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U.S. Policy Pushes Up the Price of Cane Sugar

U.S. Policy Pushes Up the Price of Cane Sugar

Absent from 'Tight Sugar Supply Is Hurdle For Trump's Soft-Drink Goals' (Business & Finance, July 21) is mention of one of the chief culprits for the lack of cane sugar in American-made soda: the shameful U.S. sugar program.
Under this absurd policy, the U.S. government deliberately limits Americans' access to sugar through so-called marketing allotments that restrict domestic production and tariff-rate quotas that choke off access to imports.
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Trump talks with Canada, India and Brazil in a stalemate as his tariff deadline looms
Trump talks with Canada, India and Brazil in a stalemate as his tariff deadline looms

Yahoo

timea few seconds ago

  • Yahoo

Trump talks with Canada, India and Brazil in a stalemate as his tariff deadline looms

President Trump's tariff agenda is nearing a moment of truth with an Aug. 1 deadline just hours away and set to establish a new baseline rate of 15% on most of the world. Many final deals have come in a flurry (South Korea most recently) but three key nations across three continents — Canada, India, and Brazil — have seen their talks go sideways for vastly different reasons. Importers there are now likely to face higher rates at least for the time being, leaving relationships with the world's largest recipient of US goods (Canada), the world's fourth largest economy (India) and the western hemisphere's second populous nation (Brazil) all in flux. The lack of progress with these countries comes ahead of a Friday deadline that Trump and his aides are saying again and again is unmovable (Trump recently called it a "big day for America"). Aides also say that negotiations will continue past Aug. 1. The fate of the US-China trading relationship is another uncertainty, but negotiators appear to be close to at least another 90 day pause on tariff hikes. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC Thursday he will speak to the president Thursday about an extension with additional technical details still to be worked out but that they have "the makings of a deal." The administration also faces a legal hurdle as its Friday deadline approaches. A federal appeals court will hear arguments Thursday on legality of the authority Trump is claiming to impose these tariffs. A focus on Canada — with limited economic effects for now Trump reiterated the lack of progress with Canada Thursday morning with a Truth Social post where he brought the Middle East into the mix. "Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine," he wrote. "That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them." The post came in response to the news that Canada will join France and the United Kingdom in this largely symbolic move that Trump previously brushed off. It's the latest Trump missive and continues a string of critical comments about America's northern neighbor stretching back to the beginning of Trump's second administration. Trump is promising to move forward with 35% tariffs there, which would be a major setback in relations between the two countries but one with more limited economic effects for now. That's because about half of goods that travel between the two countries are able to trade largely duty free thanks to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Mexico is also covered by the USMCA — and is facing 30% duties of its own Friday — but has escaped much rhetorical fire from Trump who has again and again chosen to clash with Canada. The USMCA isn't up for formal review until next summer, giving negotiators more time to get talks back on track. A likely tariff hike on India — but with talks ongoing India was the focus of another overnight social media post, with Trump lumping India in with Russia as "dead economies." It's a 180-degree turn of sorts from Trump after previously warm relations that saw the president warmly greet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House earlier this year. The tensions appear to stem from India's hard negotiating stance. Trump reiterated Friday morning that India's tariffs are too high in the latest sign that a deal may be a ways off in closely watched talks that have implications for Apple (AAPL) and its large iPhone manufacturing operations there. Indian officials were in Washington for talks in recent weeks and left without a deal but also sent signals that talks are making progress and that they feel an agreement could be struck in the fall. The back and forth also comes as many analysts say the heated rhetoric as of late is a way to get concessions. "India is the latest example where Trump's escalation is a sign that a deal is imminent," wrote Raymond James analysts in a note this week, calling this a "final opportunity to gain concessions before an agreement is made." Trump said Wednesday that talks with India continue and that he still considers Modi a friend, but for the moment he is promising 25% tariffs on the world's fourth largest economy and main regional economic counterweight to China. Trump has also pledged unspecified additional penalties on India because of the nations consumption of Russian oil. Trade troubles with Brazil without a clear offramp Meanwhile, any offramp with Brazil is much less certain. Trump is promised 50% tariffs there over what he describes as a witch hunt of Jair Bolsonaro. The former Brazilian president is facing a trial for his role in trying to overturn the results of his country's 2022 election. Trump moved forward with his 50% plans Wednesday with an executive order that claimed that "politically persecuting a former President of Brazil" was a key factor leading him to declare a national economic emergency and impose additional 40% tariffs — on top of existing 10% duties — but with some notable exceptions for things like orange juice and aircraft parts. Brazil has said that Trump's demand to intervene in the trial of Bolsonaro is a nonstarter and it's unclear what else they can offer — especially given that the US has a rare trade surplus with Brazil. Meanwhile, Trump's use of emergency powers to target Brazil has come under withering criticism with Melinda St. Louis, a trade director at the watchdog group Public Citizen, saying "it's hard to fathom a flimsier justification for a U.S. national emergency." Reuters is reporting that Brazil is expecting that 35.9% of its US exports — by value — will be hit by a steeper 50% tariff. All told, markets have largely shrugged off Trump's latest tariff deadline with investors apparently more focused on Big Tech earnings. But even with Trump promising to be "done" with trade after this week, the many loose ends between America and its 3rd, 10th, and 11th largest trading partners, according to the Census Bureau, aren't going away. That suggests efforts to find areas of agreement are likely to continue unabated. Ben Werschkul is a Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance. Click here for political news related to business and money policies that will shape tomorrow's stock prices Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

