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The Panama Canal, one of the world’s largest trading channels, has been dealing with a severe drought this spring and summer, and is expected to continue to experience serious dryness in upcoming months. Panama has two seasons in a year: a dry season and a rainy season. Though the rainy season usually runs from late April until late November, Panama is still experiencing the lowest amount of rainfall since 2000. The unusual drought has caused lower water levels in the canal. According to Boris Moreno, the Vice President of Operations for the channel, the lakes that the passage depends on have close to minimum water levels.
While the words "accessible luxury" may first appear to be an oxymoron, the concept has grown vastly in the past few years. The definition is pretty broad, but typically, accessible fashion includes better quality material and craftsmanship; however, their products are not quite as expensive as the stereotypical luxury companies such as Gucci or Louis Vuitton. Some popular accessible luxury companies include Calvin Klien, Coach, J Crew, William Sonoma, and MAC.
As the world pivots away from fossil fuels and towards a sustainable future, one intriguing option is geothermal energy. By using fracking techniques developed by the oil and gas companies, companies are able to harvest heat from the Earth to power generators connected to the power grid. Geothermal energy is a nearly unlimited power source; according to scientists at Fervo Energy, there is enough geothermal energy in the United States alone to power the country several times over.
Shrinkflation has infiltrated our shopping experiences in more ways than one. From supermarket aisles to the realm of services, it’s a phenomenon leaving consumers both puzzled and frustrated. A variety of companies worldwide are using this cost-saving technique. Companies are reducing the size or quantity of a product while keeping its price the same or even increasing it. In other words, less products cost more.
Welcome back to the globalEDGE blog! The globalEDGE team of talented student writers is thrilled to resume our regular Monday through Thursday blog schedule.
This week marks the end of the Michigan State University Spring 2023 semester, which also closes another school year in the books for the globalEDGE blog team. globalEDGE Blogs will take a break from its regular schedule throughout the summer months, anticipating returning in September 2023.
The two leading generals of the third largest country in Africa have clashed over the country’s vast economic and political power. So, what is happening on the global economic stage in the face of this conflict?
One of the most iconic home brands that has been in business for the last 70 years, Tupperware, is in jeopardy of not being able to “contain” its losses. With operations in over 100 countries and over 10,000 employees, Tupperware has a large international presence, and its products are used by thousands of people every day.
After last month’s largest banking crisis in the United States at Silicon Valley Bank, the stock market faces repercussions. The bank withheld long-term debt that had declined in market value as the Fed raised interest rates to fight inflation. As a result of this, the bank collapsed. Market watchers said that many investors have appeared more fearful of a potential downturn and are concerned about a possible rescission.
The 87th edition of the Masters concluded two weeks ago. The Masters is one of four major golf tournaments each year and is known as one of the most prestigious tournaments in golf. The tournament started in 1934 and saw its 23rd international winner this year, with John Rahm from Spain receiving his first green jacket. Rahm is the first Spanish player to win the Masters since Sergio Garcia won in 2017. This Masters win is John Rahm’s second major and first major win since his 2021 win in the US Open. The total winnings purse from the masters was 18 million dollars this year, and with first place, John Rahm took home 3.24 million dollars with his masters win.
globalEDGE is excited to announce that the site's Coface Country Risk Assessment has officially been updated. Our Coface system depicts the risk assessment, business climate, population, and GDP per capita for a given country. Additionally, it also features the different strengths, weaknesses, and the entire risk assessment as a whole on a per country basis. This part of the site is normally updated once a year and is an amazing resource to monitor the economic status of any given country. To learn more about our sites Coface Country Risk Assessment, visit this link!
Almost every person has grocery shopping as a weekly chore. With the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a shift in the way consumers shop for their groceries. Companies like Amazon and Instacart were the only options in the past, yet the competition has been changing rapidly with new opportunities entering the market. First, it is a growing industry, with total sales doubling since the start of the pandemic. Consumers in the United States spent USD 1.7 trillion online between March 2020 and February 2022, which is USD 609 billion more than they did in 2018 and 2019. In 2022, the amount of money spent online was expected to hit USD 1 trillion for the first time, according to Adobe, who anticipates that increase to continue this year.
If you are interested in learning more about global organizations, you should visit globalEDGE’s page about them. You can read about over 60 organizations by clicking here.
Almond, coconut, oat, soy, pea, and hemp milk… in an age particularly reliant on Starbucks morning coffee and cycling health trends, the alternative dairy industry is taking the world by storm.
Since the early 1990s, the global economy has experienced significant growth over the last three decades. After an incredible run, the global economy may be headed for a major deceleration. The World Bank has issued a warning that the global economy’s long-term growth potential may be anemic over the next decade, mostly diminished due to Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, ongoing pandemic restrictions, social unrest, and redistribution of global wealth. This situation could potentially result in a “lost decade,” resembling the stagnant and subdued economic conditions experienced in Japan in the 1990s or Latin America in the 1980s.
It has been over a year since Vladimir Putin authorized Russia's “special military operations” in Ukraine, eventually leading to what we now know as the 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine. The human cost of the conflict is undeniable. It is difficult to estimate the number of casualties related to this invasion; however, the most extreme estimates by U.S. general Mark Milley suggest that over 100,000 Ukrainian and over 100,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or injured. Milley’s estimates indicate that nearly 40,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed in the conflict, while UN estimates put that number at closer to 7,000. As a result of this horrific conflict, there has been an overwhelming international response by both governmental and corporate institutions.
