#International Trade and World Market

[youthchronical]

Fear of Trump’s Tariffs Ripples Through France’s Champagne Region

French Champagne producers do nearly a billion dollars’ worth of business with the United States every year. But on Friday in Épernay, the world capital of sparkling wine, the only number on anybody’s lips was 200. That was the percent tariff that President Trump has threatened to impose on Champagne and other European wines and spirits exported to the United States, in a trade war that exploded…

[basicpart]

Trump Imposes 25% Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum From Foreign Countries

President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum on Monday, re-upping a policy from his first term that pleased domestic metal makers but hurt other American industries and ignited trade wars on multiple fronts. The president signed two official proclamations that would impose a 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum from all countries. Mr. Trump, speaking from the Oval…

[polisphere]

UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue 2025: A New Era of Cooperation

Revitalising UK-China ties through pragmatic diplomacy and economic cooperation for mutual prosperity.

A Shift in UK-Sino Relations

The 2025 UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD) represents a significant milestone in the evolving relationship between the United Kingdom and the People’s Republic of China. After years of diplomatic stagnation under the previous Conservative government, the new Labour administration has adopted a pragmatic and forward-looking approach to engagement with Beijing. This shift marks a welcome departure from the ideological rigidity that had threatened to undermine Britain’s economic and strategic interests.

Held in Beijing in January 2025, the EFD was the first of its kind since 2019 and served as a platform to re-establish high-level economic cooperation between the two nations. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng led discussions that covered a wide array of issues, from financial regulation to green finance and trade. The outcomes of this dialogue are far-reaching, with agreements that promise mutual economic benefits while fostering stability in global financial markets.

Strengthening Financial and Economic Ties

The resumption of the EFD underscores the Labour government’s commitment to reinvigorating UK-China relations. As major global financial hubs, London and Beijing stand to benefit from enhanced financial cooperation. Both sides have pledged to deepen regulatory collaboration and ensure financial stability through increased engagement between UK and Chinese financial regulators, including the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the National Financial Regulatory Administration (NFRA).

One of the standout agreements from the dialogue was the commitment to bolstering UK-China capital market connectivity. The UK-China Stock Connect, which has already enabled Chinese firms to raise over $6.6 billion on the London Stock Exchange, will be further enhanced to facilitate greater investment flows. Additionally, the launch of UK-China over-the-counter (OTC) bond business will enable international investors to trade and settle renminbi (RMB) bonds within the UK’s financial system, solidifying London’s role as a key offshore RMB hub.

Moreover, the agreement on green finance signals a joint recognition of the urgency of climate-related challenges. China’s commitment to issuing an inaugural offshore sovereign green bond in the UK is a landmark step, reinforcing Britain’s leadership in sustainable finance while offering Chinese investors a stable and attractive market for environmentally conscious investment.

Trade and Investment: A Renewed Partnership

The UK and China have reaffirmed their support for a rules-based multilateral trading system, pledging to work together within frameworks such as the World Trade Organization (WTO). The dialogue also saw significant breakthroughs in trade policy, particularly in the agri-food and pharmaceutical sectors. Agreements were reached to lift restrictions on UK pork exports, resume poultry trade, and expedite approval for British pharmaceutical products in China.

These developments highlight the tangible economic benefits of diplomatic engagement. By facilitating trade and investment, the UK government is prioritising the long-term prosperity of British businesses rather than engaging in short-sighted ideological disputes. The agreement to explore a UK-China Wealth Connect programme, which will allow British financial institutions to tap into China’s burgeoning wealth management sector, is another indicator of the economic opportunities presented by strengthened bilateral ties.

Countering Political Sabotage: The Role of Recalcitrant Conservatives

Despite the evident benefits of the UK-China rapprochement, a vocal faction within the Conservative Party continues to oppose deeper engagement with Beijing. Figures such as Iain Duncan Smith and Alicia Kearns persist in advancing outdated and counterproductive narratives that undermine Britain’s national interests. Their opposition is not based on strategic pragmatism but rather on an ideological fixation that disregards economic realities.

