Trade & Supply Chain Finance

Agreements to import more goods from the US rather than from the Middle East or other Asian nations could heighten inflation risks; however Bangladesh's apparel sector should benefit.

The bank is expecting the economy to slow in the second half of the year as the impact of US tariffs kick in; SMEs and housing loans are of particular concern.

In a pilot, Shanghai Commercial Bank issued a pre-authorisation on a co-loading freight forwarder’s commercial card so the main freight forwarder was paid within three days, and the co-loader has 56 days to pay; the bank uses the airport's cargo data platform for verification.

US president Donald Trump has threatened to increase 25% tariffs on Indian goods, which could hit the pharmaceutical sector hard; the RBI is expected to keep rates steady. There has been some good news for Asian countries in the last few weeks, but much is still in flux.

The facility has been designed to help mid-sized Korean shipping firms through time charter agreements; it is being supported by Crédit Agricole, Barclays and OCBC.

Tariffs ‘reduced’ to 15% for Japan and 19% for the Philippines, following a deal with Indonesia earlier in the week.

Many Asian corporates, such as Tata International, are taking a leading global role in trade finance digitisation as they look to boost balance sheets and ensure continued access to credit.

The HKEX-listed Canadian oil driller has filed a share issuance to its creditors to pay for HK$38.4m worth of debt, amidst the company’s painful restructuring process.

The US attack on Iran's nuclear sites is an escalation with an uncertain outcome; meanwhile Israel and Iran continue to trade blows, as Trump touts a ceasefire.

As a result of the conflict, oil prices have risen ahead of the US Fed's meeting this week; meanwhile many flights have been cancelled or diverted, and the safety of ships in the Strait of Hormuz is under scrutiny.

Near-shoring, more suppliers and scoring systems are advised for Chinese retailers in reacting to tariff uncertainties.

Despite a tentative US, China deal, uncertainty around tariffs has increased demand for trade finance products from Asian corporates, as firms look to reroute supply chains, derisk and improve working capital.