Beef: meat from cattle; global staple with health and environmental trade-offs.
The Office for National Statistics has reported UK consumer price inflation has fallen to 2.6% in June, down from 2.8% in May — the weakest reading since March 2025. Falls in motor fuel, food and clothing prices have driven the drop, but renewed Middle East fighting and a higher Ofgem cap mean officials expect inflation to rise again later this year.
A new wave of measures aims to curb forest loss by linking cattle tracing, land ownership, and deforestation monitoring. Brazil and Colombia are advancing systems to track cattle and publicize ownership, targeting supply chains tied to forest clearing. The changes seek to improve oversight, close loopholes, and align with international market demands.
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.
Grocery volumes have declined while prices stay elevated, signaling that higher costs are shifting consumer behavior. Retailers and manufacturers are using promotions and value-focused tactics to regain unit growth, with Bain’s data showing volume declines despite inflation aiding sales in the sector.
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.