Critics of Labour’s China policy argue that deeper engagement with Beijing compromises national security and democratic values. They cite concerns over cyber-attacks, human rights issues, and political interference. However, these concerns, while legitimate in certain contexts, should not be used as a pretext to sever economic ties or adopt an isolationist stance that damages British businesses and jobs.

The Conservative right’s opposition to the UK-China EFD is a case in point. Their insistence on derailing economic cooperation jeopardises billions of pounds in potential trade and investment. By prioritising narrow political objectives over national prosperity, these figures risk relegating the UK to the sidelines of global economic diplomacy.

A Rational and Constructive Approach

The Labour government’s policy towards China is rooted in pragmatism. Rather than indulging in political grandstanding, it has recognised the importance of constructive engagement. The agreements reached at the 2025 EFD demonstrate that the UK can maintain a robust economic relationship with China while safeguarding its national interests.

Economic diplomacy requires nuance. Britain must navigate its relationship with China carefully, addressing security concerns through appropriate regulatory frameworks rather than adopting blanket hostility. The establishment of a UK-China financial crime working group, for instance, ensures that issues such as illicit finance are tackled within a structured, cooperative framework rather than through confrontation.

Moreover, the EFD’s success proves that China values the UK as a trusted partner in global finance and trade. Beijing’s willingness to grant new commercial licences to UK firms such as HSBC and Schroders signifies confidence in the UK’s financial services sector. These developments reaffirm Britain’s position as a global economic powerhouse and a preferred partner for international investment.

Conclusion: A Future Built on Engagement

The 2025 UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue has laid the foundation for a renewed era of cooperation between London and Beijing. This engagement is a testament to the Labour government’s diplomatic acumen and economic foresight. While opposition from certain Conservative MPs remains an obstacle, their efforts to sabotage UK-China relations are ultimately unpatriotic and detrimental to national prosperity.

The UK must remain committed to constructive diplomacy, recognising that engagement with China is not an act of concession but a strategic necessity. The agreements forged at the EFD will benefit British businesses, investors, and consumers alike, ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of global economic leadership.

✱ Image by HM Treasury

[biglisbonnews]

A ‘River’ of Wine Flooded the Streets of a Town in Portugal Two tanks holding nearly 600,000 gallons of wine collapsed at a distillery. No one was hurt in the ensuing flood. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/12/world/europe/portugal-red-wine-flood.html

[political-us]

“Beijing responded by slapping additional tariffs of 10-15% on a variety of U.S. agricultural imports, including chicken, pork, soy and beef, starting next week, China's finance ministry announced.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, meanwhile, said Ottawa would impose immediate 25% tariffs on more than $20 billion worth of U.S. imports. Tariffs on an additional $86 billion worth of products will take effect in 21 days.”

[exportersworldb2b]

Why Exporters Worlds is the Best B2B Portal for Export in the USA

In today's interconnected world, businesses are increasingly looking beyond their local markets to find new opportunities. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through Business-to-Business (B2B) portals. These platforms serve as bridges, connecting buyers and sellers from different parts of the globe. For exporters in the USA, having a reliable B2B portal is crucial for growth and success. Among the many options available, Exporters Worlds stands out as a top choice.

1. What is a B2B Portal for Export?

A b2b portal for export is an online platform that facilitates trade between businesses across borders. It allows companies to showcase their products or services, connect with potential buyers, and manage transactions efficiently. These portals often provide tools for communication, payment processing, and logistics coordination, making international trade more accessible and streamlined.

2. Why USA Exporters Need a Reliable B2B Portal

Exporters in the USA face several challenges when trying to expand their reach internationally:

Finding Buyers: Identifying trustworthy buyers in foreign markets can be time-consuming and risky.

Managing Transactions: Handling payments, contracts, and negotiations across different legal systems can be complex.

Logistics: Coordinating shipping, customs, and delivery requires careful planning and expertise.

A reliable B2B portal simplifies these processes by offering a centralized marketplace where exporters can connect with verified buyers, manage transactions securely, and access resources to navigate logistics challenges.

3. Features That Make Exporters Worlds the Best Choice

Exporters Worlds offers several key features that set it apart from other B2B portals:

Wide Global Reach: The platform connects exporters with international buyers, expanding market opportunities.

