FTA countries. The order approves an additional 165.3 billion cubic feet per year from the Louisiana-based facility.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) submitted the 2026 Trade Policy Agenda to Congress. The Agenda outlines six priorities, including continuing its Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) Program and using Section 301 investigations to address “unfair” trade practices. In a first move advancing this agenda, the USTR initiated two sets of Section 301 investigations. The first one targets structural excess capacity in the manufacturing sectors of 16 economies. They cover the aluminium, batteries, semiconductors, steel, and automobiles sectors of China, the European Union, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan, and India. The second investigates 60 economies’ alleged failure to prohibit imports of goods produced with forced labour. The investigated jurisdictions account for over 99% of US imports. Public hearings are scheduled for late April and early May 2026. If found actionable, the US may impose tariffs.

The USTR also signed an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with Ecuador. Following the February 2026 Supreme Court decision invalidating the IEEPA tariffs, the agreement commits the US to applying standard MFN duty rates to Ecuadorian originating goods. Furthermore, it establishes preferential treatment for Ecuador in future US tariff actions, though with carve-outs, including Section 232 tariffs. 

The Federal Communications Commission banned the import of foreign-made consumer-grade routers following a national security determination. The update also prohibits federal agencies from purchasing such equipment. Previously authorised models remain unaffected by the decision.

The International Trade Administration initiated several parallel trade defence investigations. Namely, antidumping and countervailing investigations on fatty acids from Indonesia and Malaysia; antidumping and countervailing investigations on Chinese truck bed covers; and antidumping and countervailing investigations on large diameter graphite electrodes from China and India. Moreover, Washington imposed provisional antidumping duties on imports of steel concrete reinforcing bars from Bulgaria, Egypt, and Vietnam. Bulgaria faced a 52.8% duty, Egypt up to 52.7%, and Vietnam up to 130.8%. Definitive antidumping and countervailing duties on imports of certain monomers and oligomers from Chinese Taipei were also imposed. The antidumping duty is set at 130.2%, while the countervailing one is set at 103.4%.

The White House published a national cyber strategy outlining incentives for private sector cyber capabilities and the development of secure technologies. The strategy covers critical infrastructure, AI security, and supply chain hardening.

The International Development Finance Corporation unveiled a political risk insurance and a maritime reinsurance facility to support shipping in the Gulf region. The government-backed facility covers losses of up to USD 20 billion on a rolling basis, to maintain the flow of commodities through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Department of Energy announced up to USD 500 million in funding for critical materials processing. The programme targets lithium and graphite processing within battery supply chains for defence and manufacturing. It also granted up to USD 352 million for the Energy Frontier Research Centres programme. This funding supports fundamental research in materials sciences, chemistry, and energy technologies. Finally, it published a USD 293 million call under the Genesis Mission to support AI-enabled research. Targeted areas include advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, critical materials, and nuclear energy. Phase I awards range from USD 500’000 to USD 750’000, while Phase II awards reach up to USD 15 million.

The Administration temporarily waived the Jones Act for 60 days to allow foreign vessels to transport goods between US ports. The waiver covers oil, natural gas, fertiliser, and coal. The measure aims to expand coastal shipping capacity amid supply disruptions linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

Regarding sanctions, OFAC issued temporary general licences easing restrictions on petroleum trade. General License 133 permitted Russian oil deliveries specifically to India. General License 129A authorised certain transactions with Rosneft subsidiaries in Germany. This licence covered petroleum refining and fuel distribution operations. General License 134 authorised transactions for Russian-origin crude oil and petroleum products already at sea. Similarly, General License U authorised transactions for Iranian-origin crude oil already loaded, valid until mid-April 2026. OFAC also authorised US entities to purchase Venezuelan crude oil from PdVSA. The licence permits extraction, export, and investment in Venezuela’s oil sector. Transactions involving Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and China remain excluded.