India Casting Polyurethane Market to Hit Valuation of US$ 525.42 Million By 2033
India Casting Polyurethane Market to Hit Valuation of US$ 525.42 Million By 2033

Yahoo

timea few seconds ago

  • Yahoo

India Casting Polyurethane Market to Hit Valuation of US$ 525.42 Million By 2033

India's casting polyurethane market is thriving, driven by industrialization and the 'Make in India' initiative. Dominance by rolls and polyester prepolymers highlights a clear shift towards high-performance, durability, and customized solutions for automotive and manufacturing. Chicago, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The India casting polyurethane market was valued at US$ 246.42 million in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 525.42 million by 2033 at a CAGR of 8.96% during the forecast period 2025–2033. The India casting polyurethane market is experiencing a surge driven by targeted, high-value industrial applications beyond general manufacturing. A primary catalyst is the government's National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), which has allocated INR 111 lakh crore (approx. US$ 1.3 trillion) for projects through 2025, creating immense demand. This is materializing in sectors like port modernization under the Sagarmala initiative and the expansion of the oil and gas pipeline network towards a 34,000 km target, requiring specialized polyurethane pigs, seals, and coatings. Download Sample PDF Copy: Furthermore, the mining sector's ambitious goal to increase coal production to 1 billion tons is directly fueling the need for high-performance, abrasion-resistant polyurethane screens and liners. This specialized demand is supported by the robust health of the broader manufacturing sector, evidenced by the sustained growth in India's Index of Industrial Production (IIP) throughout 2024, confirming a resilient and diversifying customer base for casting polyurethane stakeholders. Key Findings in India Casting Polyurethane Market Market Forecast (2033) US$ 308.18 million CAGR 7.82% By Product Type Rolls (30.64%) By Prepolymer Type Polyester Based Prepolymer (44.71%) By Resin Grade Standard Grade (33.33%) By Manufacturing Process Casting (Liquid Polyurethane) (51.40%) By Design Elastomeric (35.99%) By Application Industry Casting (30.54%) By Distribution Channel Distributors/Wholesalers (50.68%) By Industry Automotive (25.76%) Top Drivers Rapid industrialization fueled by the 'Make in India' initiative. Superior performance characteristics compared to traditional materials like rubber. Strong demand from automotive, construction, and footwear end-use industries. Top Trends Increasing focus on sustainable, bio-based, and recyclable polyurethane solutions. Adoption of 3D printing for rapid prototyping and manufacturing. Development of custom-formulated, high-performance polyurethane for specific applications. Top Challenges Volatility in the prices of essential raw materials. Navigating stringent environmental regulations on production and disposal. Competition from lower-cost alternative materials and imported products. Automotive Sector's Monumental Growth Propels Unprecedented Demand for Casting Polyurethane Components The Indian automotive industry stands as a primary and voracious consumer of casting polyurethane market, driven by the relentless pursuit of lightweighting, durability, and enhanced performance. The sheer scale of this demand is staggering, with the Indian automotive market projected to produce over 30 million vehicles by the end of 2024. This monumental production volume translates directly into a massive requirement for polyurethane parts such as bushings, seals, and shock absorbers. Furthermore, the Indian auto components industry is on a clear path to become the 3rd largest in the world by 2025, cementing its role as a critical demand driver. A particularly insightful trend is seen in the Electric Vehicle (EV) space, where prototype development cycles for critical applications, including EV battery components that utilize cast polyurethanes, have lengthened from 18 to 28 months since 2020, indicating more complex, high-value applications for which advanced materials are indispensable. India's Infrastructure Boom Creates Foundational Demand for Durable Casting Polyurethane Solutions India's ambitious national infrastructure development agenda is a cornerstone of the demand for high-performance materials in the casting polyurethane market. The inherent properties of casting polyurethane—such as exceptional abrasion resistance, load-bearing