Read also: Week Three in Trade – First 100 Days of the New Administration

Memorandum Directing Agencies to Study Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs

We also discussed President Trump’s memorandum directing the Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative (USTR), in consultation with other Executive Branch agencies, to investigate the harm caused to the U.S. by “non-reciprocal” tariffs and other trade practices found to disadvantage American businesses. While the President had previously suggested that the reciprocal tariff plan would take effect “almost immediately,” the memorandum indicates that further deliberation and fact-finding will be carried out by the relevant agencies before any comprehensive reciprocal tariff system is implemented.

Removal and Reinstatement of De Minimis Exemption for Low-Value Imports

Following President Trump’s removal of the de minimis exemption on imports from China valued under $800, on Friday, February 7, 2025, he issued an amendment to his original Executive Order, temporarily reinstating the exemption.  The de minimis exemption will continue to apply until the Secretary of Commerce has established adequate systems to “fully and expediently process and collect tariff revenue” for small value shipments currently subject to the de minimis exemption.

The February 5, 2025, Executive Order does not establish retroactive eligibility for de minimis treatment. Accordingly, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) will not refund duties for any shipments denied de minimis prior to the resumption of processing of de minimis clearances for imports from China on February 7, 2025.

Export News

BIS Freezes All New Export License Applications

The Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) has quietly paused all reviews of new export license applications submitted this month, citing a “policy review.” The agency has not provided additional details on when the application process will resume or what specific aspects of policy are being examined. This pause is expected to exacerbate the already lengthy processing times at BIS, which is facing a staffing shortage in its licensing office.

This is not the first time BIS has placed a hold on new licenses. In the past, the agency has paused licenses for exports to specific end-users, such as China’s Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. and Huawei, in order to address sensitive policy issues. In 2023, BIS also implemented an indefinite hold on new export licenses for firearms, components, and ammunition to Peru, Ecuador, and Guatemala.

Congressional Nominations

Howard Lutnick, Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Commerce and oversee the President’s ambitious trade and tariff agenda is now poised for a full Senate confirmation vote in the coming days. On February 13, 2025, the Senate voted 52-45 to advance Howard Lutnick’s nomination. This follows last week’s 16-12 vote by the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee to send Lutnick’s nomination to the floor, with only Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) joining all Republicans in support.

The post Week Four in Trade – First 100 Days of the New Administration appeared first on Global Trade Magazine.

Revenue Growth Driven by Strategic Adaptation

Jeffrey S. Musser, President and CEO of Expeditors, attributed this robust performance to the company’s adeptness at navigating volatile market conditions and rapidly acquiring new business. The surge in revenue reflects Expeditors’ strategic focus on leveraging the growing demand for expedited shipping services, especially driven by the rise of global e-commerce and trade.

This report aligns with data from the IndexBox platform, highlighting the ongoing investment in advanced technologies within the industry, such as automated sorting systems and real-time tracking solutions, which are enhancing operational efficiency for logistics companies.

Revenue and Earnings Performance Analysis

While Expeditors has exhibited commendable performance this quarter, its long-term growth narrative presents a mixed picture. Despite the recent quarterly success, the company’s compounded annual growth rate for sales over the last five years stood at a modest 5.3%, failing to meet the accepted industrial sector standards.

Notably, the company’s airfreight and ocean freight segments, which represent 36% and 30.7% of the revenue respectively, have faced challenges. Over the past two years, airfreight revenue declined by an average of 14.8% annually, while ocean freight revenue saw an average annual dip of 12.7%.

Profit Margins and Shareholder Value Enhancement

Expeditors maintained an average operating margin of 10.5% over the last five years, underscoring its capability in managing costs effectively despite the low gross margin. During Q4, the operating profit margin rose to 10.2%, an increase from the previous year.

The earnings per share (EPS) for Expeditors has grown at an 11% compounded annual growth rate over five years, outpacing its revenue growth chiefly due to strategic share repurchases that decreased share count by 19.3%. However, EPS saw a reversal with a two-year annual decline of 16.7%, indicating potential areas for improvement moving forward.

Stock Market Reaction and Future Outlook

On the back of these substantial earnings, Expeditors’ stock rose by 5.2% to $119.62 shortly after the results were announced. Looking ahead, sell-side analysts project that while newer offerings might sustain revenues, overall growth may remain flat over the next year, with full-year EPS expected to decline by 4.2%.