The Department of War announced a framework agreement with Honeywell Aerospace to increase production of critical munitions components. The agreement aims to unlock a USD 500 million multi-year investment. It targets navigation systems, actuators, and electronic warfare technologies.

In March 2026, China approved its new 15th Five-Year Plan, expanded subnational industrial policy support, and imposed new export bans on fuel and fertiliser products. Beijing also launched trade barrier investigations against the US and concluded one against Mexico. The GTA team documented 59 policy developments.

The Chinese government reportedly instructed major oil refiners to suspend diesel and gasoline exports. The directive reportedly applies to PetroChina, Sinopec, CNOOC, Sinochem, and Zhejiang Petrochemical. Companies were requested to cancel existing contracts and halt new ones. The ban does not affect jet fuel, bunker fuel, or exports to Hong Kong and Macau.

Separately, the government instructed fertiliser exporters to suspend shipments of nitrogen-potassium blends and phosphate-based products. The General Administration of Customs halted export inspections for several fertiliser categories. The measure is said to be in place until 31 August 2026.

China imposed definitive duties on halogenated butyl rubber imports from Canada and Japan. Effective 14 March 2026, Canadian imports face a flat 13.8% duty, while Japanese imports face rates between 15.0% to 30.1%, depending on the company.

China's National People's Congress approved the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030). The Plan committed financial public support for strategic industries and technological self-sufficiency, as well as for the internationalisation of Chinese firms. Specifically, it calls for "extraordinary measures" to achieve breakthroughs in core technologies, such as integrated circuits, software, advanced materials, and biomanufacturing. It also calls for state-backed financing mechanisms for emerging industries and capital toward sectors linked to national security and economic resilience.

Furthermore, the Congress approved the central budget for 2026. Among other programmes, the budget for agricultural insurance premium subsidies was increased to USD 7.7 billion, while for agricultural industrial development was decreased to USD 6.6 billion. 

Nine Chinese ministries adopted an action plan to promote travel service exports and expand inbound consumption. The plan calls for the entry of wholly foreign-owned specialised hospitals in pilot cities, promoting training exports, and easing visa policies. Finally, it also foresees guarantees and interest subsidies to SMEs in inbound consumption services. 

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) announced plans to establish a national mergers and acquisitions fund. The NDRC expects to guide and leverage investment of up to USD 145 billion. The fund aims to support M&A restructuring and improve exit channels for venture capital.

The NDRC also implemented temporary price controls on domestic refined oil products. Petrol and diesel price increases were capped below the scheduled levels. The measure aims to reduce the burden on downstream users amid international crude oil market volatility.

At the subnational level, the Beijing Municipality adopted a comprehensive package to support stable economic growth. The measures include up to USD 14.4 million per platform for pilot testing platforms for scientific and technological achievements, up to USD 7.2 million per “AI+” demonstration project, and up to USD 4.4 million for intelligent technical transformation in the information services sectors. Beijing’s Huairou District launched a USD 725.2 million Government Investment Guidance Fund. The fund will leverage private investments in new materials, new energy, and aerospace technologies. Moreover, Beijing’s Shunyi District released a package of measures to support innovation-driven development. These include individual support of up to USD 700’000 for cutting-edge research and development in leading industries, such as vehicles, aerospace, and semiconductors. 

Guangzhou’s Haizhu District adopted state aid measures to support the AI industry. Eligible projects in AI large models and brain–computer interfaces may receive up to USD 2.9 million per year. The programme runs until March 2027.

The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) launched two foreign trade barrier investigations targeting the United States. The first investigates US measures obstructing trade in green products, citing restrictions on green product exports and delays in renewable energy deployment. The second targets US measures disrupting global production and supply chains, including export controls on high-technology products. Both investigations were launched in response to two US Section 301 investigations initiated in March 2026. If the investigation determines that the measures constitute trade barriers, MOFCOM may take actions such as: "(1) holding bilateral consultations; (2) initiating dispute settlement under multilateral mechanisms; (3) adopting other appropriate measures".