Oil prices continue to fall, hitting almost 15-month lows. One of the new factors impacting the global price of oil is the current banking turmoil further adding to the confusion of world prices.
The 2022 Market Potential Index (MPI) has been released on globalEDGE! This study ranks the market potential of the largest economies, focusing on the United States, by compiling statistics from several sources and analyzing the results based on eight dimensions. This study can help businesses determine which international markets best fit for them to enter.
American Football and the National Football League is mainly known as American sport, but the National Football League (NFL) is trying to change that perception; and their efforts internationally are reaching an economic boom.
In March 2021, China put a large tariff on any imported wine from Australia, it's the largest supplier. This blog covers the economic impact on the wine industry in Australia and China, the background to the current situation, and what lies ahead for the wine industry.
Russia is the world's "most heavily sanctioned" country. More than 30 countries have been a part of these sanctions. Although it has been a year now of intense restrictions since the war on Ukraine, there seems to be little change in the country's economy.
Climate change, the idea that human behavior has long-term effects on the environment or weather, has become a global concern over the past few decades. Temperatures across the world have steadily increased over the past 100 years.
Retirement savings are crucial for individuals who want to live a comfortable life during their golden years. However, not all Americans have equal opportunities to save for retirement, and there is a significant racial retirement savings gap that affects many communities of color. In this blog, we will explore the causes and consequences of the racial retirement savings gap and discuss a possible solution with state IRA programs.
The world Baseball Classic starts at the beginning of March. It is a three-week baseball tournament, including teams from all over the world. The World Baseball Classic is similar to the world cup for Soccer, with teams playing in different groups. The top two teams from each group move on to the tournament. The tournament will occur in the United States (Arizona and Miami), Taiwan, and Japan, which is decided based on the country’s location.The World Baseball Classic happens every four years, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Classic had to be postponed to 2023, but now, the economic boosts given to host countries is likely to occur once more.
The current earthquakes seen in Turkey are a devastating event that will have ramifications in all sectors of life. In this blog we will be discussing the economic impact. The recent 7.8 earthquakes in Turkey will significantly impact the Turkish economy, which will ripple throughout the world economy. Turkey has the 19th largest economy in the world at nearly 1 trillion USD. Economic consequences of this disaster are seeming to be high inflation, a collapsing stock market, and a devastated agricultural sector.
The international tax reform has been discussed for many years. However, we are now entering the year of its suspected implementation. So, what is the international tax reform, what will it mean for businesses, and what is still being debated on it?
Originally known as the Renault-Nissan Alliance, the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance is a French-Japanese strategic alliance involving the automakers Renault, Nissan, and Mitsubishi Motors, which collectively account for more than 1 in 9 automobiles sold globally. Since 1999, Nissan and Renault have worked together strategically. Together, they employ nearly 450,000 people and manage eight leading brands: Nissan, Mitsubishi, Infiniti, Renault Korea, Dacia, Alpine, and Venucia.
Since being introduced to the public on November 30th of 2022, ChatGPT has taken over the world by storm. It is an AI chatbot designed and created by OpenAI, an AI research and deployment company. ChatGPT is a natural language processing tool driven by AI technology that allows for users to have human-like conversations, conduct research, answer questions, and assist with tasks. But, the question being asked is what are the applications of the newfound AI technology?
The debate over raising the minimum wage is a contentious one, with proponents arguing that it will lift workers out of poverty and stimulate economic growth, while opponents argue that it will lead to job loss and higher prices for goods and services. As we look ahead to 2023, it is worth considering how an increase in the minimum wage might affect the labor market.
With the releases of movies and television shows such as “Return to Seoul,” “RRR,” “All Quiet on the Western Front,” and “Alice in Borderland,” 2022 has been an explosive year for the international film industry. In fact, foreign entertainment content has experienced significant growth as streaming service-giants like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime continue to expand their audiences and markets.
ChatGPT: Have you heard of it? If not, you may be in the minority of readers, as this new technology is sweeping headlines and business meetings. And now, it may have disrupted the tech industry entirely, with some companies feeling a little more nervous than others.
With more than 1 billion users across the globe, TikTok has taken the social media world by storm. Users of all ages across the world spend time on the app daily, engrossed in the latest trends, dances, products, and more, making the app the second-most popular web domain worldwide. While the platform may have experienced exponential growth over the last few years, this trend might start to reverse, thanks to new bands countries are placing on the app.
The global surge for renewable energy is increasing yearly, with record numbers set in 2020 and 2021, with expectations of this trend to continue with 2022 reports. Many countries have been increasing their use of solar, wind, and other energy sources to reduce their carbon footprint and help have energy independence. Some countries have begun to increase their industry and supply of solar panels. At the same time, some expect to increase their use within their borders. Whether in Europe, Asia, or North America, renewable energy will be in high demand in the upcoming years.
The discovery of a sizable rare-earth element deposit in Sweden raises new expectations for Europe's transition away from fossil fuels and a reduction in the reliance on China, which currently supplies most of the vital minerals. Rare-earth elements are essential for renewable energy and electric vehicles. The Swedish state-owned mining corporation LKAB has already started creating a strategy to extract the components from the largest known deposit in Europe. The deposit contains certain rare-earth elements that might be utilized to make permanent magnets, which are needed to power electric motors and wind turbines. The mining of iron ore may result in the production of rare-earth elements as a byproduct.