This quarter’s performance illustrates Expeditors’ robust operational framework and adaptability in the logistics domain, positioning it well for potential future market fluctuations.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform  

The post Expeditors International Surpasses Market Expectations with Strong Q4 Results appeared first on Global Trade Magazine.

The arrival of the OOCL Iris highlights SC Ports’ continued investment in infrastructure to accommodate larger ships. With a 52-foot harbor depth—the deepest on the U.S. East Coast— mega container ships can access Charleston’s terminals at any time, ensuring efficient cargo handling regardless of tides.

“SC Ports’ strategic infrastructure investments allow us to continue welcoming the largest ships calling the U.S. East Coast,” said SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin. “The OOCL Iris calling on the Port of Charleston is evidence of our commitment to providing highly productive port service to our customers.”

The vessel’s arrival coincides with the near completion of a terminal toe wall project that will maintain a 54-foot berth depth, further enhancing Charleston’s ability to serve massive cargo vessels. SC Ports is investing nearly $3 billion in modernization efforts, including expanded cargo capacity and rail infrastructure to accelerate goods movement.

With taller ship-to-shore cranes, widened turning basins, and high-efficiency terminals, SC Ports provides a competitive edge for ocean carriers and cargo owners operating in the booming Southeast market. The OOCL Iris, launched in December 2024, will join OOCL’s Trans-Pacific East Coast Express (ECX1) service, strengthening connections between Asia and the U.S. East Coast.

Asia remains SC Ports’ largest trade lane, accounting for 50% of total port volume. Charleston serves as the final U.S. East Coast port in the rotation, allowing fully loaded vessels to depart without tidal restrictions, maximizing efficiency for exporters.

The post Port of Charleston Welcomes Largest Vessel in Its History appeared first on Global Trade Magazine.

Read also: How Generative AI Can Be a Game Changer in Online Trading?

Keeping up to date and adjusting with these changes is highly required to be on top of the game in these fast-shifting financial markets.

Economic events on a global scale can exacerbate market factors such as liquidity, volatility, and price action, making the traders adjust their strategies or pull out of deals. People who do not have a structured approach to this end up making very impractical decisions that cost them their money. Nevertheless, the ones who are aware of the mentioned dynamics stand a chance to make profits that are, in many cases, as fast as the market movements.

How Global Economic Events Drive Market Volatility 

Short-term traders operate in an environment where global economic events can cause sudden and significant price swings. Understanding the key drivers of volatility is crucial for traders looking to navigate these rapid market movements effectively.

The monetary policy designed by the central banks, with its changes in the levels of interest, is a great determinant of the quality of every business. The markets usually start a price war when the U.S. Federal Reserve announces to raise or to lower the interest rates. In general, a country with higher interest rates will have a stronger currency and less robust stock markets; in contrast, a lower interest rate country will have a weaker currency than a high-interest one. Traders closely watch Fed statements for signals about future policy moves, as uncertainty around interest rate direction can fuel volatility.

Inflation is an additional significant element of a market that causes short-term changes. It becomes the basis for expectations about the next moves of the central bank, considering the inflation reports of which the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is an example. When inflation exceeds forecasts it often leads to fears of aggressive rate hikes, which results in sell-offs in equities and rallies in the U.S. dollar. By contrast, lower inflation may face a scenario in which the prices of risk assets grow up because the investors hope for monetary policy to be more relaxed.

Geopolitical events also contribute to volatility. The potential for conflicts, trade wars, and the unexpectedness of political events may create big changes across a range of asset classes. For example, in 2022 Russia’s invasion of Ukraine raised oil as well as commodities prices while they also moved down – the global stock markets. Also, the uneasiness of the U.S.-China trade on the contrary, is the main reason for the markets to be full of uncertainty, and lastly, it has a huge influence on short-term trading strategies.

These economic events influence liquidity and price action, often leading to sharp intraday moves. When uncertainty rises, liquidity can dry up as market participants hesitate to take large 

Global economic shifts give traders the possibility to make profits, but the risks for short-term traders to profit or loss as well they can come with it. Economic reports, central bank positions. This lack of liquidity amplifies price swings, making markets more unpredictable. Short-term traders must adjust their strategies accordingly, ensuring they can capitalize on opportunities while managing risk effectively.