Days earlier, MOFCOM concluded its six-month trade barrier investigation into Mexico's tariff increases. It formally found that Mexico's measures constitute trade and investment barriers that restrict Chinese products, services, and investment and undermine the competitiveness of Chinese firms. However, the concluding announcement did not specify any concrete retaliatory or remedial measures that China intends to take in response.

Under the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), China foresees expanded foreign investment access in several services (including telecommunications, internet, education and health), and facilitated inflow of high-skilled immigrants.

The EU pursued its industrial policy agenda through high-level legislation and state aid support. Some Member States responded to fuel price shocks with export restrictions. The GTA team documented 111 new interventions by the EU and its member states.

Following the Hormuz crisis, Several Member States imposed export restrictions on energy goods. Hungary established an export ban on crude oil, gasoline and diesel, effective 10 March 2026. Slovakia adopted a 30-day restriction on diesel fuel exports. Romania declared a fuel market crisis and introduced a six-month export license for gasoline and diesel. These restrictions apply to shipments destined for both EU member states and third countries.

Italy set an export notification requirement for copper, aluminium and zinc scrap exceeding specified thresholds when exported outside the EU. According to the decree, the goal of this intervention is to protect national interests.

Brussels initiated an antidumping investigation on imports of acrylic esters from China, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United States. It also opened an antidumping investigation on certain copper tubes from China, Mexico, Vietnam, and Uzbekistan. Conversely, the EU terminated its antidumping investigation into cast iron article imports from India and Türkiye without imposing any duties. The action followed the withdrawal of the complaint by the applicant industry body, Eurofonte.

Additionally, the Commission initiated a safeguard investigation on imports of grain-oriented silicon-electrical steel and related steel laminations for transformers. The products subject to investigation are classified under CN codes 7225.11.00, 7226.11.00, and 8504.90.13. 

Brussels launched several high-level policies in March 2026, spanning the port and maritime, energy, and industrial sectors. 

The Commission published an EU Maritime Strategy to boost the competitiveness and security of the maritime sector. The strategy envisages up to USD 1.7 billion via InvestEU and a dedicated export credit financing instrument for ship exports. In parallel, the Commission adopted an EU Ports Strategy to enhance port competitiveness and sustainability. The strategy outlines several funding initiatives for green infrastructure, innovation, and technologies in European ports.

Regarding energy, the Commission launched its Clean Energy Investment Strategy. It includes a USD 582 million pilot scheme for energy efficiency, alongside EIB commitments of up to USD 582 million to the Strategic Infrastructure Investment Fund. Moreover, the EU published its Strategy for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Among its initiatives, it calls for a temporary USD 232.8 million InvestEU top-up until 2028. 

Brussels put forward the Industrial Accelerator Act proposal to support local industrial production and increase decarbonisation. The proposal includes a target for manufacturing to account for at least 20% of the Union’s gross value added by 2030. For this, it introduces state aid support schemes with conditioning eligibility on Union-origin components. The proposal requires approval by the European Parliament and the Council.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) signed a EUR 100 million loan with Power Capital Renewable Energy for the construction of four solar photovoltaic plants in Ireland. It also signed a EUR 100 million loan with Finnish pharmaceutical company Orion Oyj for research and development in oncology and pain treatment. In Italy, the EIB concluded a EUR 200 million loan with A2A for electricity grid modernisation in the province of Milan.

The Commission awarded several grants under the EU’s Innovation Fund, supporting decarbonisation projects across Member States. These include UDS 235 million to Moeve SA for its involvement in the “LUXIA” project. The project will establish a large-scale facility of renewable hydrogen, methanol, and ammonia in Andalusia. Other allocations include USD 248.4 million to Heidelberg Materials Italia Cementi SpA for the deployment of a large-scale carbon capture and storage system at the Rezzato-Mazzano cement plant, and USD 173.9 million to Elemental Battery Metal for the “Polvolt” project in Poland. This last facility will recycle critical raw materials from battery black mass and electronic waste. 