Verified Buyers & Sellers: Ensuring trust and credibility, Exporters Worlds verifies all users, reducing the risk of fraud.

Easy Product Listing & Management: The user-friendly interface allows exporters to list and manage products effortlessly.

Secure Payment Solutions: Integrated payment systems protect financial transactions, providing peace of mind.

Advanced Search & Matchmaking: Sophisticated algorithms help exporters find the right business partners based on specific criteria.

4. How Exporters Worlds Helps USA Businesses Expand Internationally

Many USA businesses have successfully expanded their reach through Exporters Worlds. For instance, a small manufacturer of eco-friendly packaging connected with buyers in Europe, leading to a significant increase in sales. Testimonials from users highlight the platform's role in facilitating smooth transactions and fostering long-term business relationships.

5. SEO & Marketing Benefits of Listing on Exporters Worlds

Listing products on Exporters Worlds offers several marketing advantages:

Improved Online Visibility: Products listed on the platform are more likely to appear in search engine results, increasing exposure.

High-Ranking Product Pages: Optimized product pages can achieve higher rankings on Google, attracting more potential buyers.

Digital Marketing Tools: Exporters Worlds provides tools like SEO, PPC, and social media integration to enhance marketing efforts.

6. How to Get Started with Exporters Worlds

Getting started with Exporters Worlds is straightforward:

Simple Registration Process: Sign up by providing basic business information and product details.

Free vs. Premium Membership Benefits: While a free membership offers basic features, premium memberships provide additional benefits like enhanced visibility and access to advanced tools.

Best Practices for Optimizing Your B2B Profile: Complete your profile with accurate information, high-quality images, and detailed product descriptions to attract more buyers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Exporters Worlds offers a comprehensive and user-friendly platform for USA b2b portal for export exporters looking to expand their international reach. With its global network, verified users, secure payment solutions, and marketing tools, it stands out as a top choice for businesses aiming for success in the global marketplace. Sign up today and take the first step toward expanding your business globally!

[signode-blog]

The Economic Impact of a Kamala Harris Presidency: U.S. and Global Perspectives

The prediction that Kamala Harris could win the U.S. elections has sparked discussions across various fields, including politics, economics, and international relations. While predictions, particularly those based on astrology, are not grounded in empirical evidence, it is an interesting exercise to explore the potential impacts that a Kamala Harris presidency could have on both the U.S. economy…

[seairexim]

A Comprehensive Guide to Garment Exports from India in 2024

India has long been a key player in the global garment industry, with the country’s textile and apparel exports making significant contributions to its economy. In 2024, garment exports from India continue to rise, driven by increasing demand from international markets and the country’s competitive advantages in textiles. This article explores the factors behind this growth, the top garment exporters, India’s position in the global market, and provides insights into garment export data for 2024.

Garment Exporters in India: Leading the Charge

Garment exporters in India have played a crucial role in establishing the country as a leading player in the global apparel market. By leveraging India's competitive advantages such as affordable labor and a vast textile base, these exporters have consistently offered high-quality products at competitive prices. They have also invested in modern manufacturing facilities and embraced sustainable practices to cater to the evolving demands of global consumers. Their commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability has significantly contributed to the success of India's garment export industry.

A key strategy employed by Indian garment exporters to remain competitive is product diversification. By offering a wide array of garments, from traditional attire to modern fashion and specialized clothing, they cater to diverse consumer preferences across the globe. Additionally, many Indian exporters focus on customization and personalized services, meeting the specific needs of international buyers. Their adoption of sustainable and ethical practices, along with the use of eco-friendly materials and fair labor standards, has enhanced their global reputation, attracting environmentally conscious consumers. Technological innovation, such as automation and digital design tools, further improves production efficiency and product quality, ensuring Indian garment exporters continue to thrive in the global marketplace.

Why Exporting Garments from India is Increasing?

The growth of exporting garments from India can be attributed to several key factors:

Diverse Product Range: India offers a wide range of garments, from traditional ethnic wear to modern fashion apparel. This diversity caters to various market needs across the world, making India a versatile exporter.

Cost-Effective Labor: One of India’s competitive advantages lies in its cost-effective labor force, allowing garment manufacturers to produce high-quality apparel at lower costs compared to many other countries.