In China, many business owners are excited for a new year with no restrictions as China has lifted the Zero COVID-19 Policy. On December 7th, 2022, China put an end to this policy. The critical question is what this means for China’s economy for the coming years and the effect on the supply chain. The world is connected through China-centric supply chains, and any ‘delay’ in those chains causes global production and the world economy trouble. The abrupt move away from the Zero COVID policy could mean that China may begin focusing once again on economic growth. However, China is now facing new supply chain issues and a wave of COVID-19 sweeping through the country, impacting the growth of these newly opened supply chains.
While coffee is known as one of the world's favorite beverages, many prefer a lower-caffeine option. Matcha, a cousin to green tea, has been storming the world. The rapid growth of the matcha industry is backed by its popularity through social media and immense health benefits.
Welcome back to the globalEDGE Blog! Our student authors have returned from their Michigan State University winter breaks and are excited to begin the Spring 2023 season of the globalEDGE blog.
We will be posting blogs every Monday through Thursday. Keep checking in to find new stories regarding international topics, including specific market overviews, analysis of growing industries, current events in business, and more!
This week marks the end of the Michigan State University Fall 2022 semester. Our student blog writers will be leaving the university campus for our winter break, and will be returning at the beginning of January. Over break, our team members will be traveling and spending time celebrating the holidays.
We would like to acknowledge a graduating student and our globalEDGE blog editor, Chloe Jaessing. Chloe is graduating this December with a Major in Finance from the Broad College of Business. She has been tirelessly working to keep the globalEDGE blogs up-to-date for all of our readers. To read some of Chloe’s blogs throughout the years, click here.
The globalEDGE blog will return January 9th, 2023. In the meantime, we hope our readers continue to enjoy all the other areas of the globalEDGE website!
As agricultural growth ramps up, drought continues to worsen. This is especially prominent in the Southwest regions of the United States as they face the worst drought in 1,200 years. Rural communities in La Paz County, Arizona have been noticing water disappearing left and right. The water workers in Wenden, Arizona are reporting that they have "never seen anything like this" as they noticed moving water in a well where the water is typically still. This massive underground reservoir stores water built up over thousands of years and was discovered to be moving due to someone pumping it rapidly out of the ground. With further research, it was found that there was a neighboring well belonging to Al Dahra, a United Arab Emirates-based company that was pulling this water for its own benefit.
Since 2007, the Gaza Strip has been burdened by a land, air, and sea blockade imposed by Israel. Gaza is a self-governing territory but was seized by Israel in 1967, leading to intense restrictions that have cut Gaza off from hospitals, banks, religious practices, and other essentials in the community. The primary goal of this blockade has been to prevent imports of materials that Gazans could use for military use. For fishermen needing to travel through the Gaza Strip and buy necessary fishing equipment, these restrictions are severely limiting their ability to work in this industry.
The Eurozone is seeing a drop in inflation – this comes as a first in 17 months since the war in Ukraine set off record-high energy and food prices. Inflation has been increasing in months prior, even when the U.S. rate was stable for four months after July. With this increase in inflation throughout the bloc, the European Central Bank (ECB) increased its key interest rate "more sharply than at any time in its history."
Global markets around the world are expected to plummet as protests in China continue. The protests are due in part to China’s strict zero-Covid policy and citizens' disapproval of such rules. This has been one of the first major government challenges since the Tiananmen crisis more than 30 years ago. China has seen a high number of positive Covid-19 cases, and on Saturday, the nation saw a new high of 40,000 cases. China is the second leading consumer of oil in the world, yet with the intense Covid-19 restrictions, the country is seeing a dip in the amount of production. The nation’s high-risk districts make up close to 65% of China’s gross national domestic product. The country has seen protests for three days and there is no sign of them slowing down.
Esports has been a growing industry over the past few decades and has grown at a healthy rate. The popularity of esports started internationally in South Korea and China in the late 90s. By the early 2000s, its popularity reached the United States. With the addition of Twitch, a streaming service built around video games, the popularity of esports went international by the early 2010s. Investors were enticed by the esports industry and expected a fruitful market in the upcoming years. In 2022, many investors not seeing a return on their investments, not due to a lack of popularity, but rather a difference in markets.
During an economic crisis, Egypt is cutting back on its domestic energy consumption to provide more natural gas to Europe. This past summer, the Egyptian government began to reduce household electricity consumption by cutting the lighting in some streets, squares, shops, and government buildings. In order to do this, the amount of natural gas needed to generate electricity must be reduced by 15%, and the surplus will be shipped to European buyers who pay top dollar for liquified natural gas.
2022 has been a difficult year for the technology industry. What was once considered a high-paying, reliable marking is taking a turn for the worse. Tech companies from Amazon to Zillow are laying off employees at an alarming rate. Tech stocks have fallen significantly after a recent series of upsetting earnings reports were released.
Beer is a beverage that finds a place in almost every occasion, from a relaxing night in to a social gathering with friends. People flood into local dive bars and even travel for events such as Oktoberfest in Munich to experience a wide variety of brewers, communities, and venues. With beer dating back to ancient times, it is not surprising that it has evolved into the unique flavors we see today; a more unexpected turn is the growing popularity of non-alcoholic beers.
