IBT News Blog

The EU has announced that 20 of its member states will not accept new WTO proposals relating to farming practices and international trade because the proposals would be damaging to farming in the member states. See http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/18/business/wto.php

This article discusses the concerns of some economists that the Australian economy is growing too fast and will be plagued by high inflation rates unless it is controlled to a certain degree. It also discusses the impact of economic conditions in Asia on the economies of states such as Australia.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/19/business/ozecon.php

The Mayor of London recently announced a plan to impose heavy taxes on car usage in the City of London for environmental purposes (ie. lowering pollution). In response, Porsche is threatening to sue the City over the new taxes. What does this suggest about the impact of localities on international trade generally? What would be the likely outcome if a US city decided to impose the same measures and was sued by a company such as Porsche? See http://www.iht.com/articles/reuters/2008/02/19/business/OUKBS-UK-PORSCHE-LONDON.php

This article discusses the rising interest rates in China and the potential effects of these rates on economies which import large amounts of Chinese goods, such as the US and EU member states. See http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/19/business/19inflation.php