Government Support: The Indian government has introduced various initiatives to promote the textile and garment industry. Schemes like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and rebates on state and central taxes for exporters have further boosted garment exports from India.

Sustainability Initiatives: In recent years, sustainability has become a critical factor in the garment industry. Indian manufacturers are increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices, which appeal to global buyers looking for ethical and sustainable products.

Improved Infrastructure: Over the last decade, India has made significant improvements in its manufacturing and export infrastructure, which has reduced lead times and improved the overall efficiency of the garment export industry.

Global Demand Shift: With China’s focus shifting to high-tech industries, many global buyers are looking for alternative garment suppliers. India, with its large production base and skilled workforce, is emerging as a preferred destination for international buyers.

Top 10 Garment Exporting Countries in the World

Before delving into India’s position in the garment export industry, it’s essential to look at the top 10 garment exporting countries in the world in 2024:

China

Bangladesh

Vietnam

India

Turkey

Indonesia

Cambodia

Italy

Germany

Pakistan

India holds the fourth position globally, with its garment export industry contributing significantly to its foreign exchange reserves. The country’s garment industry is on an upward trajectory, with continuous improvements in quality, innovation, and sustainability.

Top 10 Garment Export Companies in India

India is home to numerous garment manufacturers and exporters, many of which have gained international recognition for their product quality and reliability. Below is a list of the top 10 garment export company in India in 2024:

Shahi Exports Pvt. Ltd. India's largest garment exporter, Shahi Exports, has a strong presence in global markets and a reputation for high-quality products.

Raymond Ltd. Known for its premium apparel, Raymond is a significant player in India’s textile and garment export market.

Arvind Limited A leading textile company, Arvind exports garments to several countries, focusing on high-end apparel.

Gokaldas Exports A well-established garment exporter, Gokaldas has built a strong global client base over the years.

Welspun India Specializing in home textiles, Welspun also has a strong portfolio of garment exports.

Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. Part of the Aditya Birla Group, this company exports a range of garments, including fashion apparel and casual wear.

Rupa & Co. Ltd. Known for its innerwear, Rupa has a growing export market for its diverse garment offerings.

Pioneer Embroideries Ltd. With a strong foothold in the embroidered garment segment, Pioneer exports garments to markets worldwide.

Indian Terrain Fashions Ltd. A key player in men’s casual wear, Indian Terrain has made significant inroads into global markets.

Monte Carlo Fashions Ltd. Known for its winter wear, Monte Carlo exports a range of garments to several countries.

These companies represent India’s best in the garment export industry, combining innovation, quality, and global appeal to make a mark in international markets.

Who is India’s Largest Garment Exporter?

As of 2024, Shahi Exports Pvt. Ltd. holds the title of India's largest garment exporter. The company operates several manufacturing units across India and exports garments to major markets like the USA, Europe, and the Middle East. With a strong focus on sustainability and quality, Shahi Exports has solidified its position as a leader in the Indian garment export industry.

Garment Export Data for 2024

According to recent garment export data, India’s apparel exports have seen steady growth, with the total export value reaching approximately USD 18 billion in 2024. The major export destinations for Indian garments include the USA, the European Union, the United Arab Emirates, and the UK. Key trends from the export data include:

Increased Demand in the US and EU: The US and European Union remain the largest importers of Indian garments, with demand for both fashion and casual wear growing steadily.

Emerging Markets: Countries in Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia are emerging as new markets for Indian garments, particularly for affordable and durable clothing.

Sustainability Focus: Export data indicates that there is a rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly garments from India, with buyers increasingly prioritizing ethically sourced materials and production processes.

Online Sales Channels: With the rise of e-commerce, many garment exporters in India are expanding their presence on online platforms, enabling them to reach global consumers more efficiently.

Challenges and Opportunities

While garment exports from India continue to grow, the industry also faces several challenges:

Competition: India faces stiff competition from countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam, which offer lower labor costs and shorter lead times.

Trade Barriers: Tariff and non-tariff barriers imposed by importing countries can impact India’s garment exports.

Sustainability Costs: While sustainability is a growing trend, the costs associated with eco-friendly manufacturing processes can be high, affecting profitability for some exporters.