Opportunities and Risks for Short-Term Traders 

News trading is another strategy that allows traders to react to breaking economic events. Since financial markets respond instantly to macroeconomic reports, traders who execute trades quickly based on key data releases—such as employment numbers or GDP growth—can profit from short-term price fluctuations.decisions, and geopolitical developments may cause sharp price movements, while this may be beneficial for active traders. Nevertheless, market swings may go too quickly, so the possibility of loss is greater which makes it more important to implement a successful risk management technique to avoid it in short-term trading strategies.

Traders seek safety in their use of constant momentum trading for the market to enjoy it. Rising and falling prices are results of economic events that traders take part in the movement as long as it continues making. To explain, steeper than of the estimated demand rate can force producers to set prices on a much higher level than normal which in turn may lead to the stock market being overheated, thus requiring traders to sell their shares at an even higher price.

Technical analysis is also considered an essential part of differentiating the way so rare stress and instability pass away. Traders make use of chart patterns, recognition of support and resistance levels, and indicators like moving averages to reveal the most appropriate trade setups with high probability. The optimization of short-term price movements can be obtained by combining a good understanding of economic conditions and technical strategies.

Even though these opportunities are out there, economic instability is not a riskless path to walk and can be a major cause of losses if not correctly handled. During this period, trading risk management strategies such as using stop-loss orders, applying position sizing techniques, and also adhering to the right risk-reward ratios are essential to asset preservation.

The most important concept of capital management in order for traders to take advantage of opportunities brought by macroeconomic events while keeping close attention to the risks is to combine the appropriate trading strategies with strong risk management. It is the only way you can make money in markets with high volatility conditions if you are ready to face them head-on.

How Trading Rooms Help Traders Navigate Uncertainty 

In volatile markets driven by global economic events, traders need access to real-time information, expert insights, and structured decision-making processes. Trading rooms provide this structured environment, helping traders react efficiently to sudden market shifts and make informed decisions under pressure.

A trading room is an area where traders act together with experts to sell or buy various goods, it can be either real or virtual lifespace. These rooms are usually accompanied by the real-time market analysis, trade signals, and the implementation of strategies, which make it possible for the traders to traverse withered crises in the market and take risks on the market.

The unique feature of trading rooms is they give you real-time analysis and trading signals. Economic news is interpreted by market experts, and the news is then described in terms of the impact on various assets. This enables the participants to navigate more efficiently through interest rate movements, inflation parameters, or upsetting geopolitical events. They do not need to second-guess their choices to do this.

Moreover, trading rooms allow traders to control emotions and avoid impulsive decisions. Market volatility can provoke emotional responses that may lead to both panic-driven trades and hesitation at the most crucial moment. In a collaborative environment, traders receive guidance from experienced mentors who reinforce disciplined decision-making. Seeing how professional traders react to economic shifts provides valuable learning opportunities, helping participants refine their own trading strategies.

Not all trading rooms are created equal. A good trading room should offer expert mentorship, live trade alerts, structured market analysis, and interactive discussions. Likewise, they should also be willing to implement cutting edge data science solutions to provide traders with a clearer overview of their performance.

Short-term traders can make better buying and selling decisions, cut down psychological biases, and follow developments in the global economy if they capitalize on the facilities and the knowledge in a trading room.

Conclusion 

Global structural transformations have a major impact on the current market conditions. Factors like central bank’s interest rate decisions, inflation statements, and geopolitical events can cause price fluctuations which may result in both, opportunities as well as hazards. Traders with right market information who adapt quickly are the ones that are favored most when there are such sudden market fluctuations.

In order to overcome these problems, traders need to have the know-how and the betting capabilities like momentum trading, news trading and technical analysis. However, without proper risk management, the market volatility can cause a substantial loss of capital. You should put stop-loss orders, manage the position sizes, and, in uncertain times, lower the leverage which is essential to the protection of the capital.

Trading rooms serve as a bonus because they do a real-time analysis, provide input from the experts and offer the support for structured decision-making. They make the traders informed, emotional management, and their strategies improve through the collective environment. Short-term traders, by using such resources, can be more adept than before and can also gain wider access to information, which is essential in economic scenarios.

The post The Impact of Global Economic Shifts on Short-Term Trading appeared first on Global Trade Magazine.