Trade partners are seeing a ripple effect throughout their economies following disagreements regarding established regulations. In 2020, NAFTA was replaced by USMCA, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, to help facilitate trade regulations in North America. Even though this agreement was only enacted two years ago, some of its rules are already being questioned and even ignored.
Halfway through MSU's academic semester, in this blog, we will highlight key changes and updates our team has made over the last few months.
Historically, foreign investment in African nations has tended to do more harm than good for the country's people. Africa’s many developing nations are rich in natural resources and host an abundant workforce, but reliance on markets like petroleum and mining has led to more exploitation than profits. In many cases, these industries have been foundational causes of civil unrest, disease, and violence. In recent years, however, the growth of one innovative industry puts Africa in a position to draw investments of a much safer and more valuable nature: telecommunications.
Reflecting on the past couple of months, many headlines have emphasized the hyperinflation businesses and individuals are feeling around the world; however, many analysts have questioned if these price hikes are inflation or "greedflation". Headlines across Canada specifically are calling out grocery store chains for skewing the prices of their goods. With rising inflation, the majority of companies are steadily losing profit with the exception of grocery stores in Canada that are reporting high profits.
From November 20, 2022, to December 18, 2022, all eyes will be on Qatar for the FIFA National World Cup. Whether you are viewing it from your TV, phone, or laptop, the tournament will be one of the most accessible world cups, as it will be televised on FOX, FS1, and Telemundo while also streaming on a variety of legal platforms. The 2022 World cup is predicted to have 5 billion views which would surpass the 3.5 billion viewers from the 2018 Russia World Cup. This is the perfect opportunity for brands to capitalize on the World Cup and promote their goods or services.
The World Cup is making history in 2022! This year marks the first time in the 92-year history of the World Cup that it is hosted by a Middle Eastern nation. Qatar put in its bid in 2009 while competing against Australia, South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. for the chance to host this prestigious event. Hosting sports events as globally recognized as the World Cup ensures economic benefits that will provide the nation with a great opportunity to not only capitalize on profit but also show off its unique culture and traditions throughout the event, resulting in progress for the nation of Qatar.
The anticipation around the growing electric vehicle market has consumers excited about the future of transportation, but this future may be approaching in a way we did not expect. With concerns around COVID-19 exposure on public transportation, many people started utilizing alternative methods of getting around, one of those methods being biking. A Dutch company in particular saw this phenomenon and has taken their solution to the next level, saying goodbye to the average bicycle and introducing electric bikes.
Twitter is a United States-based company that is the 7th most popular social media worldwide and the 9th most visited website globally in 2021. However, throughout 2022, Twitter and Elon Musk, a well-known multi-billionaire for his Tesla and SpaceX companies, have had an on-and-off acquisition deal for Twitter. This deal’s repercussions could change how businesses can effectively digitally advertise their products on the platform.
Porsche’s recent initial public offering (IPO), valued at around $72 billion, is one of the largest in European history. This IPO raised about $9 billion for Volkswagen which owns Porsche. The company offered 25% of Porsche’s preferred stock to investors, putting up about 12.5% of the entire company. This IPO is happening during a time that is seeing the market for IPOs drying up due to the volatility of the market.
India is currently undergoing extreme inflation. To curb the effects of inflation, which are raising the prices of many food staples for Indian people, the Indian government is placing a ban on the exportation of broken rice, as well as imposing a hefty 20% export duty on any overseas shipments of white and brown rice, which constitute roughly around 60% of India’s total global sales. Along with inflation, poor weather is also contributing to the imposition of this ban.
India is currently undergoing extreme inflation. To curb the effects of inflation, which are raising the prices of many food staples for Indian people, the Indian government is placing a ban on the exportation of broken rice, as well as imposing a hefty 20% export duty on any overseas shipments of white and brown rice, which constitute roughly around of 60% of India’s total global sales. Along with inflation, poor weather is also contributing to the imposition of this ban.
As the world continues to resurrect itself amidst the pandemic, another tragedy has struck. Hurricane Ian, a category four storm, has ravaged the state of Florida more than anyone expected. A few major cities in the area were warned of the destruction that the storm was expected to bring, including Miami, Fort Myers, Tampa, Atlanta, Jacksonville, and many more. Hurricane Ian caused extensive damage and flooding to the housing and infrastructure as it transformed from a tropical storm to a hurricane. On top of this, the entire eastern end of Cuba was hit, causing 1 million people to lose power. With Hurricane Ian leaving its mark up the eastern coast to South Carolina, the wind damage alone is ranking this as the fifth-strongest storm to hit the United States, tied alongside many others. The size and magnitude of the storm were intense compared to past storms, leaving Florida and bordering states expecting major effects on supply chain functions along the coast.
As the world continues to resurrect itself amidst the pandemic, another tragedy has struck. Hurricane Ian, a category four storm, has ravaged the state of Florida more than anyone expected. A few major cities in the area were warned of the destruction that the storm was expected to bring, including Miami, Fort Myers, Tampa, Atlanta, Jacksonville, and many more. Hurricane Ian caused extensive damage and flooding to the housing and infrastructure as it transformed from a tropical storm to a hurricane. On top of this, the entire eastern end of Cuba was hit, causing 1 million people to lose power. With Hurricane Ian leaving its mark up the eastern coast to South Carolina, the wind damage alone is ranking this as the fifth-strongest storm to hit the United States, tied alongside many others. The size and magnitude of the storm were intense compared to past storms, leaving Florida and bordering states expecting major effects on supply chain functions along the coast.
