Tag: supply chains
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Unlocking Africa’s Critical Minerals for Broad-Based Prosperity and Global Competitiveness
Introduction: The promise of Africa’s critical minerals Africa sits at a pivotal moment in the global minerals economy. It hosts a wealth of critical resources—lithium, cobalt, graphite, rare earths, copper, and more—that are essential to the clean-energy transition, digital technologies, and modern manufacturing. Yet the continent’s potential remains unevenly realized. The question is not just…
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China Posts Record Trade Surplus in 2025 Amid Tariffs and Shifting US Orders
China closes 2025 with a record-trillion-dollar trade surplus China finished 2025 with a remarkable trade performance, reporting a record trillion-dollar surplus even as tariff pressures from the United States linger. The year’s export momentum underscored Beijing’s role as a global manufacturing hub while highlighting the persistent tug-of-war between trade policy and supply chains. The headline…
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Top Asian News: South Korea’s President Visits China Amid Regional Tensions
Overview: A High-Stakes Diplomatic Trek In a move that signals a potential shift in Asia-Pacific diplomacy, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung arrived in China on Sunday for talks that come as Beijing seeks to deepen ties with its neighbors amid heightened tensions with Japan over Taiwan. The visit underscores a broader pattern: major regional…
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South Korea’s Leader Travels to China as Beijing-Tokyo Tensions Over Taiwan Surge
Overview of the Visit South Korean President Lee Jae Myung arrived in China amid a fraught regional backdrop marked by rising tensions between Beijing and Tokyo over Taiwan. The trip, announced as a bid to deepen Sino-Korean ties, comes at a moment when the broader Asia-Pacific region is watching how major powers recalibrate their diplomatic…
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From Village Craft to Quebec’s Furniture Empire: How Trade Wars Weaken the Backbone
Introduction: A Village That Built an Empire On the southern bank of the St. Lawrence River, the village of Sainte-Croix earned its name from the Feast of the Holy Cross. What began as a humble community of woodworkers blossomed into a Quebec furniture empire that powered local economies, created family legacies, and shaped a regional…
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Far North Queensland Prepares: Strengthening Food Security Ahead of the Wet Season
Heading into the Wet Season: Why Food Security Matters in Far North Queensland As the tropical wet season approaches, Far North Queensland faces a familiar mix of challenges—heavy rainfall, flooding, and the potential disruption to food supply chains. Local authorities, farmers, and community organizations are intensifying planning and coordination to safeguard access to affordable, nutritious…
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Wet season prompts Far North Queensland to bolster food security
Preparing for the wet season With the arrival of the wet season, authorities in Far North Queensland are taking a proactive stance to safeguard food security across the region. While storms and heavy rainfall are a natural part of northern Australia’s climate, the disruption to transport corridors, farm operations, and supply chains can quickly strain…
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Kenya JMMI Market Overview Q3 2025: Trends, Prices, and Implications
Overview: JMMI’s Role in Kenya’s Cash-Based Interventions The Kenya Joint Market Monitoring Initiative (JMMI) operates under the guidance of the Kenya Cash Working Group (KCWG) to provide timely market intelligence for cash-based interventions. Covering the period July through September 2025, the Q3 market overview analyzes price movements, household access to essential goods, and the resilience…
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Canada-US Free Trade Agreement review begins mid-January
Overview: A formal kick-off for a targeted review Canada and the United States have announced that they will launch formal discussions to review the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) starting in mid-January. The official notice comes from the office of the Canadian prime minister, signaling a structured process likely to involve negotiations on a range…
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Canada-U.S. Free Trade Review: Talks Set to Begin Mid-January
Background: A Formal Review of a Long-Standing Pact The governments of Canada and the United States have announced plans to launch formal discussions to review the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement beginning in mid-January. The move, confirmed by the office of Canada’s Prime Minister and relayed to provincial leaders, marks a structured reassessment of a pact…