Asia   

Indonesia

Twelve categories of goods banned from import starting January 1

On December 29, 2025, Indonesia's Ministry of Trade issued Ministerial Regulation No. 47 of 2025 concerning Prohibited Import Goods, which officially took effect on January 1, 2026. The new regulation further restricts the scope of goods entering Indonesia, explicitly prohibiting imports across 12 major categories covering home appliances, textiles, food products, pharmaceuticals, environmental protection, and other sectors. The ban applies to both bonded zones and free trade zones. This policy represents not a simple tightening of controls but rather an integration and upgrade of existing and new prohibitions, requiring precise differentiation between newly added and long-standing restricted items. The newly added bans focus on grain and food raw materials, specifically including rice and various rice products, white sugar and raw sugar, and corn. The core objective is to safeguard domestic food security and advance self-sufficiency strategies by leveraging enhanced domestic production capacity.

Proposed restrictions on exports of used cooking oil and palm oil waste

To advance the energy self-sufficiency strategy, the Indonesian government is preparing to implement export restrictions on palm oil waste (including used cooking oil, UCO) to ensure these raw materials are prioritized for domestic energy industries. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto recently stated clearly that these palm oil byproducts will be primarily utilized for the production of domestic biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Miners suspend spot coal exports

Indonesian mining officials announced on February 3 that the country's miners have suspended spot coal exports due to significant production cut plans proposed by the government. Last month, Indonesia issued production quotas to major miners reducing output by 40% to 70% from 2025 levels, as part of the country's plan to boost coal prices.

Uzbekistan

Temporary ban on orange and pineapple imports from China

Recently, Uzbekistan has implemented a temporary ban on imports of oranges and pineapples from China, according to a report by the Department of Plant Protection under the Ministry of Agriculture posted on its Telegram channel. The report stated: "Due to frequent detection of quarantine items in oranges and pineapples imported from China to Uzbekistan, a temporary ban has now been imposed on imports of these fruits from China."

   Europe   

EU formally adopts comprehensive ban on Russian natural gas imports

According to Reuters and other media reports, based on regulations passed by the EU on January 26, the European Union will comprehensively ban imports of both pipeline natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia. According to announcements from EU authorities, the comprehensive ban on LNG imports from Russia will take effect in early 2027, while the ban on pipeline gas imports will take effect in autumn 2027.

Possible ban on imports of Russian metals

According to Kechuang Daily on February 3, the EU is considering further intensifying trade sanctions against Russia. Informed sources revealed that the EU may ban imports of Russian platinum group metals and copper as part of new sanctions measures. The EU aims to pass these new restrictions this month, but requires consent from all member states. If EU member states agree to the new sanctions package, Russian iridium, rhodium, platinum, and copper may all face restrictions.

France bans social media use for minors under 15

During sessions held January 26-27, the French National Assembly passed a bill prohibiting minors under 15 from using social media. The bill, vigorously promoted by French President Emmanuel Macron, aims to protect children from the harms of excessive electronic device usage. Macron posted on social media platforms, calling this an "important step" in protecting French children and adolescents. Reports indicate that this new bill also includes provisions banning mobile phones in high schools.

Spain to ban teenagers under 16 from accessing social networking platforms

According to Cailianshe, on February 3 local time, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated in a speech at the World Government Summit that Spain plans to take measures to address the abuse of large social networking platforms, banning teenagers under 16 from accessing these platforms and requiring platforms to implement effective age verification systems. This measure has been incorporated into the draft Law on the Protection of Minors in Online Environments currently under review in the Congress of Deputies, aligning with measures being implemented by countries such as Portugal and France.

Sweden proposes nationwide mobile phone ban in primary and secondary school classrooms

According to Xinhua News Agency, the Swedish government announced on January 28 that, pending parliamentary approval, mobile phones will be banned in primary and secondary school classrooms nationwide starting from the new academic year in August, to ensure students can concentrate on lessons. Exceptions will be made for students requiring phones for educational purposes or with special needs. Sweden implements nine years of free compulsory education, and this ban would cover students up to 16 years old.

   Americas   

United States suspends visa processing for 75 countries

According to a January 14 report by Fox News, the U.S. State Department will suspend all visa processing for 75 countries to crack down on visa applicants deemed likely to become "public charges." The affected countries include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, Yemen, and others.

Bolivia lifts soybean export restrictions

According to foreign media reports on January 31, Bolivian Minister of Productive Development Óscar stated in a declaration that the Bolivian government has lifted restrictions on soybean exports. The minister stated that domestic supply will be guaranteed. The government has also removed price controls on domestic market soybean byproducts (excluding cooking oil).

   Oceania   

Papua New Guinea to comprehensively ban log exports

Papua New Guinea's Forestry Authority announced on January 19 that it will push for a comprehensive ban on log exports this year and shift development focus to downstream wood processing industries. This initiative is central to the PNG Forestry Authority's 2026 reform plan, aiming to amend the Forestry Act of 1991 to provide legal basis for the ban and promote sustainable management and high-value-added utilization of forestry resources. The reform plan also includes optimizing institutional structures and streamlining management levels to build a more efficient forestry management authority.

   Africa   

Morocco suspends frozen sardine exports starting February 1

According to SeafoodMedia on January 27, Moroccan authorities announced that the formal suspension of frozen sardine exports will take effect on February 1, 2026. This measure aims to ensure domestic food security and stabilize market prices, with an implementation period of at least one year. The government will decide on possible extensions based on market dynamics.

Gambia suspends onion and potato imports starting March 1

The Gambian government announced in a statement that it will suspend imports of onions and potatoes starting March 1, 2026. According to the Ministry of Trade and Industry, this move aims to strengthen national agricultural production, enhance food security, and support local farmers. The Ministry's statement noted, "The onion import ban will take effect from March 1 to June 1, while the potato import ban will run from March 1 to July 1, and may be extended." The Ministry informed importers and traders that onions and potatoes imported without prior exemption after the suspension takes effect will not be released.

Ethiopia bans import, production, and commercial use of single-use thin plastic bags

Ethiopian authorities announced on January 30 that the nationwide ban on import, production, and commercial use of single-use thin plastic bags has officially taken effect. This measure aims to curb severe environmental pollution and concludes a six-month grace period. Violators will face substantial fines.