The demand for donkey hides has grown exponentially over the past 15 years, driven mainly by demand from China. Lauren Johnston is a specialist on China trade with Africa. She has spent several years looking into the donkey trade, and has just published a book, China, Africa and the Market for Donkeys. She answers questions…
Chinese-made cars are seen in specialised vehicle racks in preparation for loading onto ships for export, at the Taicang Port area of Suzhou Port, in China’s eastern Jiangsu province on October 12, 2026. – | Afp | Getty Images BEIJING — China’s exports grew by 36.3% in September from a year ago, their fastest pace…
The US has imposed new tariffs on 60 trading partners, accounting for the vast majority of its imports, over claims they failed to properly stop forced labour. The duties, ranging from 10% to 12.5%, target key economic partners – including the UK, China, the European Union, Canada, Japan and India. They came into effect on…
SHENZHEN, CHINA – MAY 1: The Chinese national flag is seen in front of stacked shipping containers bearing MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company), Maersk, and Hamburg Süd branding at Yantian Port on May 1, 2026, in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China. Cheng Xin | Getty Images News | Getty Images China’s trade growth held up better than…
Bangkok, Thailand – Stewed, seasoned with sugar and cloves, deep-fried or dished up in a zingy chilli mince – the diets of most Thais are incomplete without pork. But a $3bn market – supplied nearly entirely by domestic pig farmers – may be about to face competition like never before from the giant hog farms…
A broadcast screen at the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in Mumbai, India, on April 3, 2025, displays news of U.S. President Donald Trump announcing sweeping new trade tariffs. Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images India’s goods trade deficit hit an all-time high of $41.7 billion in October as gold imports surged on festive season demand,…
Africa carries a heavy health burden. It accounts for 25% of the global disease burden despite having only 18% of the global population. The situation reflects deep-rooted challenges in healthcare access, infrastructure, and socioeconomic conditions. Yet the continent produces only 3% of global medicines. It imports over 70% of its medicines. This makes medicine expensive…
China’s exports accelerated in June as a reprieve on U.S. tariffs prompted a rush of orders by companies and consumers ahead of an August deadline. Exports climbed 5.8% from a year earlier, up from a 4.8% rise in May. Imports also recovered, growing 1.1% in the first increase so far this year, according to customs…
Copper wires at a recycling facility in Salt Lake City, Utah, US, on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Niki Chan Wylie | Bloomberg | Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the 50% tariff on copper imports, which he had announced the previous day, will take effect on Aug. 1. The decision was made…
China says it will sign a new economic pact with Africa that will get rid of all tariffs on the 53 African states it has diplomatic ties with – a move that could benefit middle-income nations as they prepare for tariff hikes on products entering the United States. The move, announced at a China-Africa co-operation…
