29 Dec 2023

Trump’s Trade Storm Clouds: Prepare for More Friction if He Returns

Donald Trump’s first term as president was a seismic shift in U.S. trade policy. He launched a tariff war with China, pulled out of major trade agreements, and earned the nickname “Tariff Man.” Now, if he wins re-election, expect the ground to tremble again. Trump’s campaign documents and interviews hint at a second term filled […]

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21 Dec 2023

Outlook 2024 key points from the Global Investment Strategists at J. P. Morgan

Good news! The recession you feared in 2023 may not materialize. While the U.S. economy could slow next year, our experts predict it will avoid a recession. This offers breathing room for your finances and investment decisions. However, a shifting financial landscape demands attention. The key development? Rising bond yields. This impacts markets and your […]

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20 Dec 2023

Canals in Chaos: Suez Attacks and Panama Drought Threaten Global Trade

  Double Trouble: Global supply chains are bracing for a potential “milder version” of the pandemic’s crisis due to disruptions at both the Suez and Panama Canals. Attacks by Houthi militants in the Red Sea have forced shipping companies to reroute vessels, adding 7-10 days to voyages and potentially doubling ocean freight prices. Meanwhile, drought-induced […]

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19 Dec 2023

China’s Foreign Trade Bounces Back, Signaling Positive Future

After months of fluctuating trade activity, China’s exports are finally on the rise. This positive trend, coupled with growing external demand, indicates a promising path ahead for the nation’s foreign trade structure. Shu Jueting, Ministry of Commerce spokesperson, announced the encouraging news at a recent press conference. “China’s export volume, which initially dipped earlier this […]

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18 Dec 2023

Holiday Cheer Boosts U.S. Imports: Retailers Gear Up for Record Season

  Despite mixed economic signals, a wave of optimism is cresting through U.S. retail as stronger-than-expected holiday sales prompt stores to ramp up imports for early 2024. This bullish sentiment has revised import forecasts upwards, painting a picture of a potentially record-breaking festive season. The Global Port Tracker (GPT) is predicting a 11.5% y/y surge […]

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15 Dec 2023

Switzerland Says Sayonara to Tariffs: Cheaper Clothes, Cautious Optimism

Switzerland, known for its delicious cheese and pricey price tags, is making a bold move against its notorious high cost of living by ditching most industrial tariffs starting in January. This means 95% of imports (up from 81%) will cruise into the country duty-free, potentially translating to cheaper cars, appliances, and clothes. But wait, there’s […]

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14 Dec 2023

E-Commerce Takes Flight: Airfreight Industry Gear Up for Growth in 2024 and Beyond

Forget the runway, e-commerce is propelling the airfreight industry towards new heights. While overall supply chain growth flatlines in 2024, online shopping’s meteoric rise promises to be the wind beneath its wings. This isn’t just a temporary surge; it’s a fundamental shift in consumer behavior, fueled by a pandemic-born expectation of instant gratification. Next-day delivery? […]

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12 Dec 2023

Ammonia Powers Up: Yara Eyde Blazes Trail for Emission-Free Shipping

The world’s first clean ammonia-powered container ship, Yara Eyde, has set sail, marking a momentous leap towards emission-free shipping and a new era in the maritime industry. This groundbreaking vessel, a collaboration between Yara and partners, will navigate the clean route between Norway and Germany, demonstrating the viability of ammonia as a sustainable alternative to […]

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04 Dec 2023

Biden’s Supply Chain Plan: Missing the Demand Side of the Equation

President Biden’s White House Council on Supply Chain Resilience is a welcome step, but its focus solely on boosting supply misses a crucial element: demand flexibility. A comprehensive approach addressing both sides of the equation is essential for a truly resilient supply chain. The Myopia of Supply-Side Solutions: While Biden’s initiative acknowledges the pandemic’s impact, […]

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01 Dec 2023

America’s Tech Leadership at Risk: A Call for Renewed Commitment

America’s once-unquestioned dominance in technological innovation is facing a serious challenge. The recent withdrawal of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) from key digital trade proposals at the World Trade Organization raises alarming questions about our commitment to maintaining this leadership position. This decision is not just a missed economic opportunity; it’s a strategic blunder with […]

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