capacity, and environmental resilience—make it an ideal material for the demanding applications within the construction sector. The sector's foundational strength is evidenced by a GDP from construction that increased to US$ 31.53 billion in the third quarter of 2021, setting a high baseline for continued expansion. This growth is further fueled by significant capital injection, with infrastructure activities accounting for a substantial $81.72 billion in 2021. This investment is materializing into countless projects requiring durable components like concrete molds, pipe linings, and bridge bearings, creating a steady and growing revenue stream for the India casting polyurethane market. "Make in India" Fuels Industrial and Manufacturing Sector Casting Polyurethane Consumption The "Make in India" initiative has catalyzed a renaissance in the country's manufacturing and industrial heartlands, directly benefiting the India casting polyurethane market. The foundry industry, a critical component of this ecosystem, is a major consumer. In early 2024, India solidified its position as the world's second-largest producer of castings, with a massive annual production of 12 million tons. This sector's momentum is set to continue, with the foundry industry's output projected to increase by a healthy 7% in 2024 alone. This production is supported by a vast network of over 4,500 foundries, which collectively employ over 500,000 people both directly and indirectly. Geographically, the city of Coimbatore is a significant hub, accounting for nearly 40% of the nation's total casting output. Complementing this is the strong industrial base in West India, where states like Maharashtra and Gujarat hold a 27.5% share of the polyurethane foam market, indicating concentrated industrial demand. These foundries rely on casting polyurethane for creating high-precision, durable patterns and core boxes, making their growth intrinsically linked to the success of the India casting polyurethane market. High-Tech Electronics and Electricals Emerge as a Key Growth Frontier While traditional heavy industries are bedrock consumers, the rapidly advancing electronics and electrical sector is emerging as a sophisticated and high-value frontier for casting polyurethane applications. The primary use here is in potting and encapsulation, where polyurethane compounds are used to protect sensitive electronic components from moisture, shock, vibration, and thermal stress. The potential of this segment is immense, as India's digital economy is forecast to skyrocket to an astonishing US$1 trillion by 2025. This top-level economic transformation is driven by a domestic electronics manufacturing boom, which in turn creates a cascading demand for protective materials, positioning the India casting polyurethane market as a key enabler of this high-tech revolution. Strategic Investments and Capacity Expansions Signal Unwavering Market Confidence and Growth Nothing signals a market's health and future potential more clearly than tangible investments from industry leaders. In this regard, the India casting polyurethane market is receiving powerful endorsements. Global chemical giant BASF India is set to increase its production capacity of Ultramid® polyamide (PA) and Ultradur® polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) by over 40% across its Panoli and Thane facilities, with this new capacity becoming available in the second half of 2025. Further demonstrating a commitment to innovation, BASF inaugurated a new, state-of-the-art Polyurethane Technical Development Center in Mumbai in May 2024, a facility spanning approximately 2,000 square meters. Adding to this momentum, Pearl Polyurethane Systems strategically opened a new distribution center in Maharashtra in December 2023. These actions are not speculative; they are calculated moves based on clear demand signals, reflecting deep confidence in the sustained growth of the India casting polyurethane market. Navigating the Critical Raw Material Landscape for Sustainable Market Growth A comprehensive market analysis requires an understanding of the upstream supply chain. In 2024, Methylene diphenyl di-isocyanate (MDI) stands out as the largest revenue-generating raw material within the Indian polyurethane market, making its availability and pricing a critical factor for manufacturers. The supply chain is not without its challenges; for instance, the shutdown of BASF's Ludwigshafen TDI plant in 2023 is anticipated to maintain tight supply conditions for Toluene di-isocyanate (TDI), a key