Archive
International News Services archives articles supplied to clients one year or more after initial publication. These articles are protected by a password and not made available to readers without permission from clients. They are used as a background resource by agency journalists. Upon client requests, International News Services will remove such articles from the archive or not upload them in the first place. They are included to demonstrate the breadth of topics undertaken by the agency and also to help promote clients’ coverage.
FORD EUROPE PLANNIG TO BECOME LEAN AND MEAN, BUT WILL IT CONTINUE TO SHED CAPACITY?
Ford Europe’s February 14 announcement that it will axe 3,800 jobs in Europe over the next three years is designed to ensure the US major’s European arm survives as a more focused electric vehicle (EV) brand, but some experts wonder Ford can prevent this key wing downsizing further in future.…
US TOBACCO LEAF DEMAND REMAINS HIGH, DESPITE MOVE AWAY FROM SMOKED PRODUCTS
Demand for US tobacco leaf is projected to remain robust, despite increased reluctance to use smoked products (worsened by concerns about respiratory disease prompted by Covid-19) and the ongoing China–US trade war launched by former US President Donald Trump.
Tobacco leaf was one of the Chinese export products hit by punitive US import duties of 25% imposed during 2019, with China responding in kind with additional 10% and 25% duties levied on US exports of tobacco leaf to China.…
BRAZIL’S NEW PRESIDENT UNDER PRESSURE TO REVAMP BIOFUEL CHAIN
Brazil’s biofuel industry is putting pressure on the country’s new President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to make significant reversals to the laissez-faire policies implemented by his right-wing predecessor Jair Bolsonaro to boost the domestic market in 2023. The sector is concerned about a sluggish economy, which the OECD says will grow just 1.2% in 2023 (inflation stands at 5.77% – January figures).…
GLOBAL MEDICAL ADHESIVES MARKET GROWS IN SCALE, DIVERSITY AND INNOVATION
Paradigm shifting technology involving collaboration between different scientific disciplines looks set to strengthen the impact of medical adhesives on clinical care as unhealthy lifestyles fuel increasingly diverse interventions, according to researchers and industry observers.
With sustainability “a front and centre priority”, said Paul Saunders, senior manager, global marketing, for Avery Dennison, a Los Angeles, USA-based material science company, issues such as bone reconstruction, wound management, haemorrhage prevention and drug dispensing devices are all being enhanced, with adhesives development a key element.…
FASHION IN THE METAVERSE
The potential of the ‘metaverse’, the burgeoning network of 3D virtual worlds focused on social connection, for generating sales and exposure is proving extremely attractive for fashion brands. While digital clothes in the metaverse are never physically worn or touched, designers are harnessing virtual reality for marketing and helping consumers experience fashion in new digital ways.…
EU AND ASIAN AUTOMAKERS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF NEW USA LEASED VEHICLE TAX CREDIT RULES
European and Asian automakers exporting electric vehicles (EV) to the USA are looking to take advantage of US treasury guidance issued December 28 that allows consumers to claim tax credits of up to USD7,500 on leased EVs, even if they are not made in north America.…
GREENING HS CODES MIGHT PROMOTE SUSTAINABILITY, BUT CAREFUL DESIGN IS NEEDED, SAY EXPERTS
Global trade officials at the World Customs Association (WCO) are assessing how the international customs classification of goods could be reformed to promote the trade in sustainable goods, such as organic cotton fabrics.
They are examining changing the WCO’s Harmonized System (HS), which links traded goods to six-digit codes, recognised by all jurisdictions participating in the global trading system, so that special HS codes can be allocated to goods deemed sustainable – including clothes made from recycled fabrics.…
HOW WOULD A NEW TESLA PLANT IN MEXICO HELP THE COMPANY EXPAND ITS BUSINESS?
Tesla, currently facing competitors developing more affordable electric vehicle (EV) models, could expand business and maintain its leadership in the North American and European market by opening a new plant in northern Mexico, say analysts. In this way, Tesla could leverage Mexico’s lower labor, utility and property costs.…
POLITICAL DISRUPTION HAMPERS DEVEOPMENT OF ADDED-VALUE MANUFACTURING LINKED TO BURKINA FASO COTTON SECTOR
Political instability in the west African republic of Burkina Faso has been disrupting long-standing government plans to leverage the country’s cotton production to generate growth in its clothing and textile spinning, weaving, knitting, sewing and finishing segments.
The country’s cotton production is significant, with the US agriculture department predicting in September that production for the August 2022-July 2023 marketing year would be 1.15 million 480-pound bales.…
CHIP MAKER’S TSMC IS PLANNING EXTRA CAPACITY IN ASIA, WHICH MAY EASE SUPPLY CONCERNS FOR US AUTOMAKERS
An expansion drive by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), the world’s largest contract chip maker, is expected to be helpful for US automakers, increasing supply and decreasing supply chain risks, industry observers believe. TSMC is now building a new facility also in Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture.…