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Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Chinese shippers defy tensions as exports top expectations in July
Agencies China's exports exceeded forecasts in July, as manufacturers capitalized on a fragile tariff truce between Beijing and Washington to ship goods, particularly to Southeast Asia, ahead of tougher U.S. duties targeting transshipment. Global traders and investors are waiting to see whether the world's two largest economies can agree on a durable trade deal by Aug. 12 or if global supply chains will again be upended by the return of import levies exceeding 100%. U.S. President Donald Trump is pursuing further tariffs, including a 40% duty on goods rerouted to the U.S. via transit hubs that took effect on Thursday, as well as a 100% levy on chips and pharmaceutical products and an additional 25% tax on goods from countries that buy Russian oil. China's exports rose 7.2% year-on-year in July, customs data showed on Thursday, beating a forecast 5.4% increase in a Reuters poll and accelerating from June's 5.8% growth. Imports grew 4.1%, defying economists' expectations for a 1.0% fall and climbing from a 1.1% rise in June. China's trade war truce with the U.S. – the world's largest consumer market – ends next week, although Trump hinted that further tariffs may be imposed on Beijing due to its continued purchases of Russian hydrocarbons. 'The trade data suggests that the Southeast Asian markets play an ever more important role in U.S.-China trade,' said Xu Tianchen, senior economist at The Economist Intelligence Unit. 'I have no doubt Trump's transshipment tariffs are aimed at China, since it was already an issue during Trump 1.0. China is the only country for which transshipment makes sense, because it still enjoys a production cost advantage and is still subject to materially higher U.S. tariffs than other countries,' he added. China's exports to the U.S. fell 21.67% last month compared to the same period a year earlier, according to the data, while shipments to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) rose 16.59% over the same period. The levies are bad news for many U.S. trading partners, including the emerging markets in China's periphery that have been buying raw materials and components from the regional giant and furnishing them into finished products as they seek to move up the value chain. China's July trade surplus narrowed to $98.24 billion from $114.77 billion in June. Separate U.S. data released on Tuesday showed that the trade deficit with China shrank to its lowest level in more than 21 years in June. Despite the tariffs, markets showed optimism for a breakthrough between the two superpowers, with China and Hong Kong stocks rising in morning trade. Trump indicated earlier this week that he might meet Chinese President Xi Jinping later this year if a trade deal was reached. China's commodities imports painted a mixed picture, with soybean purchases hitting record highs in July, driven by bulk buying from Brazil while avoiding U.S. cargoes. Analysts, however, cautioned that inventory building may have skewed the import figures, masking weaker underlying domestic demand. 'While import growth surprised on the upside in July, this may reflect inventory building for certain commodities,' said Zichun Huang, China economist at Capital Economics, pointing to similarly strong purchases of crude oil and copper. 'There was less improvement in imports of other products and shipments of iron ore continued to cool, likely reflecting the ongoing loss of momentum in the construction sector,' she added. A protracted slowdown in China's property sector continues to weigh on construction and broader domestic demand, as real estate remains a key store of household wealth.
