IBT News Blog

For the first time since the start of the current Afghan war, Russia has indicated that it might allow NATO forces to transport goods to Afghanistan through Russian territory. See http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/abe724fe-ebc5-11dc-9493-0000779fd2ac,noOfParas=2,emailFormat=plainText,storyType=ultralight,dwp_uuid=abb716b0-2f7a-11da-8b51-00000e2511c8,print=no,_i_email=y.html

Newly available information suggests that the recent economic downturn in developed markets - particularly the US - has had the effect of increasing investment in emerging markets. See http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/1df548e0-ebd1-11dc-9493-0000779fd2ac,noOfParas=2,emailFormat=plainText,storyType=ultralight,dwp_uuid=abb716b0-2f7a-11da-8b51-00000e2511c8,print=no,_i_email=y.html

The US Senate has passed a bill which significantly overhauls and changes the way in which the US regulates and monitors imported goods. Do you think that this would be problematic under GATT? If so, would it fall under any of the available exceptions? See http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/03/07/business/07safety.php

The Bank of Japan has announced that it will maintain its current interest rate of 0.5%. See http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/2/hi/business/7282746.stm

Recent statements by the head of the UN World Food Program estimate that food prices will cintinue to increase through at least 2010. What does this suggest for future commodification of food and food-related products in the global marketplace? Does this prediction justify more protectionist stances by governments trying to ensure that their populations have enough affordable food? Would such measures fall under the GATT Article III exceptions (ie . for public health and safety)? See http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/2/hi/in_depth/7281686.stm

This article discusses the recent decision of the European Court of Justice which found against Spain in an energy-based competition suit. See http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/03/06/business/endesa.php

This article discusses new predictions for the airlime industry. See http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/03/06/business/air.4-234760.php

This article discusses the US' attempts to attack governmental subsidies given to Airbus by using the WTO's structure. See http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/03/06/business/tanker.php