Read also: European Commission Criticizes Proposed US Tariff Policy

President Trump’s latest remarks center on levying tariffs on every country that has imposed a duty on US imports. The European Union, for example, employs VAT taxes, which the US administration considers a duty, as does Mexico, Canada, and many others. The President had previously intimated that some industries might be exempted, but that now appears not to apply. 

In 2024, Texas paid $7.2 billion in tariffs. That figure is now expected to leap to $64 billion, assuming all the tariffs remain in place. This is an important point, as President Trump has used the threat of tariffs as a bargaining chip in the past but ultimately never enacted them after successful negotiations. In Texas, the overwhelming majority of the tariffs are Mexican, expected to be paid by businesses at a rate of $108 million a day. Aluminum and steel tariffs would jump from $411.7 million in 2024 to approximately $2 billion. Meanwhile, California can expect tariff payments to triple from $17 billion in 2024 to $46 billion. California’s exposure to Chinese tariffs translates to a daily tariff bill of $43.4 million.  

With China alone, US companies are expected to pay $43 billion relating to tariffs. European Union products will generate the most – $149 billion – while estimates point to $126 billion for Mexican trade and $103 billion for tariffs related to Canadian imports. 

Businesses across the US are expected to pass the costs of the tariffs to their customers. The Trump administration regularly publishes what they deem unfair trade practices, outlining autos and shellfish as unfair between the US and the EU, motorcycle imbalances between the US and India, and ethanol between the US and Brazil. 

Inflation was up in January making the potential effects of long-term tariffs politically unpopular. It remains to be seen if the latest threats are real or just more chips to bargain with. 

The post Texas and California Brace for Tariff Effects  appeared first on Global Trade Magazine.

Read also: Week Three in Trade – First 100 Days of the New Administration

According to data from IndexBox, the United States remains one of the leading importers globally, with significant market openness compared to other major economies. However, this openness has often resulted in a persistent trade deficit, which the administration sees as a threat to economic and national security. The memorandum, therefore, introduces the “Fair and Reciprocal Plan” intended to counter non-reciprocal trade arrangements by applying equivalent tariffs on trading partners, addressing measures like value-added taxes, nontariff barriers, and other unfair practices.

The administration’s approach has gained attention for its comprehensive evaluation of trade imbalances, promising to examine tariffs, discriminatory taxes, and burdensome regulations imposed on U.S. businesses abroad. As reported, the United States Trade Representative, in collaboration with key agencies, will take all necessary actions within 180 days to propose remedies and guide the nation towards equitable trade relationships.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform 

The post U.S. President Unveils “Fair and Reciprocal Plan” to Tackle Trade Deficits appeared first on Global Trade Magazine.

Read also: Stock Market Resilience Amidst Tariff Threats

Quincey emphasized that while the tariffs represent a notable rise in aluminum costs, the impact on Coca-Cola’s extensive U.S. operations would not be drastic given the company’s diversified packaging options, including PET plastic bottles. Data from IndexBox indicates that the U.S. beverage container market has increasingly relied on alternative materials, with PET being a cost-effective choice despite its lower recycling rate of 29.1% compared to metal cans.

Despite its move towards aluminum in recent years to offer more recyclable options, Coca-Cola has faced criticism from environmental groups. The company has been under scrutiny from Greenpeace, which has named it the world’s largest polluter due to its reliance on single-use plastics. In a recent revision of its sustainability goals, Coca-Cola reduced its recycled materials target from 50% to 35%-40% by 2035, reflecting the challenges in increasing the use of recycled components.

While the tariff is seen as a move primarily targeting Chinese imports, Coca-Cola sources some of its aluminum from Canada. The company is also exploring options to mitigate increased costs by sourcing aluminum domestically and adjusting pricing strategies. As the industry navigates these economic pressures, the transition to more plastic packaging could influence the beverage market landscape.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform  

The post Coca-Cola’s Strategic Shift: From Aluminum to Plastic Amid Tariff Concerns appeared first on Global Trade Magazine.

We previously covered President Trump’s IEEPA tariffs and the various retaliatory tariff and nontariff countermeasures announced by each country in separate posts. Currently, the Mexico and Canada tariffs have been paused until March 10, and only the 10% tariffs on China are in effect.