At the national level, Spain unveiled a USD 506.9 million state aid scheme through the European Hydrogen Bank’s “Auctions-as-a-Service” tool. Madrid also set up a USD 233 million grant scheme to expand EV battery, energy storage, and hydrogen manufacturing capacity. 

France launched a USD 926.8 million scheme for renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production by new electrolysers. It also granted EUR 144 million to HyforSeeds for a hydrogen production unit.

Other Member States focused on energy and clean manufacturing. Italy announced a USD 6.9 billion scheme to support renewable hydrogen production for the transport and industrial sectors, valid until December 2029. Denmark granted USD 5.7 billion to two offshore wind farms, named Hesselø and North Sea I Mid. The aid takes the form of a two-way contract for difference over 20 years. Luxembourg unveiled a USD 575.5 million grant scheme for clean technology manufacturing. The scheme targets solar, wind, heat pumps, and battery technologies until 2030. Romania implemented a USD 173.3 million grant scheme for battery energy storage systems. The measure supports new standalone installations to increase electricity storage capacity. Belgium provided USD 302.7 million to Air Liquide and BASF Antwerpen for the “Kairos@C” carbon capture and storage project. The project aims to capture and permanently store CO2 emissions from industrial operations.

The proposed Industrial Accelerator Act included phased local content requirements for public procurement tenders of clean energy technologies. If approved, EVs must be locally assembled with most components (batteries and powertrains) of EU origin. Battery storage systems, wind, solar PV, heat pumps, and nuclear plants face similar origin rules introduced gradually over three to six years. From 2029, public procurement must also include minimum shares of EU-origin concrete and aluminium.

In addition, the Act would introduce FDI screenings for third-country investments over EUR 100 million if the investor is from a country controlling more than 40% of global manufacturing capacity in relevant sectors. These rules cover battery technologies, electric and fuel-cell vehicles, solar PV, and critical raw materials. Approved investments must also ensure that at least 50% of associated jobs are filled by EU workers across all roles.  

The GTA documented 541 developments announced by jurisdictions outside the US, China, and the European Union in the last four weeks. Significant developments include:

Australia’s National Reconstruction Fund Corporation provided USD 142.1 million to Macquarie Technology Group to support sovereign cloud services and AI-enabled cybersecurity. Export Finance Australia also signed a USD 196.65 million facility to support Australian exporters participating in Rio Tinto’s Rincón Lithium Project in Argentina. Moreover, Canberra imposed provisional counterveiling duties of up to 17.8% on imports of certain steel bolts from China.

Brazil allocated USD 2.82 billion from the Sovereign Brazil Plan to support industrial companies affected by the Middle East conflict. The Ministries of Finance and Development, Industry, Trade and Services will issue the complementary regulations in the upcoming weeks. The National Development Bank (BNDES) announced a USD 286.5 million investment in Simpar Group companies to support sustainable transportation. The investment covers Simpar SA, Movida Participações, Vamos Locação, and JSL SA. Brasilia set a 12% export tax on crude petroleum and a 50% export tax on diesel oil to mitigate the national impact of rising oil prices. The country further increased import duties on four products, including glass fibres and wire ropes, and initiated an anti-dumping investigation on machined graphite electrodes from China and India.

Canada’s National Research Council provided USD 117.6 million in state aid for quantum technology for defence and security applications. The Canada Infrastructure Bank provided a USD 334.6 million loan to Nouveau Monde Graphite for graphite operations serving the battery and electric vehicle markets. In terms of trade defence, Ottawa initiated parallel anti-dumping and countervailing investigations on unarmoured building cables from China, as well as a safeguard investigation on certain vegetable goods. The country also imposed preliminary antidumping duties (ranging from 137.1% to 345.9%) and a preliminary countervailing duty (12%) on imports of truck bodies from China. Finally, it permitted TikTok’s investment to proceed following a national security review, subject to legally binding undertakings.

