M31 NEWS

Thailand trade and customs

Customs rules, tariffs and logistics changes affecting trade with Thailand.

Thailand's Soft Power Study Highlights Beauty, Digital Content as Key Export Growth Areas

The Trade Negotiation Committee (TNC) of Thailand's Ministry of Commerce released a study indicating that the country possesses significant potential in natural and cultural capital to drive export value through soft power. The research identifies beauty products, fragrances,…

EU Input Factor Prices Fluctuate in August-September 2026 Amid Geopolitical Tensions

The Department of Commerce in Brussels reports that prices for key EU input factors—fuel, electricity, fertilizer, and plastics—shifted significantly between August and September 2026. Fuel prices rose overall due to ongoing Middle East conflicts, while electricity costs climbed…

Myanmar Private Sector Association Urges Local Packaging Production to Boost Supply Chain

The Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) called for strengthening domestic packaging production in Myanmar at the Myanmar Packaging Forum 2026. The association highlighted that promoting local manufacturing is essential to complete the…

Australian Businessman Launches First LMCT+ Supermarket in Melbourne's Deer Park

On October 13, 2026, Australian businessman Adrian Portelli officially opened the first supermarket under the LMCT+ brand in Deer Park, western Melbourne, Victoria. The store, formerly an IGA location purchased by Portelli in June 2026, operates as part of Xclusive Tech Pty Ltd,…

Egyptian President Signs ~20 Agreements During Asia Tour to Elevate Strategic Partnership with South Korea

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt concluded a three-country Asian tour on October 12, 2026, having visited the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, and Indonesia between October 6 and 11, 2026. The visit aimed to boost economic relations, attract investment, and promote industry…

Egyptian President El-Sisi Concludes Asia Tour with Indonesia, Announces Strategic Partnership Agreements

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt concluded his October 2026 tour of three Asian nations—South Korea, Malaysia, and Indonesia—with an official visit to Jakarta. During meetings with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Merdeka Palace on October 11, 2026, the…

Egyptian President El-Sisi Signs Approximately 20 Agreements During Asia Tour

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt completed an official visit to South Korea, Malaysia, and Indonesia from October 6 to 11, 2026, aiming to strengthen economic ties and attract investment. Upon returning on October 12, 2026, he stated that the tour resulted in signing and…

Iran Foreign Ministry Spokesman Clarifies Temporary Border Suspension with Pakistan Due to Technical Issues

Esmail Baghi, spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated via IRNA that the suspension of cross-border movement between Iran and Pakistan is a temporary measure caused by technical issues and precautionary steps. Both countries are coordinating to resolve the…

Vietnam President To Lam to Visit Denmark in October 2026 for Green Strategic Partnership Summit

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam will visit Denmark from October 19 to 21, 2026. The state visit aims to elevate bilateral relations, strengthen political trust, and define strategic directions for cooperation in…

EU Parliament Approves Major Customs Code Reform to Modernize Digital Trade System

On September 16, 2026, the European Parliament voted to approve a reform of the Union Customs Code (UCC), designated as Regulation (EU) 2026/2108. Published in the Official Journal of the European Union on September 19, 2026, the regulation replaces Regulation (EU) No 952/2013…

Vietnam Plans to Split National Power Transmission Corporation from Vietnam Electricity to Boost Market Competition

The Ministry of Industry and Trade in Vietnam is preparing a major restructuring of the country's power sector. The plan involves separating the National Power Transmission Corporation (NPT) from Vietnam Electricity (EVN), a state-owned utility, and transferring it to an agency…

Vietnam Ministry of Finance Proposes Extending Automotive Tax Incentives to End of 2075

The Vietnamese Ministry of Finance has proposed extending the preferential tax regime for automobile production and assembly by five years until the end of 2075. The proposal includes amending Decree No. 26/2023/NĐ-CP to adjust support measures and allow for the refund of import…

Black Sea Infrastructure Disruption Halts India's Sunflower Oil and Yellow Pea Imports

Infrastructure failures at Black Sea ports linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict have disrupted shipments of sunflower oil and yellow peas destined for India. This has led to reduced imports of sunflower oil, delays or cancellations in logistics, a shift toward palm oil…

SACU and India Sign Framework to Resume Preferential Trade Agreement Negotiations

On August 12, 2026, the Southern African Customs Union (SACU)—comprising South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, and Eswatini—and India signed a framework to resume negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) that had stalled since 2023. The parties aim to conclude…

IMF Downgrades South Africa's 2026 Growth Forecast Amid Regional Conflict

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lowered its economic growth forecast for South Africa in 2026 to 1.0 percent from a previous estimate of 1.1 percent in July 2026, according to the October 2026 World Economic Outlook report. The downgrade reflects ongoing impacts from…

Rising Fuel Costs Threaten Irrigated Farming in Taraba State, Nigeria

Farmers across Taraba State, Nigeria, warn that surging gasoline and diesel prices are driving up production costs to unsustainable levels. High expenses for fuel, fertilizer, tractor rentals, and labor, combined with low crop prices, have caused significant financial losses.…

Mexican Food Delivery Market Growth Creates Opportunities for Thai Cuisine

A study by DiDi Food and Trendo reveals that Mexican food consumption habits are shifting due to the rise of food delivery platforms and increased acceptance of international cuisine. In 2025 (B.E. 2568), the platform recorded approximately 130 million orders, with over 65% of…

US Food Import Reliance and Tariff Policy Risks Highlight Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

The United States remains a top global food importer due to domestic supply gaps for items like oats, aromatic rice, sugar, and beef. Recent Federal Reserve data indicates that tariffs implemented last year significantly raised retail food prices, with the average effective…

Bank of Thailand Governor Vithai Ratnagorn Highlights Economic Benefits of Hosting IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings 2026

Vithai Ratnagorn, Governor of the Bank of Thailand (BOT), stated that hosting the IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings 2026 from October 12 to 18, 2026, will bring several benefits to Thailand. The event is expected to boost confidence among foreign nationals and provide an…

Trump Suspends Key Russia Sanctions and Tariffs Days Before Deadline

On Friday, October 16, President Donald Trump issued an executive order published by the White House suspending several key U.S. sanctions and tariffs against Russia just days before they were set to take effect under a law he signed last month. The suspended measures include…