US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order rolling back tariffs on several imported food products, including coffee, tea, bananas, beef, cocoa, spices, and tropical fruits. The decision follows mounting political pressure over rising food prices, particularly beef, which has seen consistent monthly increases according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The administration stated that the rollback was necessary because many of these agricultural goods are not produced in sufficient quantities domestically. Since beginning his second term in January, Trump has pursued an aggressive tariff policy, imposing high duties on imports from multiple countries. While the administration touts new trade agreements as a success, economists warn that such protectionist measures often hurt consumers by driving up prices. The partial reversal marks a shift in Trump’s trade strategy as he faces growing domestic criticism over inflation and food affordability.

South Korea and the United States have finalized the draft of an expanded trade agreement, detailing new terms on automobiles, pharmaceuticals, defense cooperation, and South Korea’s nuclear-powered submarine program. According to a joint statement released by both presidential offices, the agreement reduces tariffs on South Korean car exports to the US from 25% to 15%, aligning them with Japanese competitors. Similar tariff reductions apply to pharmaceutical exports. In return, South Korea will invest $200 billion strategically in the US, capped at $20 billion annually, a reduction from earlier proposals to avoid currency risks. The deal also reaffirms Washington’s support for Seoul’s nuclear submarine initiative and the broader US-South Korea security alliance, including commitments to extended deterrence and denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Analysts believe the agreement will ease trade uncertainties that arose from former President Donald Trump’s tariff and investment demands. Both sides emphasized mutual trust and stability in implementing the accord.

The Adani Group has announced major investments totaling more than ₹1.63 lakh crore in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Assam. According to The Hindu, the conglomerate plans to invest ₹1 lakh crore in Andhra Pradesh across multiple sectors, including port infrastructure, creating over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs. Adani Ports and SEZ Managing Director Karan Adani described Andhra Pradesh as the gateway to eastern India. In Assam, Adani Power and Adani Green Energy have received government approval for a 3,200 MW ultra-supercritical thermal power plant and two pumped storage projects, together worth ₹63,000 crore. Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani said the investments represent the largest private sector commitment in the region, aimed at boosting energy security, industrial growth, and employment. The projects are expected to accelerate economic transformation across India’s northeastern corridor.

Global crude oil production is projected to increase in 2024, according to the US Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) Short-Term Energy Outlook. The report forecasts total global fuel production, including refined products, to average 106 million barrels per day, up by 100,000 barrels from earlier estimates. Global consumption is expected to reach 104.1 million barrels daily. Due to higher supply, global oil inventories are likely to continue rising through 2026, reaching 31.8 billion barrels by the end of that year. The EIA anticipates the average Brent crude price to fall to $68.76 per barrel in 2024, down from $80.56 last year, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) may average $65.15 per barrel. US crude output is forecast to reach a record 13.59 million barrels per day this year before slightly declining in 2025 and 2026. Analysts note that the EIA’s monthly forecasts show only minor adjustments but maintain expectations of a supply surplus through next year.

Petrobangla plans to expand Bangladesh’s gas exploration capacity by adding six contract-based rigs to operate alongside Bapex’s five existing rigs, bringing the total to eleven rigs working simultaneously across the country. The move aims to accelerate drilling and well workover operations amid rapidly declining domestic gas reserves. The Energy Division targets drilling and rehabilitating 100 wells between 2026 and 2028 to meet growing energy demand. Several rigs, including those from Chinese companies CNPC and Sinopec, will be deployed under turnkey contracts, covering all materials and services. Petrobangla expects these efforts to add approximately 143 million cubic feet of gas per day to the national grid once completed. The initiative also includes new drilling projects in Titas, Sylhet, and Bhola, where pipeline construction is underway to transport surplus gas to the mainland. Officials emphasize that increasing local production is vital to reduce dependence on costly imported LNG, which poses economic risks for Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh government has introduced the 'Fertilizer Dealer Appointment and Distribution Policy 2025' to streamline fertilizer supply to farmers and ensure transparency in distribution. Under the new policy, each union and municipality will have three dealers, each required to maintain a warehouse with a minimum capacity of 50 tons and two additional sales centers with 5–10 ton capacity. The policy bans multiple dealerships within the same family, prohibits government employees and convicted individuals from applying, and mandates digital record-keeping for sales and inventory. The security deposit has been raised from 200,000 to 500,000 taka, and dealer registration must be renewed every two years. The policy merges the dual dealership structures of BCIC and BADC, allowing dealers to sell both urea and non-urea fertilizers under one system. Violations of government contracts will result in dealership cancellation and forfeiture of deposits. The new policy takes effect Sunday, replacing all previous fertilizer distribution regulations.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a new two-year, $24 billion flexible credit line for Mexico to serve as a precautionary buffer against external risks. The new arrangement replaces a previous $35 billion line, reflecting Mexico’s reduced reliance on IMF support and improved economic resilience. This marks the country’s eleventh such arrangement since 2009, with the credit line size shrinking from a peak of $88 billion in 2017. The IMF noted that the smaller amount underscores Mexico’s stronger financial position and increased buffers. Mexican authorities plan to treat the facility as precautionary, citing sound fiscal management and reduced vulnerability to capital flow volatility. However, IMF Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke cautioned that economic activity remains subdued due to fiscal consolidation, tight monetary policy, and trade tensions. The IMF emphasized that the credit line will continue to support Mexico’s macroeconomic stability and bolster market confidence.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has confirmed that Bangladesh will continue to receive technical support even after graduating from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category in 2026. WTO Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang stated that Bangladesh remains a major beneficiary of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), which helps LDCs integrate into global trade. The country will be eligible for EIF benefits for five years after graduation. Bangladesh has also benefited significantly from the WTO’s Aid for Trade initiative, receiving around USD 23 billion between 2006 and 2023. Zhang highlighted Bangladesh’s strong institutional framework, including the WTO Reference Centre at the Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute. However, he noted that post-graduation, Bangladesh must adapt its engagement strategy within the WTO, shifting from the LDC group to forming strategic alliances with developing members. The continued support aims to strengthen Bangladesh’s trade capacity, diversify exports, and sustain competitiveness in the evolving global trade environment.