Chinese Taipei’s Ministry of Economic Affairs introduced two new import licensing requirements. The first required licenses for certain IP-PBX and VoIP Gateway telecommunications equipment. The second targeted electric motorcycles and bicycles, and their controllers from mainland China.

Ecuador signed an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with the US. Under the deal, Ecuador committed to reducing or eliminating tariffs on approximately 3’393 tariff lines. Ecuador also committed to establishing duty-free tariff-rate quotas on imports of corn, sorghum, ethanol, poultry, pork, dairy products, and soybean oil from the US.  

Egypt temporarily suspended natural gas exports to Syria and Lebanon through the Arab Gas Pipeline and through the Idku liquefaction plant. Both measures aim to support domestic energy supplies and maintain grid stability.

The Eurasian Economic Commission initiated a safeguard investigation on imports of tinplate. The investigation follows the application lodged by Metalloprokatnaya Kompaniya LLC.

India’s Ministry of Finance increased the Special Additional Excise Duty on diesel oil exports from USD 0.1 to USD 0.2 per litre. It also introduced an additional excise duty of USD 0.03 per litre on the same product. New Delhi initiated anti-dumping investigations on hexamine from China, Russia and the UAE, phenol from seven jurisdictions, as well as ethyl chloroformates, certain ethenone, and methyl chloroformate from China. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade restored incentive rates under the RoDTEP scheme and announced the RELIEF programme, worth USD 53 million, providing risk coverage to exporters affected by logistics disruptions in West Asia. Moreover, the Ministry of Defence signed a USD 316.7 million contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for six Advanced Light Helicopters, subject to local content requirements. The government amended the FDI policy for investors from neighbouring countries, allowing non-controlling beneficial ownership of up to 10% via the automatic route. 

Indonesia received a USD 150 million loan from the Asian Development Bank for PT Link Net Tbk. The loan will finance the expansion of digital infrastructure and improve broadband quality across the country.

Iran implemented a ban on the export of all food and agricultural products. The measure aims to support domestic supply and stabilise local prices. The ban is effective until further notice.

Japan’s Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) signed a USD 3.7 billion loan with Nippon Steel Corporation to finance its acquisition of United States Steel Corporation. JBIC also extended a USD 218 million credit line to Petrobras for decarbonisation initiatives, USD 240 million to Rincon Mining for lithium carbonate production in Argentina, USD 300 million to Mitsui Iron Ore Development for an iron mine acquisition in Australia, and USD 400 million to JSA International for financing aircraft leasing operations. Tokyo also released national petroleum reserves worth approximately USD 3.4 billion to four domestic refiners to stabilise fuel supply. 

Mexico announced a programme to support the heavy-vehicle industry, allocating USD 112.2 million in tax incentives for the purchase of heavy vehicles produced or assembled domestically. Moreover, the country imposed definitive antidumping duties on clear float glass from China and Malaysia and on epoxidised soybean oil from Brazil and China. It also announced provisional antidumping duties on hot-rolled steel from China and Vietnam and on suspension PVC homopolymer from the US.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Energy reportedly introduced a prior clearance requirement for furnace oil exports. Under the new requirement, five domestic refineries must receive approval from the Prime Minister’s Committee before exporting.

The Philippines declared a state of national energy emergency and authorised the UPLIFT package to ensure domestic energy supply stability. The President signed legislation authorising suspension or reduction of excise taxes on petroleum products when crude oil prices exceed USD 80 per barrel. The Civil Aviation Authority reduced aeronautical fees by up to USD 83.8 per landing to mitigate rising fuel prices. Manila also allowed imports of 250’000 MT of frozen fish.

Russia imposed a temporary export ban on ammonium nitrate to prioritise fertiliser supply during the spring field work. Furthermore, the President introduced restrictions on the export of refined gold bullion. The Ministry of Economic Development increased export duties on certain petroleum products, while the Ministry of Agriculture raised in-quota export duties on wheat, meslin, and corn. Conversely, Moscow removed over 200 product categories from its export ban list and lifted export licensing requirements on the same products for EAEU members. It also replaced the export ban on certain lower-grade technical sulphur with an export licensing requirement until June 2026. The country expanded the list of strategic sectors requiring prior government approval for foreign investment. 

