China-US trade shrinks by 9.3%
In the first half of 2025, trade between China and the United States fell by 9.3% year-on-year, reaching a total value of 2.08 trillion yuan. According to official data, Chinese exports to the US dropped by 9.9%, settling at 1.55 trillion yuan, while imports of US goods declined by 7.7%, slightly exceeding 530 billion yuan. The downturn comes after a positive first quarter and reflects the negative impact of reciprocal tariffs introduced by the US. The second quarter saw a sharp reversal, with bilateral trade plummeting by 20.8%. However, recent trade talks held in Geneva and London have brought a degree of optimism, with sources close to the negotiations reporting “significant progress”. Delegations from Beijing and Washington are now said to be working at pace to implement the agreements reached under the so-called “London framework”, with the aim of revitalising trade between the world’s two largest economies.
Bottlenecks on the Silk Road
Since last summer, operational efficiency along the railway routes to Western Europe via the Alashankou-Dostyk crossing has deteriorated markedly. The main cause is the final phase of the line-doubling works on the Dostyk-Moynt section, which has reduced traffic capacity to less than one-third. Sector operators report a triple bottleneck: a shortage of available wagons, a backlog of around one hundred trains at the port, and containers stuck at Dostyk station, where transshipment times have risen to 10–15 days—more than 50% above average.
Italy and Moldova sign driving licence agreement
An agreement has been signed at Italy’s Ministry of Transport between Italy and Moldova for the mutual recognition and conversion of driving licences. The deal will allow Moldovan citizens in Italy and Italians in Moldova to convert their licences without the need for additional exams. The agreement will come into force once the procedures required under international regulations have been completed.
New X-ray scanners at Albița customs
Romania’s Customs Authority has deployed two new X-ray scanners at the Albița border crossing, the busiest point between Romania and Moldova. One mobile unit is intended for passenger vehicles, while the other is designed for trucks. These systems enable fast, non-invasive inspections based on risk analysis, without physically opening cargo. The initiative forms part of a €100 million project co-funded by national and EU resources via the Recovery and Resilience Plan (Pnrr), which aims to install 26 scanners by 2026. The data will be managed by a National Image Analysis Centre.
Fines introduced for AdBlue emulator use in the Netherlands
The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure is introducing new penalties to tackle the illegal use of AdBlue emulators, devices used to deactivate SCR systems in trucks. According to consultancy firm Panteia, between 2% and 4% of heavy vehicles in circulation may be using these devices, potentially increasing particulate emissions by up to 19%. Fines will target both transport companies and drivers found operating vehicles with defective, deactivated or empty AdBlue systems. The new rules are set to come into force in the coming months.