Fashion has been an age-old expression of culture, style, and art. For two weeks, cities hold fashion shows where they display an array of styles to spread awareness about new arrivals in trends. The primary fashion weeks worldwide are Paris Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, and Milan Fashion Week. Most of these have wrapped up this past week, and Paris Fashion week has just started. To the public it is flashy lights, supermodels, and an influx of new trends, but what does it look like behind the scenes? How does this affect the economy and the environment? Is it worth it?
On top of the societal changes, economic conditions, and pandemic challenges that the world has faced throughout the past few years, countries are being confronted with yet another uphill battle. This time, it is drought, and Europe in particular is becoming an increasingly worrisome victim of this dry spell.
Thanks to U.S. railway unions, the United States has avoided another massive supply chain disruption, but other countries might not be so lucky.
Inflation indicates how the costs of a particular set of goods or services have increased over time, most frequently in terms of a year regardless of the environment. The United States is very familiar with the concept of inflation, as seen by the Federal Reserve addressing what is known to be "the sharpest price surge in 40 years." This inflation is broad with no single condition to blame, as the global recession is forcing higher rates and an increasing debt market.
An energy crisis brewing in Europe could end many businesses and lead to a global supply chain disaster for an already struggling system. Two large industries affected by this will be the metals sector and the agricultural sector. With these significant sectors at risk, European governments are attempting to face this problem every day to see how they may be able to stop this issue as fast as possible.
The Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) is the most captivating place on earth for deep-sea mining contractors and the electric automotive industry alike. The CCZ is a giant international seabed stretching over 4.5 million kilometers from Hawaii to Mexico. The reason that the CCZ is seen in such high regard is that it is packed with tons of precious metals needed in the battery and electric production field. The only other option to get these resources is through terrestrial mining which is both labor and environmentally inefficient. Many companies are noticing how fruitful this venture is and are investing in it before extraction has been approved by international authorities.
The European Union has recently decided to expand its regulation into U.S. companies that interact with European countries. The most recent example is the blockage of the merging between American company Illumina Inc. and European company Grail Inc. Grail’s technology aims to help detect cancer early through blood testing, which Illumina was looking to accelerate as a leading competitor in genetic variation and function technologies. The blocking of this $7.1 billion acquisition demonstrates the emphasis the EU is putting on extending its power.
As the Ukraine and Russia conflict continues, the surrounding nations are feeling the full effect of the consequences. In retaliation for the European Union's support for Ukraine, Russia is reducing the natural gas supply to most EU countries. As of today, gas is trading at 10 times what it was at this time last year, and as a result, a sense of urgency is arising from many prime ministers that are demanding to address these problems right away.
The United States housing market has been on a steady increase over the past few years. There has been a major increase in the number of new homes being bought and sold across the nation. During the start of the pandemic, the interest rates on houses were lowered to help revive the economy and keep it afloat during hard times. This year, there is a steady rise in mortgage rates outside of slight dips here and there. This rise in mortgage rates combined with an already high-priced housing market is making the market even less affordable. However, there recently has been a change in the amount of time houses have been sitting on the market. For the first time in almost two years, the first annual increase in the amount of time a house spends on the market is being noticed. This extra time on the market is also reflecting the steady drop in the asking prices of houses seen by many owners.
As we reflect on the pandemic, conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and fluctuating economic conditions that all continue to impact communities across the globe, countries are seeing the long-lasting effects of these situations as inflation rates hit record highs. The United States, Spain, and France are only a few fighting inflation rates as the cost of living burdens citizens never like before.
Across the globe, water scarcity is beginning to affect more and more people. Climate change, broken pipes, and poor water infrastructure systems have all played a role in causing water scarcity for residents in various parts of the world.
Welcome back to the globalEDGE blog! The globalEDGE team is returning to our regular Monday through Thursday blog schedule.
Our student authors have returned to the Michigan State University Campus from their summer breaks and are ready to bring you more stories about the latest international business news. Keep checking in to find new stories regarding international topics, including specific market overviews, current events in business, breaking news, and more!
This week marks the end of the Michigan State University Spring 2022 semester, which means that this also closes another year in the books for the globalEDGE team. globalEDGE Blogs will be taking a break from its regular schedule throughout the summer months. This summer, our team members will be traveling, studying, and completing internships or full-time positions, all in the earnest pursuit of furthering our understanding of international business, which will be put to good use this Fall when globalEDGE Blogs returns.
Soccer, most commonly known as football worldwide, has an immense amount of popularity and support from individuals of all ages. It is universally known to bring others together to provide a positive and enjoyable experience. Lately, this has not been the case.
You have most likely watched a show or movie on Netflix at one point or another. Whether it was borrowing a friend’s account or purchasing the subscription for a month and then getting roped into another, streaming services have become ubiquitous. Netflix has released multiple hit shows and classics to date yet is now the worst-performing stock of 2022 in the S&P 500. It is down 62.5% year to date. What happened?