South Africa’s Revenue Service introduced a licensing requirement for the importation of certain petroleum oils. Importers must now obtain a permit from the International Trade Administration Commission.

The Southern African Customs Union granted a full duty exemption on imports of domestic ventilating or recycling hoods. The temporary rebate reduces the MFN duty from 15% to 0%, with parallel reductions for imports from MERCOSUR and AfCFTA countries.  Regarding trade defence, the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa imposed definitive antidumping duties on steel sections from China (75%) and Thailand (20.3%), and on flat-rolled steel products from China (up to 47.9%), Japan (up to 57.2%), and Chinese Taipei (24.2%).

South Korea promulgated the Special Act on Korea-US Strategic Investment Management, establishing the Korea-US Strategic Investment Fund. The Fund commits USD 200 billion under the US Investment Account and USD 150 billion under the Shipbuilding Cooperation Account to support South Korean companies’ participation in US strategic projects. Seoul also announced the establishment of a Middle East Damage Response Special Programme within the Supply Chain Stabilisation Fund, with a support envelope of USD 1 billion. The Export-Import Bank further announced a USD 18.5 billion programme to foster the K-culture industry over five years. The government announced USD 408.4 million in grants and USD 93.1 million in loans under the AI Application Product Rapid Commercialisation Support Programme. The Export-Import Bank extended USD 168.4 million and USD 134.7 million in export financing to Taihan Cable & Solution for submarine cable production. In addition, Seoul restricted petroleum product exports to 2025 volume levels. It also imposed a definitive antidumping duty of 43.4% on imports of Chinese single-mode optical fibres. 

Switzerland’s Federal Council confirmed that exports of war materiel to countries involved in the Iran conflict cannot be authorised, including a newly binding restriction with respect to the US. It also announced enhanced reviews of dual-use goods and sensitive exports to the US. In addition, Bern expanded the export prohibitions on goods and technologies for unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles to Iran and added several Iranian entities to its frozen fund list. 

Thailand temporarily suspended exports of finished petroleum products and LPG until further notice, citing the US-Israel and Iran conflict. Exports to Laos and Myanmar are exempt. The Board of Investment approved investment promotion incentives for Triumph Motorcycles to expand motorcycle production capacity. The package includes import duty exemptions on machinery and raw materials, corporate income tax exemptions, among others. 

Türkiye reduced the customs duty on urea imports from 6.5% to 0%. The measure aims to manage producer costs in the agricultural sector amid regional supply disruptions.

The United Arab Emirates launched Phase 1 of its R&D Tax Incentives Programme. Businesses are eligible for a non-refundable tax credit of up to 50% on qualifying expenditure, capped at USD 1.3 million per entity. Subnationally, the government of Dubai regulated the outsourcing of government services to private companies. Among other provisions, the new law required contractors to employ UAE nationals.

The United Kingdom removed import duties on 33 industrial inputs used in the manufacturing of offshore wind energy equipment, granting a selective tax concession to producers in the offshore wind supply chain. London initiated anti-dumping investigations on imports of rutile titanium dioxide and glass containers from China. It also imposed definitive antidumping duties on tin mill products from China (ranging from 27.85% to 49.98%). The UK National Wealth Fund announced USD 803.8 million in financing to ScottishPower for the Eastern Green Link 4 subsea power project. HM Treasury issued a general licence permitting transactions related to Kazakh-origin crude oil transiting Russia via PJSC Transneft, valid until March 2028.

Vietnam expanded the number of entities permitted to import and export crude oil and petroleum raw materials, ending the state-owned PVN’s monopoly. The government also temporarily reduced preferential import tariffs on certain petrol and fuel products to 0% until April 2026.

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