The global trade environment is witnessing significant shifts as key players navigate new agreements, summit declarations, and evolving strategic priorities. On November 1, 2025, several developments stand out for exporters, importers and trade-policy watchers.
At EximHub, we monitor these updates to help SMEs, exporters and import-import professionals adapt proactively. Below is our curated roundup of the date’s most important trade-news items.
1. U.S.-China Trade Truce Reached
Source: Reuters
In a major turn in trade relations, Donald Trump of the U.S. and Xi Jinping of China struck a provisional agreement in Busan. Under the deal:
- The U.S. agreed to halve “fentanyl-related” tariffs on Chinese goods from 20% to 10%, reducing the average tariff on Chinese imports to ~47% from 57%. Reuters+2Politico+2
- China paused new export controls on rare earth minerals, suspended some retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural & food products, and committed to purchasing at least 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans by end-2025. Reuters+1
- China committed to intensify cooperation with the U.S. in curbing fentanyl precursor exports and trafficking. Reuters
EximHub Insight:
For exporters/importers this signals a window of relative calm in U.S.–China trade relations. That said, it is a truce not a full resolution—so you should:
- Review your China supply-chain exposure and see whether pricing/tariffs may ease.
- Explore whether Chinese sourcing or U.S. export opportunities may become more favourable in the short-term.
- Monitor any fine-print or future withdrawal risks (the deal is reversible).
2. APEC 2025 Korea Summit Wraps with “Shared Trade Benefits” Pledge
Source: Reuters Reuters and Al Jazeera Al Jazeera
At the summit held in Gyeongju, South Korea, Asia-Pacific leaders pledged to foster trade and investment “that benefits all”. Key points:
- The final declaration notably did not reaffirm strong support for World Trade Organization-led multilateralism, signalling a shift in trade-framework norms. Reuters
- China used the summit to amplify its regional leadership role while the U.S. focus remained bilateral. Reuters
EximHub Insight:
For SMEs and exporters:
- The rising emphasis on regional trade resilience means you should evaluate regional supply chains (Asia-Pacific, Indo-Pacific) rather than relying solely on global ones.
- Flexibility and geopolitical awareness are becoming as important as cost-efficiency.
- For Indian-exporters (given your interest) this may open new regional “adjacent” markets beyond the U.S./EU axis.
3. China Proposes a “World AI Cooperation Organization” During Summit
Source: ModernDiplomacy.eu Modern Diplomacy
On the sidelines of APEC, Xi proposed the creation of a “World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization” (WAICO) aimed at global AI governance, positioning China as a hub of algorithmic innovation. The U.S. has been sceptical of global AI regulation so far.
Trade relevance:
While not strictly trade policy, this intersects with export-controls, tech-supply chains and regulatory frameworks affecting high-tech goods and services. For firms dealing in AI, data services, semiconductors or related hardware, this is a red-flag: future regulation may affect exports, sourcing or cross-border data flows.
EximHub Insight:
- If you export technology, software, or data-services, begin scenario-planning around emerging AI governance frameworks.
- Consider regulatory risk as part of your trade-strategy (not just tariffs and shipping).
- Use our Insights & Advisory page to review how regulatory shifts are becoming a trade-factor.
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