Tag: China

BusinessPolicyTrade

UK Set to End Tax Advantage for Online Retailers in Budget Overhaul

The UK Treasury is preparing to eliminate a tax loophole that has given overseas retailers including Shein and Temu significant pricing advantages over British high street chains. According to reports, the change could generate up to £600 million annually in additional revenue while level the playing field for domestic retailers.

Budget Move Targets Import Duty Disparity

The Treasury is reportedly preparing to close a significant tax loophole that has allowed overseas online retailers to avoid import duties on small packages, according to government sources familiar with the matter. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is said to be targeting the measure as part of her November 26 Budget announcement as she seeks to strengthen public finances.

by Elisa Romero
MiningPolicyTrade

US and Australia Forge $8.5 Billion Critical Minerals Partnership to Counter China’s Dominance

The United States and Australia have signed an $8.5 billion critical minerals agreement aimed at reducing Western dependence on Chinese supplies. The partnership comes as Beijing tightens export controls on rare earth materials essential for defense and technology.

Landmark Minerals Agreement Signed

President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have finalized what they describe as an $8.5 billion critical minerals deal at the White House, according to reports. The agreement positions Australia’s abundant rare earth resources as a strategic alternative to Chinese supplies at a time when Beijing is imposing stricter export controls.

by Nathan Cole
EnvironmentPolicySustainability

Deep-Sea Mining Rush Sparks Geopolitical Tensions and Environmental Concerns

The transition to electric vehicles is driving an unprecedented geopolitical competition for deep-sea minerals, analysts suggest. Environmental experts warn that unregulated mining could damage fragile ocean ecosystems while reproducing historical resource rivalries.

The New Resource Frontier

The global shift toward electric vehicles is triggering a geopolitical race for deep-sea mineral resources, according to recent reports. Sources indicate that major world powers are increasingly focused on securing access to critical minerals found on the ocean floor, with the United States and China both taking significant steps to strengthen their positions in this emerging sector.

by Elisa Romero
PolicyTrade

US and Australia Forge Critical Minerals Partnership to Reduce Reliance on China

The United States and Australia have announced a strategic partnership focused on critical minerals development. This agreement comes as China tightens export controls on rare earth elements essential for defense and technology applications.

Strategic Minerals Agreement Reached

President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a significant partnership Monday focused on securing access to Australia’s vast rare earth mineral resources, according to reports from the White House. The agreement, which sources indicate could generate projects worth up to $8.5 billion, represents the latest effort by the United States to counter China’s dominance in the critical minerals sector.

by Elisa Romero
Policy

Apple Faces Antitrust Challenge in China Over App Store Policies and Fees

A legal representative for 55 Chinese Apple users has filed an antitrust complaint with market regulators targeting the company’s App Store policies. This development comes as Apple faces similar legal challenges in both the European Union and United States over its marketplace practices.

Chinese Consumers Challenge Apple’s App Store Dominance

A legal representative for 55 Chinese iPhone and iPad users has filed an antitrust complaint with the country’s State Administration for Market Regulation, according to reports. The complaint alleges that Apple Inc. abuses its dominant market position through restrictive distribution and payment requirements for iOS applications.

by Elisa Romero