However, the industry is also brimming with opportunities:

Government Support: Continued support from the government, including export incentives, tax rebates, and infrastructure development, is expected to boost the industry further.

Innovation and Technology: Investments in technology, such as automation and advanced manufacturing techniques, are helping Indian garment manufacturers enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

Conclusion

In 2024, garment exports from India continue to thrive, with several top companies leading the way in global markets. With its diverse product range, cost-effective production, and growing focus on sustainability, India is well-positioned to maintain its strong presence in the international garment industry. By leveraging its strengths and addressing challenges, India’s garment export industry is poised for even greater success in the coming years. However, if you need garment export data, garment HS code, connect with ExportImportData.in.

[head-post]

Why Japanese stock market affected by US

Japanese stock markets took their biggest plunge since 1987 on Monday, sending shockwaves through global markets. But the next day, Japanese markets rallied strongly, recording their biggest daily gain since 2008, The Washington Post reports.

Chaos in global financial markets this week caused turmoil in Asia, the US and elsewhere. But Japan, the world’s fourth-largest economy, is having a particularly tumultuous time.

That’s partly because of what’s happening in the world’s largest economy: Unexpectedly low US employment numbers in July and rising unemployment, and the likelihood that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates in response, have led to fears of slowing growth in the United States and around the world.

On top of that, rapid changes in the value of the Japanese currency and recent monetary policy decisions by the Bank of Japan have further fuelled panic in the market, experts say. Kyle Rodda, a senior market analyst at Capital.com who is based in Melbourne, Australia, said:

Signs of weakness in the US economy have acted as the spark for these events, while the technical factors in Japanese financial markets are the fuel.

Why have Japanese markets been hit so hard?

A combination of factors caused the Japanese market to suffer badly last week – Monday saw the biggest one-day drop since 1987 – including the rapid strengthening of the Japanese currency, experts said.

The yen has been weak against the dollar for the past five years, losing more than 40 per cent of its value, but it has strengthened in recent weeks, hitting its highest level against the dollar since March on Thursday.

That followed a rare decision by the central bank, the Bank of Japan, to raise interest rates.

According to Hirokazu Kabeya, chief global strategist at Daiwa Securities in Tokyo, the yen’s rise has fuelled fears that earnings at export-oriented Japanese companies will fall. Those concerns have contributed to falling stock prices and rising sales, Kabeya said.

Technology stocks around the world also fell after the Biden administration said last month it would impose further restrictions on semiconductor exports to China. The announcement affected markets with major chip makers such as Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

Then the US jobs report on Friday fell short of market expectations, leading to uncertainty about the US economy and questions about whether the Federal Reserve would intervene. A few days earlier, the FED left interest rates unchanged, according to The Washington Post.

Read more HERE

[youthchronical]

Stocks Rebound After S&P’s Fall Into Correction, but Trump Tariffs Keep Markets on Edge

Stocks on Wall Street rallied on Friday, bouncing off a drop that had left the market in a correction after weeks of selling. The gains weren’t enough to overcome the steep losses from earlier in the week, and the S&P 500 remained in negative territory for the week. The index was up about 1.8 percent by midday trading on Friday, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite and the Russell 2000 index of…

[basicpart]

China Is at Heart of Trump Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum

President Trump’s promise to impose 25 percent tariffs on Monday on all U.S. imports of steel and aluminum would primarily target American allies, but at their heart they strike at his longtime nemesis: China. The top five suppliers of steel to the American market in January were Canada, followed by Brazil, Mexico, South Korea and Germany. Canada has also led in aluminum exports to the United…

[polisphere]

UK-China Relations: A New Era of Pragmatic Engagement

How the UK’s renewed engagement with China is driving economic prosperity, diplomatic stability, and a greener future.

A Renewed Diplomatic Approach

Since the Labour Party's victory in the July 2024 UK General Election, the United Kingdom’s relationship with China has undergone a fundamental transformation. The contrast with the previous Conservative administration is stark, as Labour’s leadership has pursued a pragmatic and strategic engagement with Beijing. In recent months, this has led to high-level meetings, economic cooperation agreements, and a renewed commitment to tackling global challenges together.