precursor, potentially pushing prices upward through 2024. Successfully navigating these raw material dynamics—securing stable MDI supply and mitigating TDI price volatility—will be a key determinant of profitability and sustainable growth for participants in the competitive India casting polyurethane market. Analyzing India's Expanding Role Within the Global Polyurethane Trade Dynamics India's position in the global polyurethane trade is evolving rapidly, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity. Forecasts predict that polyurethane imports into India will reach 184.4 million kilograms by 2026, underscoring the nation's significant and growing domestic consumption that currently outpaces local production. However, the domestic industry is simultaneously scaling its export capabilities. Between October 2023 and September 2024, Indian companies exported 3,630 shipments of Polyurethane Resin. Looking ahead, polyurethane exports from India are forecast to reach 27.7 million kilograms by 2026. This dual dynamic highlights a vibrant domestic market with immense internal demand, alongside a growing capacity to compete on the global stage, further strengthening the overall ecosystem for the India casting polyurethane market. Need a Customized Version? Request It Now: Exploring Niche Applications and Future Horizons for Market Growth Beyond the primary demand drivers, the future vitality of the India casting polyurethane market will be shaped by its penetration into high-growth niche applications. The versatility of the material opens doors to diverse sectors. A prime example is the Indian furniture market, where the organized segment is projected to grow significantly by 2035. This expansion will drive demand for polyurethane components in commercial and residential furniture, from molded chair shells to high-resilience foam cushions. The confluence of foundational strength in automotive and construction, explosive growth in industrial manufacturing, and the emergence of new frontiers in electronics and consumer goods creates a multi-faceted and resilient demand structure. The outlook is unequivocally positive, promising a robust and expansive future for the India casting polyurethane market. India Casting Polyurethane Market Major Players: BASF SE Covestro AG DOW Inc. Rubber Regenerating & Processing Co Precision Polyurethanes K.D. Joshi Rubber Industries Pvt. Ltd . Perfect Polymers Parakh Rubber House D.P. Rubber Pvt. Ltd. Suryakiran Industries SOFTEX INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS PVT. LTD . Other Prominent Players Key Market Segmentation: By Product Type Rolls Formwork Pads Sheets Others By Prepolymer Type Polyester Base Prepolymer Polyether Base Prepolymer Polycaprolactone Base Prepolymer Others By Resin Grade Standard Grade High-Performance Grade Specialty Grade Others By Manufacturing Process Reaction Injection Molding (RIM) Casting (Liquid Polyurethane) Extrusion Compression Molding Others By Design Rigid Flexible Foamed Elastomeric Others By Application Industrial Castings Wheels & Tires Belt & Hoses Medical Devices Footwear Components Concrete Blocks Others By Distribution Channel Direct Sales Online Sales Distributors/Wholesalers By Industry Automotive Mechanical Electronics & Instruments Aerospace & Defense Footwear & Sports Healthcare Others Need to Validate the Data with a Domain Expert?: About Astute Analytica Astute Analytica is a global market research and advisory firm providing data-driven insights across industries such as technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and more. We publish multiple reports daily, equipping businesses with the intelligence they need to navigate market trends, emerging opportunities, competitive landscapes, and technological advancements. With a team of experienced business analysts, economists, and industry experts, we deliver accurate, in-depth, and actionable research tailored to meet the strategic needs of our clients. At Astute Analytica, our clients come first, and we are committed to delivering cost-effective, high-value research solutions that drive success in an evolving marketplace. Contact Us:Astute AnalyticaPhone: +1-888 429 6757 (US Toll Free); +91-0120- 4483891 (Rest of the World)For Sales Enquiries: sales@ Follow us on: LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube CONTACT: Contact Us: Astute Analytica Phone: +1-888 429 6757 (US Toll Free); +91-0120- 4483891 (Rest of the World) For Sales Enquiries: sales@ Website: in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