Read also: Week Two in Trade – First 100 Days of the New Administration

Removal and Reinstatement of De Minimis Exemption for Low-Value Imports

Following President Trump’s removal of the de minimis exemption last week, on Friday, February 7, 2025, President Trump issued an amendment to his original Executive Order and temporarily reinstated the exemption until “notification by the Secretary of Commerce to the President that adequate systems are in place to fully and expediently process and collect tariff revenue for all Chinese products.”

It is unclear how long this pause will last. Once removal of the exemption resumes, such requests for de minimis entry and clearance will likely be rejected. U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s CSMS #63992482 previously provided guidance on how the duties would be enforced in the Automated Commercial Environment (“ACE”) system by mode of transportation and clearance type.

Export Controls & Sanctions

Russia

On February 5, 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a memorandum disbanding the inter-agency Task Force KleptoCapture—along with the Kleptocracy Team, and Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative—which was created following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to enforce the vast sanctions, export controls, and economic countermeasures imposed on Russia. The Task Force included prosecutors, agents, analysts, and professional staff from a variety of law enforcement agencies, and although it remains to be seen, its unwinding may signal a more relaxed approach to Russian sanctions enforcement or the prioritization of other foreign policy objectives.

Iran

In contrast, earlier in the week President Trump issued a National Security Memorandum (“NSM”) directing multiple U.S. departments and agencies—including the Commerce, Treasury, and Justice Departments—to escalate enforcement of the sanctions and related enforcement remedies against Iran. The NSM specifically directs the Treasury Department (through its Office of Foreign Assets Control) to conduct a “review for modification or rescission any general license, frequently asked question, or other guidance that provides Iran or any of its terror proxies any degree of economic or financial relief.”

Congressional Nominations

The Senate Commerce Committee voted 16-12 to move forward with President Trump’s nominee to head the Commerce Department, Howard Lutnick. While Lutnick stated he will make export control enforcement a top priority, he also indicated a review of controls on current items, including firearms and curtained advanced artificial intelligence semiconductors. Lutnick also plans to review whether the Bureau of Industry and Security is adequately funded. Lutnick’s nomination now moves to the full Senate.

The post Week Three in Trade – First 100 Days of the New Administration appeared first on Global Trade Magazine.

Read also: Qatar Airways Cargo Says it With Flowers on Valentine’s Day

Chocolate remains one of the most popular gifts. The confectionery market sees heightened activity during Valentine’s Day, with the National Confectioners Association anticipating a three percent increase in retail sales this year. This sentiment aligns with increased chocolate imports into the U.S., which totaled $4.6 billion in 2024, up from $4 billion in 2023, with significant volumes imported from Canada, Mexico, Belgium, Germany, and Poland.

The floristry business also blooms this time of year, with the National Retail Federation (NRF) estimating spending on flowers alone to be $2.9 billion. CEO of 1-800-Flowers, James McCann, noted that Valentine’s Day typically ranks high in terms of sales, benefiting from the holiday’s fortunate occurrence on a Friday this year.

Greeting cards play a significant role in gifting traditions, with Americans expected to spend $1.4 billion on them, making Valentine’s Day second only to Christmas in card sales, according to Hallmark.

Restaurants, too, are poised to capture a significant share of Valentine’s Day spending, with $5.4 billion earmarked for dining out. This not only encompasses romantic dinners for couples but also inclusive celebrations for singles and groups. Furthermore, the NRF reported that jewelry stands as a substantial gift category, expecting $6.5 billion in spending.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform  

The post Valentine’s Day Spending Surges: Economic Impact and Trends appeared first on Global Trade Magazine.

U.S. tourists are seen as a valuable source of revenue by foreign travel and tour operators, government tourism promotion agencies, hotels, airlines, etc. all of whom seek a slice of the pie.   Asian operators are on the frontline to court U.S. tourists who are considered to be among the world’s leading spenders on foreign travel and tourism. 

Asian travel and tour operators, courting potential U.S. tourists, offered special tour packages, featuring visits to attractive tourism landmarks, etc.   Tour operators reached out to visitors by getting them to participate in fun games and quizzes about their destinations and rewarding their participation by giving them token prizes and even samples of their native food and drinks.  

Taiwan, Japan, India, Malaysia, Thailand and others made a strong pitch to highlight their tourist attractions, providing information and tips to inquisitive visitors at their pavilions. 