Petrobangla plans to expand Bangladesh’s gas exploration by deploying six contract-based rigs in addition to five operated by state-owned Bapex. The initiative aims to accelerate well drilling and increase domestic gas reserves amid declining local production. By 2028, Petrobangla targets drilling and overhauling 100 wells, with 11 rigs operating simultaneously across the country. The new rigs will be brought under turnkey contracts, where companies provide all equipment and services. Several wells, including in Titas, Sylhet, and Bhola, will be drilled by third-party contractors such as China’s CNPC and Sinopec. Petrobangla expects the new wells to add about 143 million cubic feet of gas per day to the national grid. Currently, Bangladesh’s daily demand stands at 3.8 billion cubic feet, while supply is just over 2.7 billion. To meet the shortfall, LNG imports have increased, though experts warn this is costly and risky for the economy. The government hopes the expanded drilling program will reduce dependence on imported gas.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has confirmed that Bangladesh will continue to receive technical assistance even after graduating from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category in 2026. WTO Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang stated that Bangladesh remains a key beneficiary of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), which helps LDCs strengthen trade capacity. After graduation, Bangladesh will still be eligible for EIF benefits for five more years. The country has already improved its food processing and apparel sectors through EIF support. Bangladesh has also been among the top ten recipients of the WTO’s Aid for Trade initiative, receiving around USD 23 billion between 2006 and 2023. Zhang emphasized that post-graduation, Bangladesh must adapt its engagement strategy within the WTO and form strategic alliances with developing member countries to sustain its trade competitiveness.

A delegation from Bangladesh’s National Citizen Party (NCP) held a policy dialogue with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission team in Dhaka to discuss the country’s economic challenges and reform priorities. The NCP thanked the IMF for its continued support and emphasized that structural reforms are vital for sustainable development. The IMF expressed concerns over GDP growth, revenue collection, distressed assets, and youth employment. NCP representatives reaffirmed their commitment to economic progress through revenue digitalization and financial sector reforms, despite slow implementation. The meeting also addressed issues of past government corruption, governance, transparency, and the need for a peaceful transition from the interim to an elected government. Both sides agreed that Bangladesh’s hardworking citizens remain the driving force behind its resilience and long-term stability.

Three government advisers from the ministries of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Industries, Housing and Public Works, and Commerce visited Bhola on Friday to inspect the proposed gas-based urea fertilizer plant site. The advisers—Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan, Adilur Rahman Khan, and Sheikh Bashir Uddin—confirmed that the project aims to utilize Bhola’s abundant gas reserves. They also visited Bapex’s gas fields in Borhanuddin, where nine wells have been completed and five more are planned soon, with an additional fourteen under consideration. Adilur Rahman Khan stated that the visit was part of a feasibility study to determine the plant’s location and potential. He added that 34 buffer warehouses are being built nationwide to strengthen fertilizer management, including one in Bhola. Local officials and community representatives attended a later meeting discussing gas supply and local development.

With the onset of winter, Dhaka’s vegetable markets are seeing relief as prices of most vegetables and eggs decline due to increased supply. However, onion prices have sharply risen by up to 50 percent within a week, now selling for Tk 110–120 per kilogram compared to Tk 70–80 earlier. Traders attribute the spike to limited availability of old stock, though they expect prices to fall soon as new onions enter the market. The government is monitoring the situation and may allow limited imports if prices remain unstable, ensuring local farmers are not harmed. Meanwhile, winter vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, beans, radish, and turnip are becoming more abundant, bringing down prices across markets.

Once a thriving center for silk production, the Ishwardi Silk Seed Farm in Pabna, Bangladesh, now operates only a limited mulberry sapling production program while all other activities remain suspended. Established in 1962 on 108 bighas of land, the farm once produced silkworm eggs, cocoons, and silk thread for the Rajshahi Silk Factory. Over time, financial constraints and severe manpower shortages led to the closure of most operations. Currently, only one manager oversees the facility, with a few daily laborers and contract workers employed intermittently. The once-bustling compound has turned into an overgrown area with abandoned buildings and neglected mulberry fields. Officials say that with adequate funding and staffing, the farm’s former productivity and heritage could still be restored.

The Kurigram-Chilmari road in northern Bangladesh remains largely unrepaired despite the project nearing its deadline. Initiated in 2024 by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), the 12-kilometer road widening and renovation project, costing around Tk 14.5 crore, has seen only about 10% progress. Locals report that the contractor, Khairul Kabir Rana, abandoned the site after digging trenches along the road, leaving it in a hazardous condition for nearly two years. The neglected road has caused frequent accidents, especially at night, and disrupted transportation of patients and goods. Residents have staged protests demanding action. LGED officials said repeated notices were sent to the contractor and warned that legal measures will be taken if the work is not completed within the remaining one and a half months of the project period.