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One in five Americans hoarding items due to rising prices and uncertainty / AFP With the recent implementation of tariffs on imported steel and aluminum by President Donald Trump, a notable shift in consumer behavior has emerged among Americans. A report by CreditCards.com reveals that one in five individuals is purchasing more items than usual, reflecting heightened anxiety about potential inflation and economic instability. This phenomenon, driven by fears of escalating prices resulting from tariff policies, has led many consumers to stock up on essential goods. The findings indicate that a significant portion of the population is concerned about the financial implications of these tariffs. Specifically, 29% of respondents stated that Trump's tariff measures have significantly influenced their purchasing decisions, while 37% acknowledged that the tariffs had some impact. This apprehension is illustrated by the fact that 22% of those surveyed admitted to engaging in hoarding beha...

Kyushu's Economic Revival Driven by TSMC's Semiconductor Investments The transformation of Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost major island, into a semiconductor powerhouse is marked by the massive investments surrounding TSMC’s (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) presence in Kumamoto. Once home to pachinko parlors and agricultural fields, the region is now rapidly evolving into a cutting-edge industrial hub. This change follows the establishment of TSMC’s first manufacturing plant in Japan, which has triggered a cascade of investments and developments in the semiconductor sector, boosting the local economy and revitalizing the region. The Emergence of Japan’s 'Silicon Island' In the past, Kyushu was a significant player in the global semiconductor industry, accounting for 10% of the world’s semiconductor production during the 1980s. However, the decline of Japan’s semiconductor industry left Kyushu behind, earning it the nickname ‘Galapagos of semiconductors.’ Fast...

Egg Shortage and Price Surge: The Impact of Bird Flu and U.S. Government Policies Egg prices in the United States have surged by 15% in just one month, largely driven by a severe bird flu outbreak. The situation has led to widespread shortages in grocery stores, while the White House has shifted the blame to the previous administration under President Joe Biden. This price surge has intensified the ongoing financial pressures on American consumers. Here, we delve into how the avian flu is affecting egg prices and the broader implications of the government’s response. The U.S. poultry industry has been hit hard by the spread of avian influenza (bird flu), which first emerged in 2022. Since the outbreak, nearly 148 million chickens and ducks have been culled to contain the disease, causing a significant disruption to egg production. Reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) indicate that in December 2024 alone, 13.2 million laying hens were culled. This has led to a sharp de...

Beverage Giant Remains Confident Despite Potential Cost Increases Coca-Cola's Chief Financial Officer and President, John Murphy, recently discussed the impact of President Donald Trump's 25% tariff on aluminum imports, stating that while the tariffs may cause some additional costs, they are not expected to significantly disrupt the company's operations or pricing strategy. Speaking in an interview with Yahoo Finance, Murphy emphasized that the company has strategies in place to offset rising aluminum costs and that the overall impact on Coca-Cola’s financial performance is expected to be minimal. He explained that while there could be minor adjustments in production costs, they are unlikely to translate into noticeable price hikes for consumers. Instead, the company plans to absorb these costs through its broader productivity initiatives and operational efficiencies. Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey echoed similar sentiments, stating that while the aluminum price increase is ...

America's Aggressive Economic and Security Policies Cause Turmoil on the World Stage Since the inauguration of Donald Trump, the international community has been thrust into a state of heightened alarm, as his return to the White House marks a much more intense iteration of his "America First" agenda compared to his first term. Although nations had braced for his return, they were unprepared for the level of shock and disruption that followed. Trump's actions in economic and security spheres have begun to challenge and disrupt the existing international order, leaving countries scrambling to assess and respond to the implications of his aggressive unilateral policies. Trump's Early Aggression: Targeting North America and China Trump's first targets were the neighboring North American countries, Canada and Mexico, as well as his geopolitical rival, China. While these countries publicly retaliated with their own tariffs, they also began behind-the-scenes negot...

Top-level trade talks with U.S. officials aim to prevent economic fallout EU Trade and Economic Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is set to visit Washington on February 17 as concerns over U.S. trade policies escalate. His visit comes amid rising tensions following U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of sweeping tariffs on steel and aluminum, along with potential reciprocal tariffs on imports from key trading partners, including the European Union. According to reports from Politico and other sources on February 15, Šefčovič is scheduled to meet with several high-ranking U.S. officials, including Howard Lutnick, nominee for Secretary of Commerce, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamie McGreer, and Kevin Hassett, the director of the National Economic Council. These discussions are seen as a critical move by the EU to mitigate potential economic disruptions caused by Trump's aggressive tariff policies. During the Munich Security Conference, held just days before his schedul...

U.S. President's Tariff Proposal Targets Digital Taxes Imposed by Allies / Reuters U.S. President Donald Trump announced a tariff policy aimed directly at Canada's and France's digital taxes, which have caused significant tension between the countries and the U.S. These digital taxes, which are levied on information technology (IT) companies operating across borders without physical fixed establishments, have been controversial, especially as they affect U.S. tech giants. The White House, in an official fact sheet released shortly after Trump's announcement, emphasized that U.S. tax laws do not allow foreign governments to impose taxes on American companies. The statement underscored that only the U.S. should be authorized to tax American businesses. According to the White House, Canada and France have been imposing digital service taxes, costing U.S. companies over $500 million, with the overall burden on American businesses surpassing $2 billion annually. This has le...