America's New Energy Dependency: China's Metals
by Kent Garber

America's Clean-energy economy needs rare-earth metals to succeed and China has a near monopoly. In 2007, a standoff unfolded between China and several American companies. China was threatening to withhold supplies that keep refiners in business. A worried State Department intervened. Because the metals come almost exclusively from China, if the government had not acted, sources say, oil refineries could have been forced to shut down, possibly triggering shortages across the country.

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India, EU Ink Nuclear Pact, to Clinch Trade Treaty by 2010
Daijiworldcom Nov 7 2009 4:54PM GMT

China and Costa Rica move toward free trade agreement
GlobalPost Nov 7 2009 4:31PM GMT

CTDI Reduces Risk and Improves Compliance with Global Trade and Security Regulations
Supply and Demand Chain Executive Nov 7 2009 4:21PM GMT

China: Export restrictions in line with WTO rules
China Economic Net Nov 7 2009 3:05PM GMT

South Korean MPs approve free trade pact with India
Frontier Post Nov 7 2009 2:49PM GMT

US hits China pipes with tariffs
Frontier Post Nov 7 2009 2:49PM GMT

China hardest hit in protectionism: MOC
CHINAdaily Nov 7 2009 2:36PM GMT

China suffers most from rising trade protectionism: MOC spokesman
CHINAdaily Nov 7 2009 2:34PM GMT

China raps U.S. steel pipe duties as protectionist
Industrial Laser Solutions Nov 7 2009 2:32PM GMT

BRIEF: Tigers not involved in trade talks for SS J.J. Hardy
Individual.com Nov 7 2009 2:15PM GMT

France?s trade deficit narrows in September
Business Day Nov 7 2009 2:06PM GMT

Protect us from protectionism: keep the doors open
Brisbane Times Nov 7 2009 2:02PM GMT

Protect us from protectionism: keep the doors open
Sydney Morning Herald Nov 7 2009 1:54PM GMT

China suffers most from rising trade protectionism: MOC spokesman
Xinhua News Agency Nov 7 2009 1:52PM GMT

China suffers most from trade protectionism
Xinhua News Agency Nov 7 2009 1:40PM GMT

Protect us from protectionism: keep the doors open
The Age Nov 7 2009 1:37PM GMT

China suffers most from rising trade protectionism: MOC spokesman
SINA Nov 7 2009 1:31PM GMT

WTO Faces Tough Call On Censorship Case
Red Orbit Nov 7 2009 1:31PM GMT

French trade deficit shrinks to EUR1.8B in Sept
Quamnet Nov 7 2009 1:27PM GMT

G8 affirms ICAO role in emissions ahead of Copenhagen climate summit
Routes Online Nov 7 2009 1:20PM GMT

G8 affirms ICAO role in emissions ahead of Copenhagen climate summit
Routes Online Nov 7 2009 1:12PM GMT

China suffers most from rising trade protectionism: MOC spokesman
Individual.com Nov 7 2009 1:01PM GMT

G7 Source: G20 Progress On Climate Change Looks Difficult
Morningstar.com Nov 7 2009 12:15PM GMT

G7 Source: G20 Progress On Climate Change Looks Difficult
Lloyd's Nov 7 2009 12:09PM GMT

Bangladesh inching closer towards US trade agreement
Individual.com Nov 7 2009 12:08PM GMT

Canada to host G8 foreign ministers in Quebec city (Reuters)
Yahoo! News Nov 7 2009 11:54AM GMT

G7 Source: G20 Progress On Climate Change Looks Difficult
Global Finance Magazine Nov 7 2009 11:51AM GMT

US hits China pipes with tariffs
VOVNews Nov 7 2009 11:36AM GMT

G7 Source G20 Progress On Climate Change Looks Difficult (DJ)
Easy Bourse Nov 7 2009 10:51AM GMT

G7 Source: G20 Progress On Climate Change Looks Difficult
Nasdaq Nov 7 2009 10:42AM GMT

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Ranks of Millionaire Households at Record 9.3 Million 
The ranks of households with a net worth of at least $1 million grew 5% to an all-time high of 9.3 million, according to a report released Monday by TNS. he report covers the year through mid-2006; the value of primary residences was not included.

Consumer Spending Weakest in 8 Months Despite Solid Income Growth
Consumer spending grew at the weakest pace in 6 months in March, despite solid income growth and good news on a key inflation reading in the government's latest measure of the U.S. economy. The weak spending came even as the report showed individual incomes jumped 0.7% in March. 

Overheating Worries: China Economy Sizzles with 11.1% Growth in Q1 07
China's economy surged 11.1% in the first quarter, causing the country's Cabinet to declare Thursday it will take steps to keep the economy from overheating, reports AP. It was the highest growth rate since Q2 2006's 11.5% growth, the fastest in a decade.