Taiwan’s pavilion was adorned with colorful designs and pictures, depicting its tourism features; the pavilion also had some colorfully-attired characters who produced mirth and amusement among visitors at the show. Taiwan’s tourism director in New York, Jin J.J. Juang, explained that her office, which looks after the eastern regions of the U.S. and Canada, was happy with the “good response and interest” from visitors at the show. 

“Tourist arrivals from the U.S. in Taiwan in 2024 surged some 25% over 2023 … this has been very encouraging for us after the lull in tourism experienced by many destinations during the pandemic years,” Ms Juang told the Global Trade Magazine. Tourism revenues accounts for some 4% to the island’s GDP.  “U.S. tourists are attracted to Taiwan by its natural serenity and beauty, trekking, scuba diving, etc. “she added. 

Malaysia, whose tourism industry is the second most important revenue-generating factor after exports, promoted its natural and cultural diversity mirrored in its plants and vegetation, its wildlife, its cultural and ethnicity mix, and its impressive modern architecture visible in its structures such as the Petronas towers in Kuala Lumpur, where visitors can go to the highest part of the towers to get a breathtaking glimpse of the city. 

Linawati Ismail, the director of the Los Angeles office of the Malaysian Tourism Bureau, described the U.S. market as a “dynamic and certainly a very interesting market”.  
“We are highlighting here our natural attractions such as the rainforest, the wildlife, etc. along with our multi-cultural and multi-racial national diversity.  We have colorful festivals representing various religions and cultures that make up our national fabric.  Ecotourism is another aspect that is of great interest to tourists.  In addition, we offer resorts that are attractive for diving.  While the average tourist may be unaware of our tourism attractions, Malaysia has always appealed to those who are aware of its rich tourism features,” noted Ms Ismail, adding that Malaysia had received an award for its attractive diving attributes at the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association Show (DEMA) in Florida.  Indeed, the Malaysian island of Langkawi, renowned for its sandy beaches and sea-life, figured on Conde Nast “best island award list”, she said. 

The number of U.S. tourists visiting Malaysia in 2024 touched 245,408 out of a total of 34 million from around the world. This constituted a 5.6% increase over 2019, the pre-pandemic base year. 

Ms Ismail maintained that NYTAS provided a good start to the year.  “It is a good time for the people to plan their holiday by coming here … this show helps us promote destination Malaysia in the eastern part of the U.S., just as we do so on the west coast,” she said. 

Notwithstanding the location of its booth in an obscure corner spot, India’s soft power was ubiquitously visible even from this rather disadvantageous location.  The country exudes a strong attraction to those seeking knowledge and spirituality; there is also, of course, the global appeal of yoga and Ayurveda, the technological progress and breakthroughs, particularly in software and now in the AI field, and its ancient culture and history that are reflected in the remarkable architecture of its landmarks. 

While dancers performed classical Indian dances in another corner of the hall, the modest Indian booth was packed with visitors and potential tourists drawn by the country’s tourism attractions.  The presence of a henna-designing artist attracted female visitors who lined up at the booth to have their hands painted with flowery designs. 

Many curious visitors queried the staff at the India booth about yoga and Ayurveda, cuisine, temples, travel within the country and connectivity possibilities from the United States. Some female visitors, who had never visited India, also enquired about safety for women travelling alone in the country. 

“Tourism is an important economic factor for India … India attaches great importance to U.S. tourism. Some 8% to 10% tourists arriving in India are from the U.S. There is considerable untapped potential to attract tourists with our wellness programs, meditation, adventure tourism, etc.   India also has individually-tailored programs to suit the needs of the individual tourist.  Tourism’s contribution to India’s GDP was about 9.1% in 2023.  The 2024 figures are not yet available,” explained Manish Kulhary, Consul (Trade) from the Consulate General of India in New York, in an interview with Global Trade Magazine.   

Japan had set up a huge pavilion which housed private travel and tour operators, some of whom were generously handing out samples of freshly-made miso soup, small bottles of milk shakes and other items.  An artist who painted names and other messages in attractive Japanese calligraphy was quite popular among the visiting public which waited patiently to get a copy of the calligraphy with their names inscribed in Japanese. 

Asian tourism agencies, eager to recover from the pandemic decline, will continue to court U.S. tourists who are rated among the world’s highest spenders on tourism. 

The post Tourism is Recognized as a Vital Economic Factor  appeared first on Global Trade Magazine.