Over the last few decades, inflation has been steady and rampant incline. Inflation is the rate of increase in prices over a given period. The current cost of living for a single person in the United States is $38,266 per year. Yet, in 2002, the cost of living was around $27,924 per year. This is a notable jump over the last 20 years. To add to this, the cost to attend college has increased by 169% spanning from 1980 to 2019. One of the steady indicators of economic conditions has been the automotive industry. Specifically, in the piece, the status of the used car industry will be highlighted.
Most of us have just finished filing our tax returns, and we likely hope to avoid the thought of taxes until next year's tax season. However, some major tax proposals are being discussed in the United States Congress that could change the international business climate drastically shortly.
Cobalt, a key component in the production of lithium-ion batteries that power phones, computers, and electric vehicles, has soared in both demand and price in recent years. Lithium-ion batteries account for over half of global cobalt consumption, and with electric vehicle sales predicted to grow from 6.5 million in 2021 to 66 million in 2040, the appetite for the metal is understandably high. However, Cobalt is a unique commodity because it’s primarily controlled by only two countries: China and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The DRC supplies about 70 percent of the world’s Cobalt, but 80% of its industrial cobalt mines are owned or financed by Chinese companies. This dynamic has disproportionately favored China and has led to hostility among the Congolese government and its domestic mining companies.
Prior to the invasion of Ukraine, Vladimir Putin had established Russia to be one of the greatest dominant power’s in the world, yet even at that point, Russia’s economic capabilities were hardly capable of sustaining its’ ‘empire’. In fact, when measured by today's standard exchange rates, Russia’s economy would place as the 22nd largest economy in the world. This is a noticeably sizeable leap from the powerhouse of an economy they were once revered as on the world stage, second only to the USA at one point.
Subscriptions are the newest sales tactic for companies across all industries. Some of the earliest forms of subscriptions date back to the 1800s, when milkmen would deliver milk to residents weekly in the United Kingdom. Companies like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Spotify, and more have entire business models based on offering subscription services.
Warmer weather is approaching, and with it comes the chance to enjoy all-natural, refreshing summer fruits. Bananas, coconuts, grapefruits, guava, pineapples, mangoes, and more all serve as welcome complements to the warmth of summer. While this is the only time of year to enjoy such treats at their best throughout much of the United States, many countries rely on the year-long production of the fruits as a key contributor to their inner economy and diet.
Facial recognition is becoming more and more common throughout several different industries. Whether it is companies using it for marketing, law enforcement using it to identify suspects, or tech companies to unlock devices easily, facial recognition is seen almost everywhere in our lives. Companies like Apple, Lowe’s, Albertsons, Macy’s, and Ace Hardware already use the technology, while places like Walgreens, McDonald’s, 7-Eleven, Best Buy, Kohl’s, Starbucks, and Ross are just a few among the ones that might use it in the future. It is not only seen in a variety of companies, but The Interpol Face Recognition System (IFRS) also has a database that spans more than 179 countries. The big question remains: should facial recognition be implemented in a war zone?
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24th, 2022, has had a rippling effect across the world. On a global level, one of the most talked-about and impacted resources is oil. Even though Russia only makes up 2% of the global economy, its stake in global energy is far more significant. Russian wells are responsible for 11% of global oil consumption, and an even higher 17% of natural gas consumption.
Imagine taking a walk down a busy street and asking everyone you see what they think of NFTs. Some will be unfamiliar with the term, some will claim they’re a revolutionary asset class, and some will roll their eyes and claim they’re a complete scam. While their long-term significance and utility within the global economy remain relatively unknown, one thing is for certain – They’re growing in popularity and sales volume at an exponential rate. This year’s sales of NFTs on trading platforms, valued at $27 billion, have already surpassed that of 2021.
“Breaking up” is the latest trend for large corporations. This trend is not isolated in one single industry; companies such as Johnson & Johnson, GE, Toshiba, and many others have all decided to split up into two smaller companies. This trend began in 2021, has continued through 2022, and is likely to continue to expand for some time to come.
Have you ever googled “dress clothes in the area”, or mentioned how you need to grab new food for the dog, then the next day or even hours later an ad for Macy's or a dress shop you have never heard of appears on your phone? Amazon all of a sudden is suggesting dog food ahead of any other typical suggestion, and the same with Facebook. Last Thursday the EU agreed on a new law that has the potential to change that.
Since Thursday, February 24th, when Russia invaded Ukraine, tons of companies, from clothing companies such as Nike to media services such as Netflix, have decided to cut ties with Russia and suspend their services. The reason behind the decision to close their stores in Russia is to express their disapproval of Russia invading Ukraine. Apple, who just expanded into Russia with a brand-new office building in Moscow, Russia, was hiring people to work in the building right before the invasion, so they didn’t just cut off their products in the country, but also the use of the brand new building.
In March 2020, a COVID-19 outbreak in China forced the rest of the world to shut down for the first time in a century. The COVID-19 pandemic swept the earth leaving detrimental effects on the world, with supply chain bottlenecks occurring in every industry. Two years later, China is ordering another lockdown on its country, implementing its Zero-Covid policy with large effects on the global market.