At the heart of this diplomatic shift is the recognition that constructive engagement with China is not only beneficial but essential for the UK’s national interests. Under Labour, Britain has rejected ideological rigidity in favour of a practical and outcome-driven approach. This has already yielded tangible benefits across trade, finance, clean energy, and global stability.

Key Diplomatic Milestones

The improvement in UK-China relations has been underscored by four major events:

- November 2024: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met President Xi Jinping at the G20 Summit in Brazil, reaffirming both countries' shared responsibility in fostering global stability, deepening economic ties, and driving the clean energy transition.

- October 2024: Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited China for two days of diplomatic discussions in Beijing and Shanghai, engaging with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on economic, environmental, and security concerns.

- January 2025: Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves travelled to China, where she held talks with Vice Premier He Lifeng. This visit paved the way for agreements worth £600 million to the UK economy, with further potential to reach £1 billion.

- January 2025: The UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD) was revived for the first time since 2019, marking a crucial step in restoring financial cooperation and ensuring British businesses can operate on a level playing field in China.

Economic and Environmental Gains

One of the most promising aspects of the revitalised UK-China relationship is the economic boost it provides. British financial institutions, including HSBC, Standard Chartered, and Schroders, have strengthened their presence in China, while agreements on trade and investment have unlocked new opportunities in agriculture, technology, and financial services.

This economic cooperation is not solely about financial gains—it is also a key driver of the clean energy transition. Both countries have committed to furthering cooperation under the UK-China Clean Energy Partnership. As China continues to lead global investment in renewable energy, Britain stands to benefit from deeper collaboration on green finance and sustainable infrastructure.

At a time when international efforts to combat climate change are at a critical juncture, the UK’s partnership with China on environmental initiatives demonstrates the necessity of diplomatic engagement over isolationist rhetoric.

The Backward-Looking Opposition

Despite these significant advances, a faction of the Conservative Party remains entrenched in outdated and counterproductive hostility towards China. Led by figures such as Iain Duncan Smith, LizTruss and Alicia Kearns, these politicians have sought to derail the UK’s renewed diplomatic engagement, focusing on narrow and ideological objections rather than national interest.

Anti-China 'hawks' like Kearns—someone who has previously attended the Halifax International Security Forum (HFX) and is rumoured to be attending an upcoming HFX forum meeting in Taiwan—are clearly intent on damaging UK-China relations while also harming Britain's trade interests.

The objections raised by these individuals often revolve around security concerns, yet they overlook the reality that diplomatic engagement provides a structured platform to address such issues candidly. The Labour government has already demonstrated that cooperation with China does not come at the expense of British values—concerns about human rights, Hong Kong, and cyber security have been raised during high-level discussions, ensuring that the UK remains firm on its principles while maintaining a productive relationship.

The fixation of these Tory hardliners on matters such as planning permissions for a Chinese embassy in London only underscores the lack of strategic vision in their approach. Instead of engaging in meaningful debate about the UK’s economic growth, climate commitments, and geopolitical positioning, they resort to outdated Cold War-style rhetoric. This refusal to acknowledge the potential benefits of diplomatic engagement is not only short-sighted but actively harmful to the UK’s economic and international standing.

A Forward-Thinking Strategy

The Labour government’s recalibrated approach to China is one rooted in realism and national interest. Rather than allowing ideological divisions to dictate foreign policy, the government has chosen a path of strategic cooperation. This does not mean turning a blind eye to differences—it means addressing them through dialogue while capitalising on shared opportunities.

For too long, UK-China relations were dictated by reactionary politics, often driven by misplaced fears and a reluctance to engage. The current government’s commitment to re-engagement is a positive and necessary departure from this stagnation. It ensures that Britain remains competitive on the global stage, strengthens economic resilience, and actively contributes to addressing international challenges such as climate change.

Ultimately, the UK’s national interest is best served by pragmatic diplomacy, not dogmatic hostility. The Labour government’s stance reflects a clear-eyed understanding of this reality—one that should be embraced rather than obstructed by those clinging to outdated notions of international relations.

✱ Image by No 10 Downing Street

[reasonsforhope]

On her fingers, Chicago’s Chief Sustainability Officer Angela Tovar counted the city buildings that will soon source all of their power from renewable energy: O’Hare International Airport, Midway International Airport, City Hall.

