CANBERRA, Australia—Federal Agricultural Minister David Littleproud has said that 2022 looks set to be a good year for Aussie farmers, forestry exporters, and fisheries after multiple trade deals came into force in January, creating improved access to overseas markets and tariff cuts to a range of commodities. Littleproud said ongoing tariff reductions under free trade…

News Analysis China stands to be the big winner of RCEP, and it would have won even more if the United States had joined the multilateral trade deal. “With the RCEP going ahead officially, China will now be able to drive trade on its terms,” according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), claiming that…

News Analysis Beijing is pushing hard for the quick execution of its RCEP free trade deal that will bind U.S. allies that signed up—including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and the Philippines—ever closer to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) is pushing for the quick implementation of Beijing’s “binding” free…

Australia has ratified one of the biggest trade deals spanning the Asia-Pacific region, but has maintained “grave concerns” over the political situation in Burma, also known as Myanmar. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) includes 15 signatories, covering 2.2 billion people, and 29 percent of global GDP. The 15 countries include ASEAN nations, Burma, Vietnam,…

Commentary Different opinions are being expressed about the state of China’s economy. Recent remarks by Chinese premier Li Keqiang can provide a clue about its true state. Li gave a talk about the bankruptcy of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises during a State Council executive meeting on Feb. 3. Then, on the 7th, he traveled…

Commentary The new Asia-Pacific economic pact cannot help China recover from its export market loss with the United States and growing international isolation. In Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s own words, “The wind is strong, and the tides are high.” The Asia-Pacific Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) pact, led by the 10 ASEAN countries, was signed…