Following its invasion of Ukraine, Russia enacted a law that threatens prison time for anybody who publishes what officials believe to be misleading or false information regarding the invasion. This law states that people found guilty of knowingly disseminating what Moscow deems false information about using Russia’s armed forces would face up to 15 years in prison or a fine of up to 1.5 million rubles, roughly equivalent to $14,000. After this, TikTok blocked new material from Russia on Sunday, and Netflix Inc. paused its service there.
Telecommunications companies worldwide have invested hundreds of billions into the development of 5G expecting to recoup that investment with further benefits. However, this process has taken longer than expected and has brought a dilemma on what to do next. These large companies, including Alphabet, Amazon, and Microsoft, are hoping that high-tech industries will depend on this new development that will allow them to make a profit. 5G market revenue forecasts worldwide predict that revenues will reach $58.8 billion this year and $1.69 trillion by 2030. Will these predictions hold or will have these telecommunications companies invest in a losing project?
“Did you see this on TikTok?” seems to be one of the most popular conversation starters nowadays, as most of our favorite social media platforms feature these short video clips that capture users’ attention. TikTok has a widespread influence as it publishes funny moments, advertising campaigns, and global news to 1 billion users. Such substantial power over media content comes with great responsibility, which TikTok is noticing as conflict between Russia and Ukraine intensifies both in the field and in their app.
Content creators have started taking advantage of the incoming news from Russia and Ukraine in their frequent TikTok updates. At the start of Russia’s invasion, many users witnessed a video featuring soldiers parachuting over what was assumed to be Ukraine. After further investigation, this footage proved to be outdated, but viewers were led to believe otherwise. Additional footage has used audio clips and video content from video games and other aged uploads that are perceived to be related to current events, but in reality have no connection.
TikTok is raising its standards as the platform now has to regulate posts to try to authenticate the content. With the Russia-Ukraine conflict being broadcasted on the app, TikTok is gaining criticism for the spreading of fake news, as videos do not have time stamps to warn users that the clips used are not current. With the For You page reflecting the user’s activity and interests on the app, people are quick to believe what this page shows them, making it easy for the world to misinterpret influencers’ unverified content regarding this conflict.
Twitter has also involuntarily joined in this conflict. When a verified Ukraine account posted a tweet encouraging the app to remove a Russian account, Twitter faced a unique situation of navigating how to regulate communication between these two countries on what is intended to be a lighthearted app. Instagram saw a different side of Russia-Ukraine focused media, as many fled to this site in efforts to stop encouragement of the war, with images and bold captions sharing their feelings to followers throughout the world.
These social media platforms are undoubtedly an effective way to spread information to the public, but without proper regulation, users are going to interpret world news differently than perhaps intended. Despite this trend of sharing unreliable war updates, some influencers are genuinely using their platforms to answer questions and inform users of the situation between Russia and Ukraine. One Russian TikTok creator has shared his view with followers to simply help them understand the current environment of his home country. With the United States having the top TikTok numbers with 131 million users aged 18 and above, this content is valuable for those unfamiliar with the countries involved in this conflict; however, the maintenance of factual information and respectful TikTokers is crucial to ensure that TikTok, and every other social media outlet, is fulfilling expectations of accurate news regarding this developing situation.
The past two years have been crazy for many industries, including the oil market. Crude oil was sliding into the negatives early on in the pandemic; however, the price has surpassed $100 per barrel recently. The global benchmark, Brent crude oil, was trading above $130 per barrel this past week. Since gas prices primarily depend on oil prices, there has been a significant increase in gas prices worldwide. Many reasons led to this increase, some weighing more than others.
Wheat is an ingredient in a wide range of goods, including bread, pastries, pasta, and more. This essential ingredient is at a 14 year high, and it is estimated that it will soon face a shortage due to recent events of the Russian-Ukrainian War.
As the globalEDGE team returns from our short break, we have just one question for you: how much do you think you know about international business? The globalEDGE team has recently updated the International Knowledge Quiz with the latest data. Test your knowledge with a ten-question quiz covering everything from "which country has the highest export rate" to "which country is home to the largest seaport?". You will receive ten different questions each time you take the quiz, coming from our extensive question bank of over 100 hand-selected questions. Once you answer, you will receive more information after that question and a place to read more about the topic! So, if you think you're up to the task of seeing how much international business knowledge you know, take the quiz!
To find the quiz, go to our "Tools and Data" tab at the top of globalEDGE, click on "Test Your Knowledge," and then "International Business Knowledge Quiz." Or, click the link here.
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While a major investment, real estate has always been considered a safe investment as it comes with benefits in the long run. Passive income, equity, monthly rents, and tax breaks are just some of the benefits of investing in real estate. The luxury real estate market is specific in the real estate industry as it consists of the industry’s high-end buyers. Luxury real estate is not called luxury just because it’s expensive. Still, the exclusivity and unique attributes of the property make these properties desirable to high-end buyers.
It’s safe to say that the global economy has been relatively trouble-ridden since the beginning of the pandemic. Many countries are struggling to find solutions to economic issues like high inflation, depreciating value of native currencies, and shortages. Unfortunately, with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, these issues are expected to intensify for the time being. Many western countries, including the U.S., Canada, UK, and European Union are imposing sanctions on Russia, further contributing to economic turmoil both in Russia and domestically.