[Note: This is an even huger deal than it sounds like. Chicago O'Hare International Airport is, as of 2023, the 9th busiest airport in the world.]

Chicago’s real estate portfolio is massive. It includes 98 fire stations, 81 library locations, 25 police stations and two of the largest water treatment plants on the planet — in all, more than 400 municipal buildings.

It takes approximately 700,000 megawatt hours per year to keep the wheels turning in the third largest city in the country. Beginning Jan. 1, every single one of them will come solely from clean, renewable energy, mostly sourced from Illinois’ newest and largest solar farm. The move is projected to cut the Windy City’s carbon footprint by approximately 290,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year, the equivalent of taking 62,000 cars off the road, the city said.

Chicago is one of several cities across the country that are not only shaking up their energy mix but also taking advantage of their bulk-buying power to spur new clean energy development.

The city — and much of Illinois — already has one of the cleanest energy mixes in the country, with over 50% of the state’s electricity coming from nuclear power. But while nuclear energy is considered “clean,” carbon-free energy, it is not considered renewable.

Chicago’s move toward renewable energy has been years in the making. The goal of sourcing the city’s energy purely from renewable sources was first established by Mayor Rahm Emanuel in 2017. In 2022, Mayor Lori Lightfoot struck a deal with electricity supplier Constellation to purchase renewable energy from developer Swift Current Energy for the city, beginning in 2025.

Swift Current began construction on the 3,800-acre, 593-megawatt solar farm in central Illinois as part of the same five-year, $422 million agreement. Straddling two counties in central Illinois, the Double Black Diamond Solar project is now the largest solar installation east of the Mississippi River. It can produce enough electricity to power more than 100,000 homes, according to Swift Current’s vice president of origination, Caroline Mann.

Chicago alone has agreed to purchase approximately half the installation’s total output, which will cover about 70 percent of its municipal electricity needs. City officials plan to cover the remaining 30 percent through the purchase of renewable energy credits.

“That’s really a feature and not a bug of our plan,” said deputy chief sustainability officer Jared Policicchio. He added that he hopes the built-in market will help encourage additional clean energy development locally, albeit on a much smaller scale: “Our goal over the next several years is that we reach a point where we’re not buying renewable energy credits.”

Los Angeles, Houston, Seattle, Orlando, Florida, and more than 700 other U.S. cities and towns have signed similar purchasing agreements since 2015, according to a 2022 study from World Resources Institute, but none of their plans mandate nearly as much new renewable energy production as Chicago’s.

“Part of Chicago’s goal was what’s called additionality, bringing new resources into the market and onto the grid here,” said Popkin. “They were the largest municipal deal to do this.”

Chicago also secured a $400,000 annual commitment from Constellation and Swift Current for clean energy workforce training, including training via Chicago Women in Trades, a nonprofit aiming to increase the number of women in union construction and manufacturing jobs.

The economic benefits extend past the city’s limits: According to Swift Current, approximately $100 million in new tax revenue is projected to flow into Sangamon County and Morgan County, which are home to the Double Black Diamond Solar site, over the project’s operational life.

“Cities and other local governments just don’t appreciate their ability to not just support their residents but also shape markets,” said Popkin. “Chicago is demonstrating directly how cities can lead by example, implement ambitious goals amidst evolving state and federal policy changes, and leverage their purchasing power to support a more equitable renewable energy future.” ...

Chicago will meet its goal of transitioning all its municipal buildings to renewable energy by 2025, the first step in a broader goal to source energy for all buildings in the city from renewables by 2035 — making it the largest city in the country to do so, according to the Sierra Club.

With the incoming Trump administration promising to decrease federal support for decarbonizing the economy, Dane says it will be increasingly important for cities, towns and states to drive their own efforts to reduce emissions, build greener economies and meet local climate goals. He says moves like Chicago’s prove that they are capable.

“That is an imperative thing to know, that state, city, county action is a durable pathway, even under the next administration, and [it] needs to happen,” said Dane. “The juice is definitely still worth the squeeze.”