Express Tribune
01-08-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Democracy vs monarchy
The writer is an educationist based in Larkana. She can be reached at sairasamo88@ Listen to article Since its inception, humanity has longed for an ideal state - one where the rule of law is maintained, socio-political rights are safeguarded, and fundamental rights such as education, health and security are ensured. These aspirations are achievable when a governing body prioritises the welfare of its people above its own interests. The question remains: which form of governance is better — democracy or monarchy? Democracy is often described as a government of the people, by the people, for the people, as famously defined by Abraham Lincoln in his Gettysburg Address (1863). In this system, power lies with the citizens, who elect leaders responsible for creating a government that maintains the rule of law, provides quality education and healthcare, and secures the safety of its citizens. A fundamental feature of democracy is the right to dissent, allowing opposition voices to challenge or support the decisions made by the government. The collective will of the people plays a central role in governance, and mutual consensus is highly valued. Monarchy, on the other hand, is a form of governance passed down through family lineage, without the direct input or consent of the people. The monarch holds supreme power and their decisions are unquestionable. In such systems, the king or queen controls the military, treasury and judiciary, and the distribution of rights such as education, health and security is entirely dependent on the ruler's discretion. If the monarch is capable, these rights may be upheld, but in many cases, they are secondary concerns. Let us now compare the merits of democracy and monarchy using figures and statistics. According to the World Forum on Democracy, electoral democracies represent 120 of the 192 existing countries, constituting 58.2% of the world's population. The Democracy Index, issued by The Economist Intelligence Unit, categorised 167 countries based on governance. Of these, only 24 were fully democratic, 48 were termed flawed democracies, 36 were hybrid regimes, and 59 classified as authoritarian. Data from Google sources says that countries with welfare-focused governance models, such as the US, the UK with its parliamentary democracy, and China with its one-party rule, rank highly in education, healthcare and quality of life. The US records 2.8% GDP growth with a 79% literacy level, while the UK stands at 6.8% and 99%. China maintains 4.6% economic expansion alongside a 99.83% literacy level. Among monarchies, Saudi Arabia records 4.6% GDP growth with 96% literacy, Oman reaches 5.2% and 97.35%, and Brunei follows with a 4.2% GDP growth rate and a 97% literacy level, respectively. In terms of education, life expectancy, living standards and social security, these monarchies vary widely. Interestingly, some countries that transitioned from monarchies to democracies have, at times, reconsidered returning to monarchic rule, believing that monarchy offers certain advantages over democracy. One argument in favour of democracy is that it grants individuals the right to question their rulers and remove them through elections. Every citizen has a voice in governmental decisions. By contrast, in monarchies, executive power lies solely with the ruler, and there are no legal means to challenge their authority. Monarchs are all-powerful, and removing them is only possible in rare circumstances, such as military defeat and internal rebellion. While both systems have their merits, democracy prioritises the power and accountability of leaders to the people, whereas monarchy offers centralised rule. In the modern world, governance is increasingly judged by its ability to improve public welfare, regardless of its form. Churchill once said, "No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time." In the end, the question remains: which system truly delivers the best outcomes for its people. I leave it to the readers to decide whom they support for governance and how they wish to be governed.
CNBC
28-07-2025
- Business
- CNBC
U.S. trade deal offers initial relief but leaves Europe on the backfoot
After an initial sigh of relief at the U.S. and European Union avoiding further escalation by striking a trade agreement, concerns have grown that the framework deal is "unbalanced" and leaves Europe on the backfoot. The two trading partners on Sunday announced an agreement that includes a 15% tariff rate on most EU goods to the U.S. Some goods like aircraft components and certain chemicals are not set to be hit by tariffs, while autos will see duties reduced to the 15% rate. The agreement also includes provisions for the EU purchasing U.S. energy and increasing its investments in the country. The agreement halves the 30% tariff rate U.S. President Donald Trump had threatened the EU with and avoids any further escalation through for example countermeasures. Yet analysts and economists remain cautious as to the impact on both sides as negotiations are still set to take place. "It's a climb down from a much worse place," Cailin Birch, global economist at The Economist Intelligence Unit, told CNBC's "Europe Early Edition" on Monday. However, she noted, "a 15% tariff is still a big escalation from where we were pre-Trump 2.0." Birch also pointed out that a lot of uncertainty remains, with details about the steel and pharmaceutical sector still being unclear. European leaders struck similar notes overnight, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz saying that while the EU was able to protect its core interests, he would have welcomed further easing of transatlantic trade. France's minister for Europe, Benjamin Haddad, meanwhile said in a Google-translated social media post that while the deal would bring "temporary stability" to some sectors, it is "unbalanced" overall. Holger Schmieding, chief economist at Berenberg, warned that while the "crippling uncertainty" was over, the damage for Europe is more frontloaded in comparison to the long-term impact on the U.S. "The deal is asymmetric. The US gets away with a substantial increase in its tariffs on imports from the EU and has secured further EU concessions to boot. In his apparent zero-sum mentality, Trump can claim that as a "win" for him," he said. As it will take some time for U.S. consumers to feel the impact of tariffs, Trump's supporters may not immediately realize they are being hurt by the president's policies, Schmieding explained. This may encourage Trump to continue to pursue economic policies that are "bad" for the U.S., he added. The Economist Intelligence Unit's Birch meanwhile pointed out that the U.S. also did not get everything it may have wanted from the deal. "Both sides are, are kind of set back a bit from this deal," she said. "The U.S. didn't make any headway on a lot of issues that have in recent history been critical to their trade approach to the EU. So agricultural standards, the tech industry regulating standard that has been a big bugbear, there was no real mention of those standards whatsoever," Birch explained, acknowledging that the deal is not yet done.
