Cattle meat: global staple and environmental flashpoint
Inflation has eased modestly in May, with headline CPI slowing in several countries. In South Africa, inflation rose modestly due to higher fuel prices, while food inflation continues to subside. Across nations Nigeria and Malawi also show mixed patterns in food and non-food prices, reflecting uneven price pressures.
Inflation has held steady at 2.8% in May, the same as April, with transport costs (air fares, petrol) and taxes offset by slower food price rises. Petrol and fuel costs rise; airfares surge due to Easter timing, while food and heating costs ease. The Bank of England faces decisions as rate prospects remain uncertain.
Canada has launched a C$3.2 billion plan over ten years to increase competition in the grocery sector, expand domestic processing, and boost year-round fruit and vegetable production in response to high grocery prices.
Brazil's deforestation rate has fallen by half in Lula's first year back in office, with 1,295 sq km cleared from January to June, the lowest since 2016. Lula defers to his government on zero-deforestation targets while facing criticisms over oil exploration near the Amazon mouth and shifting U.S. tariffs amid a tight election race.
Retailers face pressure as volume declines outpace inflation, prompting price cuts and promotions to spur unit growth. Bain data shows grocery units fell 1.8% year over year in June, while prices remain elevated. Major chains push value-focused strategies amid softer consumer demand.
The United States has set 10% to 12.5% tariffs on imports from 60 countries accounting for 99% of U.S. imports, arguing that they fail to enforce bans on goods made with forced labour. The tariffs take effect as prior global levies expire, with India and others qualifying for lower rates after tightening enforcement.
The US has imposed new 10%–12.5% tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners, saying they have not effectively enforced bans on goods produced with forced labour. The levies replace expiring temporary duties and include product exemptions, while trading partners from Brazil to Australia have criticised the move and markets have reacted with caution.
A coalition of 25 US states has filed suit in the US Court of International Trade to stop 10–12.5% tariffs that took effect in July on goods from about 60 trading partners. Plaintiffs say the administration has used forced‑labour claims to recreate broad levies courts have already struck down; the White House says the duties are lawful under Section 301.
The United States has expanded tariffs on imports from more than 60 partners, citing forced-labor concerns. Israel faces a 12.5% duty on exports, with other allies facing 10% tariffs. Governments and exporters warn of economic disruption and potential shifts in trade patterns.
The U.S. beef supply has tightened amid an historic cattle shortage driven by drought and economic pressures. Tyson Foods is closing two beef plants and seeking buyers for another as it reshapes its beef operations. Retail beef prices have climbed while overall meat sales dip; the industry is prioritizing capacity and resilience to rebuild herds.
The Trump administration has announced a plan to import up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef tariff-free for 90 days, with a pledge to sell at 25% below market prices. Officials say the move aims to rebuild the U.S. cattle herd and ease inflation, but ranchers and some lawmakers warn it could hurt domestic producers. Several outlets report on the development with various details and feedback from stakeholders.
The administration has announced a temporary, tariff-free import surge of up to 300,000 metric tons of lean ground beef to ease prices amid a shrinking U.S. cattle herd. Congress and ranchers are watching closely as imports blend with domestic meat, potentially reshaping supply and labeling rules.
Mexico’s ranching sector has seen a partial restart of cattle exports to the United States after a US protocol imposed to curb screwworm infections, with daily imports limited and tracking measures in place. The disease has spread to 30 of Mexico’s 32 states, and the US is tightening border checks as Mexico reports rising cases while aiming to resume normal trade.
The Trump administration has escalated a trade dispute with Canada, unveiling an executive order to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America.” Polls show most Americans oppose the change and tariffs, while Canada vows retaliation. The move coincides with broader tariff fights and political pressure ahead of midterm elections.