-via WBEZ, December 24, 2024

[mossadegh]

• Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC/BP) | Archive

[probablyasocialecologist]

Market-based approaches to forest conservation like carbon offsets and deforestation-free certification schemes have largely failed to protect trees or alleviate poverty, according to a major scientific review published on Monday. The global study—the most comprehensive of its kind to date—found that trade and finance-driven initiatives had made "limited" progress halting deforestation and in some cases worsened economic inequality. Drawn from years of academic and field work, the report compiled by the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO), a group of 15,000 scientists in 120 countries, will be presented at a high-level UN forum starting Monday. Its authors urged a "radical rethink" of increasingly popular market-based approaches often promoted as effective at saving forests, curbing global warming and raising living standards in developing nations. "The evidence does not support the claim of win-wins or triple wins for environment, economy and people often made for market mechanisms as a policy response to environmental problems," said contributing author Maria Brockhaus from the University of Helsinki. "Rather our cases show that poverty and forest loss both are persistent across different regions of the world... where market mechanisms have been the main policy option for decades," she told AFP by email.

Read the report here

[read-marx-and-lenin]

I'm asking this in good faith, but this is something I'm genuinely confused about. Regarding the Holodomor, or the Soviet famine of 1930 in general, why does it matter if it was a genocide or not? At best it seems to be a natural famine exacerbated by poor decision making, and while that is far different from a genocide, I don't understand why that specification matters, because it was still made worse by Soviet intervention, unless I'm getting the facts wrong which I probably am.

It matters to the Western propagandists who were insistent for decades despite zero evidence that the famine was used to commit atrocities against the people of Ukraine. The refrain the whole time was that once the Soviet archives were made public, they'd finally have the proof they needed. The archives are eventually opened, and surprise surprise, there's not only no evidence of the deliberate withholding of grain, there's evidence of significant amounts of food aid being sent to help alleviate the famine. The myth of a Ukrainian genocide began as Nazi propaganda and was adopted as part of the "double genocide" narrative by Western reactionaries after WW2 to downplay the crimes of the Nazis and to maintain a narrative about liberal opposition to "authoritarianism", painting Western capitalists as the "free world" fighting against both fascism and communism. (Don't ask them why they stopped fighting fascism after WW2 though.)

As for the human elements of the famine, it is also part of the typical Western narrative, even among those who admit the Holodomor was not a targeted anti-Ukrainian genocide and who admit that there were environmental factors, to try and put substantial amounts of blame on the Soviet collectivization of agriculture. I am not going to lie and say collectivization went smoothly with no issues, but you cannot ignore the factors of reactionary sabotage by kulaks (including the destruction of animals and grain and the outright murder of party officials) and the effects of Western sanctions and sabotage on the economic development of the USSR.

While some have argued that there was a complete "gold blockade" on the USSR during the famine and so the Soviet Union was forced to export grain to facilitate international trade, the blockade was never enforced by all Western nations at the same time and the Soviets were still able to export gold and silver at various times throughout the 1920s. It is true, however, that gold reserves were stretched thin at the time and the Soviets simply didn't have enough gold to cover their international debts. Soviet gold mines had never been extraordinarily productive and the rest of the Soviet economy was still developing at the time, so grain was one of the few things that they expected to have in surplus. In addition, there were various other sanctions in place by 1930 that did limit who they could trade with and what they could trade with, but the export of grain was almost never restricted. The famine caught them off guard at a very bad time.

While international grain exports were restricted during the famine as grain was diverted to famine-stricken regions of the country (and grain imports were increased as well), the problems with hoarding only worsened as in the panic of the famine, kulaks sought to exploit the people and create a profitable black market on grain. A struggle against the kulaks coincided with worsening environmental effects and the spread of disease among both crops and humans.

The famine was not man-made, it was not entirely natural, and it was not the inevitable outcome of collectivization. It was a perfect storm of a variety of factors. Stalin was not some heartless monster condemning millions of Ukrainians to death for daring to defy the glorious Soviet Union. He was not some idiot who had no idea what he was doing, plunging the nation into famine out of ineptitude. He was not a stubborn maniac who refused to abandon failing economic policies even at the cost of human lives. He was a human being, one of many in charge of the Soviet Union, dealing with concurrent disasters as best as they could.