Gapuma Strengthens Industry Ties at ChemExpo 2025
08th May 2025 Gapuma was proud to participate in ChemExpo 2025, South Asia’s premier international exhibition for the chemical industry, held in Mumbai last week. The event brought together over 500 exhibitors and thousands of delegates from across the globe, offering a vital platform for knowledge exchange, commercial collaboration, and industry insight. Representing Gapuma at the event, our Channel and Product Manager, Sunil Bahl, engaged with a broad range of suppliers, distributors, and manufacturers operating across key sectors — including pharmaceuticals, personal care, polymers, textiles, industrial coatings, and more. Among the many constructive conversations was a detailed exchange with senior representatives of Sarex Overseas, a respected name in the speciality chemicals space with a strong international reputation built over more than sixty years. Their focus on diversified application areas closely reflects Gapuma’s own commitment to providing integrated solutions to clients across complex global markets. Participation in ChemExpo 2025 reaffirmed the value of physical industry gatherings in building trust, uncovering innovation, and fostering long-term relationships. As demand continues to rise for reliable, ethical, and sustainable chemical sourcing, Gapuma remains at the forefront of efforts to connect world-class producers with end users across emerging and established economies. We extend our thanks to the organisers of ChemExpo for curating such a vibrant and forward-looking event. We look forward to building on the many conversations started in Mumbai and to continuing our mission of delivering value through global trade, sectoral expertise, and partnership-led growth.
UK–India Trade Deal Opens New Horizons
07th May 2025 On Tuesday, the United Kingdom and India finalised a landmark free trade agreement aimed at increasing bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually by 2040. The deal significantly reduces tariffs on a wide range of goods, including British exports such as cosmetics, medical devices, and aircraft components, while 99% of Indian exports — including textiles, foodstuffs, and jewellery — will face no import duty in the UK. For British commodities trading companies like Gapuma, which operates across sectors including, coatings, cosmetics, extractive industries, food and drink, manufacturing, and packaging, the agreement presents substantial opportunities. The reduction in tariffs on British goods exported to India, particularly in cosmetics and medical-grade products, aligns with Gapuma’s supply capabilities and could enhance its competitiveness in the Indian market. Furthermore, the removal of duties on the majority of Indian exports to the UK may benefit Gapuma’s sourcing strategies, particularly in textiles and food-related sectors, by reducing costs and broadening product availability. The deal’s provisions for goods and services trade, along with modest improvements to business mobility — including simplified visa access for Indian professionals — may further facilitate smoother operations and cross-border collaborations. As the global trading environment continues to evolve, Gapuma’s diversified portfolio and well-established international presence leave it well placed to take advantage of the new opportunities emerging from this UK–India agreement — a strategic move that could shape the future of commodities trading between two of the world’s largest economies.
Gapuma’s Russell Brill Embarks on High-Speed Procurement Tour of China
26th April 2o25 From Chinaplas to Qingdao: Strengthening Global Partnerships Gapuma’s Procurement Director, Russell Brill, has just returned from a whistle-stop 10-day tour of China, visiting key trade fairs and suppliers across the country. His first stop was Chinaplas 2025, held this year in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. With over 4,000 exhibitors from 40 countries and more than 380,000 visitors, Chinaplas is one of the world’s largest exhibitions for the polymer industry. The event provided an excellent opportunity to meet with manufacturers, suppliers, and customers from across the global plastics sector. Strengthening Ties in Qingdao and Beyond After three busy days at Chinaplas, Russell travelled north to Qingdao in Shandong Province, located on China’s Yellow Sea coast. Qingdao, famous for its Tsingtao beer and as the training ground of Britain’s greatest Olympic sailor, is also home to Gapuma’s China office. Shandong is a strategic hub for Gapuma, hosting many of the company’s established suppliers and a wide range of key industries. During his stay, Russell conducted pre-planned visits to prospective new manufacturing partners, part of Gapuma’s rigorous due diligence process, and met with existing suppliers both in Qingdao and the nearby city of Weifang. While in Qingdao, Russell – himself a very accomplished athlete – met the sibling of one of the recent Beijing Robot Marathon finishers — a memorable moment in a packed schedule!
Reflections on the Commonwealth Trade Summit
Navigating Multilateralism Amidst Protectionist Challenges 12 April 2025 The Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit (CTIS), held in London this week, could yet prove to be a pivotal moment in the history of the Commonwealth, an organisation often described as “in search of a purpose”. With over 400 delegates from more than 40 countries in attendance, including business leaders, government officials, and representatives from multilateral institutions, the summit provided a platform for discussions aimed at reshaping the Commonwealth’s role in the evolving global trade landscape. At the heart of the summit was a renewed commitment to a transparent, inclusive, and rules-based multilateral trading system. As protectionist policies and trade barriers gain momentum worldwide, delegates highlighted the importance of a united Commonwealth in promoting free trade and fostering economic cooperation. “The Commonwealth represents a unique opportunity to lead the charge in global trade by standing united in the face of rising protectionist tendencies,” said Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment. “Now is the time for the Commonwealth to be an example of how countries can work together for mutual benefit.” While the summit focused on advancing trade relations, it also provided a chance to reflect on the Commonwealth’s evolution. For years, critics have questioned the organisation’s true purpose and its ability to navigate the complexities of the modern world. Yet, as the summit unfolded, there was a palpable sense that this gathering could mark a turning point, with the Commonwealth positioning itself to become a more influential force in the global economy. Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, Commonwealth Secretary-General, emphasised this potential when she spoke about the organisation’s ambitious goal of reaching $2 trillion in intra-Commonwealth trade by 2030. “Our vision is not just about increasing trade volumes, but creating a trade system that benefits all nations equally, from the smallest island states to the largest economies,” she said. “Trade and investment at the heart of Commonwealth renewal” Another prominent theme at the summit was the push for sustainable development and economic resilience. Speakers discussed the importance of infrastructure development, the digital economy, and inclusive growth as key drivers of future prosperity. Stephen Harris, Operations Director at Gapuma, noted that such initiatives must be underpinned by meaningful partnerships. “At Gapuma, we are committed to engaging with forward-thinking initiatives that support the growth of infrastructure and innovation in the Commonwealth,” he remarked. “It is through these partnerships that we will see lasting, transformative change.” Among the distinguished attendees were Adesuwa Ladoja, Managing Director and CEO of Lagos Free Zone, who highlighted the zone’s potential as a major economic driver for West Africa, and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, who discussed the need for greater collaboration between the WTO and Commonwealth nations to foster a fair and open trading system. The summit was not only a reflection on the Commonwealth’s trade future, but also a moment to reconsider its broader role in global affairs. In the context of rising protectionism, the Commonwealth has an opportunity to redefine its place in the world, as well as access to the ‘Global South’. With ongoing discussions centred on economic cooperation and mutual growth, the summit has the potential to solidify the Commonwealth’s standing as a global champion of multilateralism. If the momentum continues, it could indeed mark the beginning of a new, more purposeful chapter for the organisation.