China Trade Surplus Falls Sharply to $6.9 billion in March 
China's trade surplus in March fell to $6.9 billion, well below forecasts and down sharply from February's $23.7 billion surplus, reports AP. It was not clear whether the drop in March was the result of government efforts or would have a lasting impact.

U.S. Service Sector Expands at a Slower Rate in March: ISM Report
Business activity in the service sector increased at a slower rate in March 2007, according to the latest ISM report by the nation's purchasing and supply executives. The index of business activity in the non-manufacturing sector registered 52.4 in March, down from 54.3 in February. Wall Street was expecting a reading of 54.7. The index is at its lowest level since April 2003.

Consumer Spending, Personal Incomes Rise; Inflation Rises Fastest in 6 Months
Personal income increased $65.4 billion, or 0.6% in February while , consumer spending also rose by 0.6% or $55.5 billion, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Private wage and salary increased $19.3 billion in February, compared with an increase of $64.9 billion in January because of bonus payments in January.

Q4 GDP Growth Better Revised Upwards to 2.5%
US GDP, a measure of total goods and services output within U.S. borders, grew at a 2.5% annual rate during Q4 2006, higher than the 2.2% reported a month ago, and up from 2% in the third quarter, according to the Commerce Department, reports Reuters. 

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Economic Calendar and Leading Indicators

 

Aid for Trade: Investing in People

The Second Global Aid for Trade Review hosted by the WTO in early July revealed areas of consensus on the way forward. One after the other, heads of international organizations called for moving on to the implementation phase, resisting protectionism, more trade finance, a stronger role for the private sector and completing the Doha round. Strengthening the regional dimension of Aid for Trade, encouraging country ownership and better impact evaluation were also high on the agenda. “If Aid for Trade was urgent in 2007, it is essential today – it is the investment that will allow many developing countries prepare to exit the crisis by enhancing their trade capacity,” stated WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy at the event.

We believe in the importance of Aid for Trade in creating positive change within countries. It is our responsibility to translate the broader trade imperatives into reality for the private sector on the ground and to ensure that this brings benefits to those who need them most.

The Way Forward

Aid for Trade has long been recognized as a sure path to employment, investment and sustainable development. Now more than ever, says UNCTAD, developing countries depend on its guidance.

100% Aid for Trade

Patricia Francis, executive director of ITC, speaks candidly about aid for trade, opportunities in this financial crisis and the role of ITC.

Priorities & Possibilities

As the economic crisis evolves, at least one emerging trend tells a positive tale: there is a growing awareness of Aid for Trade and its role in promoting economic growth worldwide.

In the light of rapidly evolving economic recession, low-income countries are facing new challenges. But the crisis is also presenting these countries with opportunities to refocus their development strategies in this changing world economy.

Aid for Trade – from “Urgent” to “Essential”

“The crisis has a human face,” Pascal Lamy, Director General of WTO told participants attending the Second Global Review of Aid for Trade. “Poverty alleviation targets, whether as part of the MDGs (Millennium Development Goals) or otherwise, have become more challenging to achieve due to, among other things, the decline in export demand for goods.

Implementing Aid for Trade in Latin America and the Caribbean: Making Progress

The Second Global Review on Aid for Trade held in Geneva on July 6-7, 2009 represented an important milestone to take stock of the gains made since the First Aid for Trade Global Review in 2007. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is very proud to be a partner of this initiative in the Latin American and Caribbean region.

Aid for Trade in Asia and the Pacific

Export-led growth has seen the Asia and Pacific region prosper immensely over the past four decades, yet many countries still continue to experience lagging growth and severe poverty. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) estimates that as many as 900 million people in developing Asia live on less than $1.25 a day. Even within the more prosperous countries, rich and poor regions exist side by side, portraying the two faces of Asia as a striking reality.

Delivering Effective Regional Strategies

Aid for Trade has met with controversy since its beginnings. Now further challenged by the economic crisis, it is essential that it develops new, forward-thinking mechanisms.

Since its inception, Aid for Trade has spurred debate among stakeholders in a way few other developments could. Now, four years since it came to light in the 2005 Hong Kong Ministerial Declaration, Aid for Trade is still polarizing the opinions of political leaders and development economists worldwide.

Analysing the Global Crisis

ITC’s chief economist assesses the impact of the global financial crisis on developing countries, and recommends responses for international and domestic policy.

Aid for Trade: Publications and Online Resources

The publications and online resources in the column on the right present the outcomes of the Second Global Aid for Trade Review and showcase examples of Aid for Trade activities implemented at regional and country levels.

International Trade Forum - The quarterly magazine of the International Trade Centre
International Trade Forum - The quarterly magazine of the International Trade Centre