BBC News
14-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- BBC News
The world's most liveable cities for 2025 – and what it's really like to live there
While Vienna has topped the Global Liveability Index for years, 2025 crowned a new number one. From Copenhagen to Melbourne, we asked locals what it's actually like to reside in these famously liveable cities. The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has long ranked cities around the globe, offering a data-backed snapshot of where life is most comfortable and secure. The world's top-ranked cities have been remarkably consistent over the past few years. But in 2025, one major shift jolted the rankings: for the first time in three years, Vienna was dethroned. Copenhagen rose to the top thanks to perfect scores in stability, education and infrastructure – a tough trifecta to beat. However, the biggest shake-ups in 2025 weren't just about rising or falling scores – they were about safety, with geopolitical tensions rising worldwide. Vienna, in particular, suffered from a bomb threat that cancelled the 2024 Taylor Swift concert as well as a recently planned attack on a train station. Still, cities in Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Canada continue to fare well in the rankings, with Osaka the only Asian city cracking the top 10. So, what's it really like to call one of these places home? We asked locals from five of this year's top-ranked cities to find out. Copenhagen Taking the top spot in the liveability index, the Danish capital also recently ranked as the world's happiest city. The two go hand in hand, as Copenhagen's high stability, infrastructure and environment scores directly translate into daily happiness for residents. "Trains show up at 12:16 when they are scheduled for 12:16. No one blinks if you turn up in sneakers at a fancy restaurant, and a swim in a clean harbour is possible even in January if you are feeling brave," said Copenhagen resident Thomas Franklin, CEO of fintech company "Copenhagen wins me over every time with its calmness. Streets are wide, bikes outnumber cars and the city runs on common sense." Franklin also appreciates the city's community spirit and a lack of pressure that means you can meet a friend by the water with no planning and have coffee for two hours. While the skies might often be grey, he says the city is brightened by open-air markets, public saunas and the sound of kids running in the park. "It is a city that never tries too hard but always delivers," he said. American journalist Olivia Liveng moved here eight years ago and says that raising a child here has been "an unexpectedly wonderful experience" due to the city's family-friendly nature. "Our 2.5-year-old son attends a highly subsidised daycare that costs us about US$600 per month, covering everything," she said. "You can truly see where your tax money goes." A good work-life balance also benefits families, with many companies encouraging employees to take three weeks off in July. In addition, Liveng finds the infrastructure to be thoughtfully designed. "There are elevators in all metro stations, clean and reliable public transport and stroller-friendly buses," she said, contrasting it to a recent visit to New York, where a lack of lifts meant navigating the subway with a pushchair was a challenge. For a dose of local hygge, Liveng recommends a swim at Sandkaj Harbour Bath in the Nordhavn district. "It's a favourite spot to dip and lay in the Sun, especially during the warmer months," she said. For a winter visit, Franklin suggests the Islands Brygge harbour baths. "Grab a hot chocolate, sit at the water's edge and just watch Copenhagen drift by," he said. "The small rituals here are what stick with you." Vienna The Austrian capital may have slipped from first to second place in the index, but its perfect healthcare score still outranks every other city. It also maintains perfect scores in both education and infrastructure. The result is a place that residents rave about. "I'm a native New Yorker who moved to Vienna for the lifestyle about four years ago and have no plans on returning," said Nataleigh O'Connell, a communications consultant at UNIDO. "I've found a quality of life that I didn't think was possible in a major capital city." She points to affordability as a major