🛢️ U.S. Lifts Export Restrictions on Ethane Shipments to China

On 3 July 2025 The Trump Administration has officially rescinded licensing requirements for U.S. ethane exports to China, restoring a critical energy trade route disrupted by recent regulatory tensions. The decision, enacted by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security, reverses a mandate introduced in early June that required exporters to obtain […]

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Landless and locked out: Young farmers struggle for a future

However, this creates challenges by limiting land access for the next generation and diminishing their voice in agricultural policymaking. Without land assets, young people struggle to secure the resources needed to become agricultural producers themselves. Between 2005 and 2021, the number of youth employed in agrifood jobs declined by 10 per cent, prompting concerns for […]

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Ireland and UK Ministers Meet to Safeguard €2.5 Billion Weekly Trade, Strengthen Future Cooperation and Shape Strategic Partnership

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, met yesterday in Dublin with UK Minister of State for Europe, North Americas and Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty MP, to advance bilateral cooperation under the UK–Ireland Joint Statement 2030 framework. The meeting reflected a continued strengthening of relations between Ireland and the UK, as […]

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With sustainable development under threat, Sevilla summit rekindles hope and unity

“The human consequences of rising debt burdens, escalating trade tensions and steep cuts to official development assistance have been brought into sharp relief this week,” she told the closing session of the pivotal gathering, amid sizzling temperatures across southern Spain. Multilateralism at work But against that backdrop, the conference has delivered a strong response – […]

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The Sevilla Commitment: A vital step to rebuild trust in global cooperation

Activists, many from the Global South, attending the talks in Spain, are calling for greater leadership and commitment from wealthier nations to help address long-standing structural inequalities. The 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) carries strong symbolic weight, reflected in the agreed priorities of the Sevilla Commitment. United Cities and Local Governments Paula […]

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United States and Vietnam Reach New Trade Agreement with 20% Tariff

Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the United States has finalized a new trade agreement with Vietnam, imposing a 20% tariff on Vietnamese imports and a 40% tariff on transshipped goods entering the U.S. market. The new tariff regime comes just ahead of the 9 July deadline, which would have triggered […]

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Drowning in debt: New forum in Sevilla offers borrowers chance to rebalance the books

The Borrowers’ Forum is being hailed as a milestone in efforts to reform the international debt architecture, supported by the UN and emerging as a key part of the Sevilla Commitment outcome document. “This is not just talk – this is execution,” said Egypt’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr Rania Al-Mashat. “The Borrowers’ […]

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President Trump Signals Imminent U.S.- India Trade Deal as Negotiations Reach Critical Stage

Washington, D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled that a trade deal with India is nearing completion, with expectations of significantly reduced tariffs and improved bilateral market access. “I think we are going to have a deal with India. And that is going to be a different kind of a deal. It is going […]

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‘The margins of the budget’: Gender equality in developing countries underfunded by $420 billion annually

“The money simply is not reaching the women and girls who need it most,” UN Women said in a news release issued on Monday.   This estimate comes in the midst of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development underway in Sevilla, Spain. There, world leaders are working to revitalize the international financing structure […]

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Spain and Brazil push global action to tax the super-rich and curb inequality

Presented during the UN’s 4th International Conference on Financing for Development – taking place this week in Sevilla, Spain – the proposal highlights a growing problem: the richest individuals often contribute less to public finances than ordinary taxpayers, thanks to lower effective tax rates and legal loopholes. “Our countries need more and more public revenues […]

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