Topic
Trade Disputes
Trade WTO Nations Query India’s PLI, QCO, Import Substitution; New Delhi Defends Public Policy Objectives
At India's Trade Policy Review, 44 WTO members submitted over 1,090 written questions, with more than 700 answered before the meeting. Concerns focused on predictability and transparency of India's PLI schemes, QCOs, import substitution policies, and other trade measures. New Delhi defended its policies as legitimate public policy objectives.
Trade Baroness Mone Among Individuals Sued to Recover PPE Medpro Millions
Baroness Michelle Mone and her husband Doug Barrowman are among individuals being sued by joint liquidators from Interpath Advisory to recover millions owed to the UK government by PPE Medpro. The government won a £122m plus interest judgment last year over breached contracts for sterile surgical gowns. The company was liquidated in December 2025 with less than £1m in assets, prompting legal action against six individuals and five companies.
Trade Trump Threatens 100% Tariff on European Digital Services Taxes on Truth Social
US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 100% import tariff on any European country that introduces a digital services tax on American technology giants. The warning, posted on Truth Social, targets nations planning new levies and would supersede existing bilateral trade agreements. The UK's existing 2% Digital Services Tax, which raised over £800 million in 2024-25, may be affected, though its precise implications remain unclear.
Trade Australia Sues Amazon Over Allegedly Unfair Prime Video Contracts With Subscribers
Australia's consumer watchdog, the ACCC, has filed a lawsuit against Amazon, alleging the tech giant used unfair contract terms to introduce ads in Prime Video without providing refunds. The ACCC claims the terms affected over one million annual subscribers between November 2023 and August 2025.
Trade India to Contest US Tariff Move, Calls Forced Labour Findings Legally Flawed
India is set to challenge proposed US tariffs on exports before the USTR next week, arguing that forced labour findings are legally flawed. The government and industry bodies have submitted responses asserting that India's domestic legal regime and compliance systems adequately prevent forced labour, and the additional 12.5% tariff under Section 301 would harm both Indian exporters and American businesses and consumers.
Trade WTO to set up dispute panel in China's case against India's solar, IT goods measures
The WTO has agreed to set up a dispute settlement panel to examine China's complaint that India's tariffs and incentive measures on solar energy and information technology products discriminate against Chinese goods. India had previously blocked China's first request in May, but the second request was accepted at a WTO meeting in Geneva. The panel will assess whether India's measures comply with its WTO commitments.
Trade Australians Take UN Case Claiming Coal and Gas Exports Violate Human Rights
A group of ten Australians has filed a legal claim with the UN Human Rights Committee, arguing that Australia's continued export of coal and gas violates their human rights by contributing to extreme weather events. This is the first such claim since the International Court of Justice ruled in 2025 that countries can be sued for climate change. The claimants include a wildlife ecologist, a blind flood survivor, and an Indigenous elder.
Trade Washington and Tehran Issue Conflicting Messages on Strait of Hormuz Transits
The United States and Iran issued contradictory statements over the weekend on the status of the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command reported 55 merchant ships transited on Saturday, while Iran maintained the waterway was closed. Vessel-tracking data from Kpler showed only five ships passed on Sunday, down from 26 a day earlier, deepening confusion for shippers.
Trade xAI's Trade Secrets Lawsuit Against OpenAI Dismissed With Prejudice by Federal Judge
A federal judge has dismissed xAI's lawsuit accusing OpenAI of stealing trade secrets, ruling that xAI failed to connect OpenAI to the alleged misappropriation. The case was dismissed with prejudice, preventing refiling. The decision underscores the high burden of proof in trade secrets disputes.
Trade The Iron Insurance Collapse: A $130 Million Lesson
The Iron Insurance initiative by Knight-Swift, aimed at small carriers, resulted in a $130 million collapse. The program, tied to telematics and safety compliance, failed due to overwhelming volume and inadequate risk management.
Regulations & Compliance Commerce Ministry Escalates Anti-Dumping Duty Rejection Issue
The Commerce Ministry has raised concerns at the highest level regarding the Finance Ministry's increasing rejection of anti-dumping duty recommendations by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR). The rejection rate has surged to 81% from November 2025 to April 2026, impacting domestic industries.
Trade New York Challenges Offshore Wind Deal with TotalEnergies
New York and six other states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration and TotalEnergies over the cancellation of an offshore wind lease. The states argue the settlement undermines climate goals and misuses funds.