Global Scans · Trade · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Global trade policies could be upended with a new President in the White House, Brexit, a potential break-up of the European Union and China reacting to these changes in profound ways.

• [New] Diversifying Europe's supply of rare earths away from reliance on China, through trade agreements and investing in domestic capabilities, will be essential to safeguard Europe's strategic autonomy and support the energy transition. KPMG
• [New] Full export bans on critical resources, such as rare earth elements, would be at the far end of the spectrum of what China could do if fully confident in Western decline. oiip
• [New] With the uncertainties and trade disruptions caused by U.S. tariffs, the global trade landscape is shifting and diversifying, and the overall demand is positive. jc-website
• [New] Trade is expected to climb, with ambitions reaching toward US$ 3 billion, driven by Russian exports of fuel and food and increased Afghan agricultural exports. RUSSIA'S PIVOT TO ASIA
• [New] Europe and Canada are securing trade relationships to reduce vulnerability to U.S. and Chinese shocks. Marc to Market
• [New] The federal government has reached a deal with China that will see 49,000 electric vehicles coming into Canada at a low tariff rate, with the expectation that Chinese companies also invest in Canada. 980 CJME
• [New] The European Union and India finalized a deal removing tariffs on more than 90% of traded goods, offering India export relief from 50% US tariffs while EU exports to India are predicted to double. ATB Financial
• [New] Across Latin America and the Caribbean, the World Bank expects the regional economy to grow 2.3% in 2026 and 2.6% in 2027, supported by a recovery in trade flows and stronger domestic demand. valorinternational
• [New] There is now a scientific window of opportunity for investment in biologicals and that the Mercosur-European Union trade agreement could help accelerate the agricultural transition in Brazil. valorinternational
• [New] A critical minerals provision could protect Canadian and Mexican mineral exports from U.S. tariffs and promote joint production and recycling - especially given China's dominance in processing. Policy Magazine
• [New] In 2026, China is projected to export $4 trillion worth of goods and services globally. BYYD
• [New] The EU's potential activation of its Anti-Coercion Instrument could lead to a full-scale trade war, blocking U.S. companies from public procurement and imposing reciprocal tariffs on €100 billion of U.S. imports. Valley City Times-Record
• [New] Leaders from France, Canada and Finland have flocked to Beijing in recent weeks, recoiling from Trump's bid to seize Greenland and tariff threats against NATO allies. Terra Daily
• [New] Australia said on Friday it would establish a A$1.2bn (£610m) strategic reserve of minerals it believes are vulnerable to supply disruption from China, which last April restricted exports on rare earths in response to Trump's liberation day tariffs. The Guardian
• [New] There is significant opportunity for value addition (such as dried fruit and puree), improved grading and cold chain development, which will help Indian kiwifruit reach premium domestic and export markets. Zespri
• [New] Export incentives, rationalization of customs duties and targeted sector support are expected as India seeks to cushion the impact of potential US tariff actions under President Donald Trump. Khaleej Times
• [New] Both the EU and India currently face significant US tariffs: India faces a 50% tariff on goods, while the EU faces headline tariffs of 15% (and recently avoided more in Trump's threats over Greenland). The Conversation
• [New] European carmakers - including Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Renault - will see tariffs on their vehicles gradually reduced from the current punitive rate of 110% to as little as 10%. The Conversation
• [New] India is set to remain the world's fastest-growing major economy, with real GDP growth projected at 7.4% in FY26, even as the global environment remains fragile due to geopolitical tensions, trade fragmentation and financial vulnerabilities. The Times Of India
• [New] We expect GDP growth to ease modestly to 4.5% in 2026, with tariff drags partly offset by a rebound in manufacturing and infrastructure investment. / China CCA Financial Planners
• Regulatory and National Security Considerations: Risks around tightening of U.S. export controls on GPUs continue to complicate investment strategies, particularly with respect to end-user profiles. JD Supra

Last updated: 05 February 2026