Biden-Harris Administration Announces Preliminary Terms with Samsung Electronics to Establish Leading-Edge Semiconductor Ecosystem in Central Texas | U.S. Department of Commerce

USPS got billions in financial aid, and now says it needs more (msn.com)

Stamp prices likely rising in July.   FY2024 USPS projected loss $8B   2022- $107B debt relieved by Congress   Read more 

Zeepay secures equity investment for expansion. (itnewsafrica.com)

APO Group - Africa Newsroom / Press release | United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Launches the Africa Trade Desk through Prosper Africa (africa-newsroom.com)

The Trade Desk addresses Africa's agriculture export markets particularly in South Africa

Report: US must enhance critical minerals strategy in Africa (voanews.com)

The State Dept reports that the US is nearly 100% reliant on China (primarily) for critical minerals used in various electronics  DRC and Zambia are key cobalt producers.  EMTC provides perspectives and information for  your consideration 

US manufacturing subsidies for Africa could help revive AGOA (african.business)

The authors suggest that the US should make an aggressive push for Africa industrialization.  EMTC seeks to bring a variety of  perspectives to allow our readers to decide. 

CBP issues Withhold Release Order on Shanghai Select Safety Products and its subsidiaries | U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Markets brace for oil to hit $100 as Saudi slashes production (msn.com)

Oil impacts transportation, and manufacturing . Increased costs of oil will flow through the entire supply chain of every product at multiple points  thereby increasing cost of goods  Economists anticipate increase in inflation as well. 

MSC Aries - IMO 9857169 carries a Portuguese flag and has 25 crew members.  She was apparently traversing from Abu Dhabi to Nava Sheva when Iranian Guard IRNA  forces carried out the attack from a helicopter onto the vessel in the Straits of Hormuz. The vessel is apparently being navigated to Iranian controlled waters. 
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Check with your carriers if you have cargo on this vessel.  Anticipate potential changes in shipping routes and increase in freight costs.

WTO Blog | Trade growth likely to pick up in 2024 in spite of challenging environment

The current Moratorium on Digital Trade expires in 2026.