Trump's final stumbling blocks for countries hoping to avoid tariff hikes: Live updates
Trump's final stumbling blocks for countries hoping to avoid tariff hikes: Live updates

USA Today

time2 minutes ago

  • USA Today

Trump's final stumbling blocks for countries hoping to avoid tariff hikes: Live updates

Trump linked Canada's support for Palestinian statehood, India's purchase of Russian oil and Brazil's prosecution of its former president to tariffs. WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump introduced last-minute stumbling blocks for several nations seeking reprieves on trade before his reciprocal tariffs begin to go into effect just after midnight. Irked by Canada's support for Palestinian statehood, India's purchases of Russian oil and Brazil's prosecution of its former president, Trump threatened to punish the nations with higher tariffs, regardless of whether the actions directly harm U.S. exports or exacerbate existing trade deficits. In a Truth Social Post, the U.S. president linked Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's announcement that his country would recognize Palestinian statehood to the negotiations with Ottawa to stop a 35% tariff from going into effect at 12:01 am ET on Aug. 1. "Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine. That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them. Oh' Canada!!!" Trump said. Trump has made a flurry of deals with America's trading partners as his Aug. 1 deadline approaches, including agreements with South Korea and Pakistan and a trade pact with the European Union. Other countries that are currently paying a baseline tariff of 10% and have not entered into a separate arrangement with the United States may see their fees go up. Here's where Trump's tariffs and trade negotiations stand: Trump cites Bolsonaro prosecution in Brazil tariff hike In a July 30 executive order hiking tariffs on Brazil to 50%, he cited the nation's prosecution of former Brazilian president, Jair Bolsonaro, as a reason for higher import fees on some goods. The order moved an earlier deadline for the tariffs to go into effect to Aug. 6. He said that Bolsonaro, who's charged with plotting a coup, had been "politically persecuted." The administration also sanctioned the judge in the case in a separate action on the same day. India in the crosshairs for Russian oil purchases Trump blasted India for purchasing Russian oil, which has helped to prolong Vladimir Putin's war against Ukraine. He said in a social media post that he'd hit India with a 25% tariff. He also took aim at the country's participation in the BRICS economic group. The club rivals the Group of Seven economic alliance for advanced economies and includes Russia, Brazil, China and South Africa. In an overnight post on social media, Trump hit India again — and needled former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. More: Trump's trade talks intensify with tariff deadline fast approaching "I don't care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. We have done very little business with India, their Tariffs are too high, among the highest in the World," Trump wrote. "Likewise, Russia and the USA do almost no business together. Let's keep it that way, and tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he's still President, to watch his words. He's entering very dangerous territory!" Medvedev had previously issued a sharp warning to Trump over his threats to put steep tariffs on purchasers Russian oil. "Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with (Trump's) own country," the former Russian president said. U.S. closes in on a China deal Trump's administration has continued negotiate with China, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a July 31 interview with CNBC that the United States' believes a deal is close at hand. "I believe that we have the makings of a deal," Bessent said. Bessent was expected to update Trump on the status of negotiations later in the day. China faces an Aug. 12 deadline to reach an agreement with the United States. The tariffs will also face a key legal test this week as the U.S. Court of Appeals hears arguments in a case challenging Trump's authority to tap into emergency powers to impose unilateral tariffs. "If our Country was not able to protect itself by using TARIFFS AGAINST TARIFFS, WE WOULD BE 'DEAD,' WITH NO CHANCE OF SURVIVAL OR SUCCESS," Trump said on social media ahead of oral arguments.

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