Category: International Business and Trade

Economy and TradingInternational Business and Trade

China Prioritizes High-Tech Manufacturing Over Consumption in New Five-Year Plan Amid US Rivalry

China’s Communist Party is mapping a five-year vision prioritizing high-tech manufacturing over consumption stimulus despite domestic economic imbalances. Analysts suggest the intensifying rivalry with the United States is driving Beijing’s continued focus on industrial production capabilities rather than addressing deflationary pressures and weak household demand.

China’s Manufacturing Focus Continues Amid US Tensions

The Chinese Communist Party is meeting this month to map a five-year vision that prioritizes high-tech manufacturing in its quest to upgrade industries and project global power as rivalry with the United States intensifies, according to reports from analysts. The meeting, known as a plenum, will produce a policy document for parliamentary approval in March that reportedly emphasizes support for technological research and industrial development.

by Alvarez Jordan
International Business and TradePolicy

U.S. Imposes 45% Tariff on Canadian Lumber, But Industry Analysts Question Long-Term Impact

The Trump administration has imposed additional tariffs on Canadian lumber, bringing total duties to over 45%. However, researchers indicate that replacing Canadian imports faces significant hurdles including species differences and production costs that tariffs alone cannot resolve.

Escalating Trade Measures Target Canadian Lumber

According to recent reports, the United States has escalated its long-standing trade dispute with Canada over softwood imports, implementing additional tariffs that bring total duties on Canadian lumber to over 45%. Sources indicate that President Donald Trump announced a new 10% tariff on imported timber and wood products on September 29, 2025, adding to the 35% tariffs imposed in August. The report states this represents the latest phase in a dispute dating back to the 1980s, when U.S. producers first alleged Canadian companies benefited from unfair government subsidies.

by Alvarez Jordan
International Business and TradeStocks and Bonds

Trump’s China Cooking Oil Embargo Threat Sends Bunge Shares Soaring 11%

Bunge Global surged over 11% following President Donald Trump’s threat to cut off U.S. purchases of Chinese cooking oil. The agricultural giant’s stock gains reflect escalating trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

Global agricultural markets experienced significant volatility Wednesday as shares of Bunge Limited surged more than 11% following President Donald Trump‘s announcement that the United States is considering terminating business with China regarding cooking oil imports. The dramatic stock movement represents one of the largest single-day gains for the agricultural commodities giant this year, bringing Bunge’s year-to-date performance to approximately 18% growth.

Trump’s Cooking Oil Embargo Threat

by Alvarez Jordan
Economy and TradingInternational Business and Trade

Oil Prices Decline Amid Supply Surplus Forecast and US-China Trade Tensions

Global oil markets face downward pressure as the International Energy Agency projects a significant supply surplus by 2026. Meanwhile, escalating trade tensions between the United States and China threaten to further suppress demand, creating a challenging environment for energy investors.

Market Overview: Oil Prices Extend Losses

Global oil markets continued their downward trajectory in Wednesday’s trading session, with both major benchmarks hitting five-month lows. Brent crude futures declined by 12 cents to $62.27 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate fell 10 cents to $58.60. This represents the second consecutive session of losses as investors digest multiple bearish factors affecting the energy complex. The price movement reflects growing concerns about both supply and demand dynamics in the global oil market, with particular attention on production levels and trade relationships between major economic powers.

by Alvarez Jordan