The Super Bowl has been one of the most lucrative earning events each year making this year's game no different. For years it has brought in major profits through media coverage, ad revenue, and ticket sales. The extravagant Super Bowl LVI featured the Los Angeles Rams battling with the Cincinnati Bengals leading to a 23-20 victory in favor of the Rams. On top of the nail-biting game, was the all-time great halftime performance by artists Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Eminem, and 50 Cent.
Since the beginning of February, some Canadians have been deep into a series of protests called the "Freedom Convoy." This protest is led by truckers in response to vaccine mandates from the Canadian government, which says that you must have a COVID-19 vaccine to cross the United States-Canadian border. Hundreds of trucks and truckers have participated in this protest. They began their blockade at the busiest route that links Canada to the United States and has since spread out into the surrounding areas. In an act of rebellion, the trucks have been honking their horns for hours on end. Canadian citizens living near the protests grew increasingly frustrated, which led to Prime Minister Trudeau invoking the Emergencies Act, which allows the Canadian federal government to have temporary powers to do whatever may be necessary to stop the protests. The enactment of the Emergencies Act has led to arrests and decreased protests. Additionally, those who engage in the protests now run the risk of having their funds frozen by their banks, which could prevent some people from paying their own bail after being arrested for charges related to the protests.
With inflation among the highest in the world, Turkey is on the brink of an economic crisis concerning the dispute between Russia and Ukraine. Key economic contributors such as natural gas, oil, and tourists from Russia and Ukraine are relied upon by Turkey. The possible Russian invasion of Ukraine poses a major threat to Turkey’s already fragile economy.
We all learned about the industrial revolutions in our world history class - due to the increase in wealth from violent colonialism, Europe invested in technology and created the cotton mill and steam power in the late 1700s to early 1800s. And now, more and more technological revolutions have led us to this new, debated Fourth Industrial Revolution, a revolution that is radically changing every business sector.
With the given supply chain disruptions, the European Union has decided to take an active role in semiconductor or chip production. It is backing more investments into private and public funds in an act to become leading chip producer.
Finder's keeper's loser weepers. When a person finds something and keeps it, the loser has no right. Many societies had followed this saying throughout history when it came to looting ancient artifacts, and now it's affecting our global economy and society.
Travel has been a delicacy over the past few years. Due to the ongoing pandemic, many previous flyers have been less frequent with their travel. With the recent merger of two major airlines, the world of traveling is in for a major change. The Spirit Airlines franchise and Frontier Airline franchise completed their merger over the weekend. The two franchises have been hit hard by the pandemic, and the merger can help with their recovery. These airlines have been major players in the low-cost flight industry in the United States and Latin America, including Puerto Rico, Mexico, Jamaica, and El Salvador. This move will help them grow and move past the pandemic. The union between Spirit and Frontier is expected to create enhanced values for shareholders of both airline industries and allow the companies to better compete with rival airlines.
Sports play an important role in the lives of millions of people worldwide; they bring people together, they provide entertainment and exercise, and, often overlooked, they’re an engine for an extremely high-grossing industry. Globally, the sports industry has been estimated to be worth over $620 billion. Over the last 20 years, major sports leagues in the U.S. and Europe saw their respective clubs/teams grow their annualized revenue by about 7 percent, a performance matched only by the healthcare and education service sectors. One such league with a pronounced affinity for high-grossing activity is the NBA. The NBA has seen more profitability than any other league in the past few years, mainly due to its effective globalization to regions like China and Africa.
As the climate disaster is steadily increasing in conversation across nations, the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States attempts to place regulations on sustainability reports within large corporations. They are pushing for these reports to act like financial reports; they can be audited in this case. If these regulations pass, the sustainability reports would mimic financial reports and be audited to keep companies from stretching their energy-efficiency disclosures. Without this, it has become a pattern that companies' reports are unreliable and very inconsistent with the revelations they have put out.
With the rise in cryptocurrencies over the last several years, it is possible that we could be experiencing the downfall of cryptocurrencies in the coming months and years. With constant innovation comes new rules and regulations, which many countries across the globe have had to think about recently.
Luxury brands have always been a huge player in the economy. According to a market report, the luxury fashion market is estimated to be around $110.64 billion in 2020 with continued growth. However, since the arrival of Coronavirus in 2019, the world has been changing in unimaginable ways. It has affected all aspects of our lives from lifestyles to buying patterns. The luxury fashion market was also a victim, contracting for the first time since 2009. In addition to its market size and revenue, this industry is going through some other changes.
On January 15th, 2022, the country of Tonga was shaken up by the Hunga Tonga, an underwater volcano erupted and disrupted the entire country. A volcano, with a force equal to 500 Hiroshima nuclear bombs, has filled the sky with a sulfuric cloud compromising the natural resources in Tonga. With a population of 100,000 citizens, a small oceanic country is facing the dreadful repercussion of this natural disaster.
The recent years have been anything but predictable. As we move further into 2022, the ongoing pandemic and added political risks will change the trajectory of the global economy. There are several trends for businesspeople to be aware of as the rest of the year unfolds.
Sri Lanka is struggling to pay for imports due to a worsening debt crisis, which has sparked political controversy with the Chinese government. Following criticism from Sri Lanka’s ruling party over China’s loans for a series of big infrastructure projects, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had warned that the country had a lack of foreign-currency reserves to pay for necessary imports such as fuel, medicines, foods, and industrial raw materials.