draw, noting that rent is extremely reasonable, with a city-centre one-bedroom flat costing less than €850 per month. Vienna's extensive public transportation network is also clean and affordable, priced at just €1 a day for city residents. "It's a city that offers enough of everything, whether it be new restaurants, world-class performances or art exhibitions, without ever feeling overwhelming," said O'Connell. To experience Vienna like a local, she recommends visiting heurigen, local vineyards within the city limits. "The hiking trails that connect them offer spectacular views of the city," she said. Geneva Switzerland consistently ranks high for quality of life, thanks to policy and infrastructure that support well-being. Both Zurich and Geneva made the top five this year, but Geneva residents say their city has a different feel – more compact, more relaxed but with all the benefits of a global hub. "Geneva is a well-run city in a well-run country," said resident James F Royal, who moved here from Florida several years ago and is the author of the book Options Trading 101. "It offers many of the benefits of the big city – music, arts, business – in a cosier environment, meaning you get many advantages of urban life without the usual disadvantages." More like this:• The world's five happiest cities for 2025• The Danish city that's been designed for an easy life• Why Minneapolis is one of the world's happiest places With perfect healthcare and infrastructure scores, the city is also clean, safe and easy to navigate. "Whether you want to walk to your destination or use the dense public transportation system, you can get around easily with no car required," Royal said. In addition, Switzerland's reliable train network and central location make it easy to travel almost anywhere in Europe in just a few hours. Geneva is also one of Switzerland's most diverse cities, with more than 40% of residents born abroad. "Inhabitants get the benefits of that diversity, such as a wide range of cuisines and people with interesting backgrounds," Royal said. The city's natural beauty – especially the crescent-shaped Lake Geneva and its mountain backdrop – also add to the appeal of daily life. The lake has plenty of spots to picnic and sunbathe, with La Grange Park offering unique lake views and expansive rose gardens. Royal recommends visitors enjoy the restaurants and pop-up bars that appear during the summer months, and the Christmas markets in the winter. Melbourne Ranked fourth in the index, Melbourne received perfect marks in healthcare and education. But its high scores in culture and environment are what inched it above other Australian cities – including Sydney and Adelaide, which also cracked the top 10. Melbourne also scored well on infrastructure – and lawyer Oliver Morrisey says he chose to base his practice here due to an overall efficiency he rarely finds in other major cities. "I can walk from the Supreme Court to a client meeting near Collins Street in under 15 minutes; and I can work intensely during the day then take my daughter for a walk through Fitzroy Gardens after school," he said. "That is what liveability means to me. It is not just about lifestyle. It is about ease of movement between the parts of life that matter." Even for those outside the city centre, Melbourne's transportation network makes getting around simple. "The transport system connects the inner and outer suburbs for an easy commute within 50 minutes without segregating suburbs," said Melbourne resident Katherine Tuominen, founder of Catalyst Brand Strategy, who has lived in 10 cities around the world but finds Melbourne the most liveable. She also loves Melbourne's multicultural energy, which brings together people from all walks of life and fuels a vibrant mix of activities, events and cuisines. "It's never boring, and there are always new ways to broaden your perspective and try something different," she said. She recommends visitors wander the city's graffiti-lined laneways or explore speakeasy-style bars like Beneath Driver Lane and Miss Gunn's Basement Bar. Morrisey suggests lunch on Lygon Street, widely considered the birthplace of the city's cafe culture. "Eat slow, talk loud and take your time," he said. "That is the real Melbourne." Osaka The only Asian city to make the top 10 (ranked seventh overall), Osaka scored perfect marks in stability, healthcare and education. And while it's often overshadowed by flashier Tokyo, Osaka's under-the-radar vibe is exactly what residents love about living here. "Osaka is a very well-developed, very cool city," said long-time resident Graham Hill who runs the review website Osaka City. "It is to Japan what San Francisco might be to the United States: a smaller city, but with a unique flavour of its own." The city's reliable infrastructure – including a clean, punctual and wide-reaching transit system – make Osaka easy to live in, without the crowds of Tokyo. Hill says it's simpler to get reservations at top-tier places, and the prices are much better as well. Dominic Dijkstra, director of mixology at the newly opened Waldorf Astoria Osaka, agrees: "Whether it's a quick bowl of ramen after work or a beautifully crafted kaiseki dinner, you're never far from an amazing meal." Dijkstra learned his craft in Manchester, England, and says that Osaka has a similar kind and unpretentious vibe. "People are proud of their culture and are always ready to share it with you," he said. "Osaka has a warmth and humour in everyday life that makes it feel liveable beyond convenience. People chat to you in shops, joke with you at the bar and make the city feel like home." While Osaka has major tourist attractions like the historic Osaka Castle, Hill recommends visitors seek out everyday Osaka pleasures. "Hanging out at Streamer Coffee Company in Shinsaibashi is a first-class 'cool' urban experience to rival any city," he said. "Grabbing something to eat from Utsubo Bakery Panena and sitting down in Utsubo Park delivers some of the simple pleasures available to an Osaka local." Dijkstra recommends heading to Kyobashi train hub to find the city's true soul, noting that the string of tiny bars just outside the station is always full of friendly Osakans at any time of day. "Grab a beer or a highball and squeeze in next to the locals," he said. "You'll get an authentic glimpse into why this city is so special." -- For more Travel stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
India.com
22-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- India.com
Global Liveability Index 2025: Only One Asian City In Top 10, Pakistan-Bangladesh At Bottom- Where Does India Rank?
photoDetails english 2919886 Updated:Jun 22, 2025, 11:21 AM IST Copenhagen Tops the List in 2025 1 / 16 The Danish capital, Copenhagen, has dethroned Vienna to become the most liveable city in the world. The city earned perfect scores in infrastructure, education, and stability, pushing it to the top of the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) Global Liveability Index 2025. Vienna Drops to Second Over Security Fears 2 / 16 Vienna, which held the top spot for three consecutive years, slipped to second place due to a drop in its stability score triggered by recent terror threats. Despite this, it still leads in healthcare and maintains excellent scores in other categories. Asia-Pacific Makes Gains, But Only One Makes Top 10 3 / 16 Only one Asian city made it into the top 10 this year. While cities in Japan and Australia performed well, they couldn't crack the highest ranks. The Asia-Pacific region did see overall gains in education and infrastructure. North America's Bright Spot: Vancouver 4 / 16 Vancouver remains North America's only entry in the top 10, thanks to its consistent high scores in healthcare, infrastructure, and environment. However, the US continues to struggle with urban crime and political instability affecting its city rankings. Western Europe Dominates the Top 10 5 / 16 Six of the top 10 most liveable cities in 2025 are from Western Europe. Cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Frankfurt continue to impress with their public transport, education systems, and quality of life. Middle East Cities Slowly Climb 6 / 16 Al Khobar in Saudi Arabia is among the biggest risers this year. Thanks to the Vision 2030 reforms, the city improved its scores in education and healthcare. However, instability in the broader region continues to hold others back. The World's Top 10 Most Liveable Cities in 2025: 7 / 16 Source: The Economist Intelligence Unit- Global Liveability Index 2025 The World's Least Liveable Cities in 2025 8 / 16 Damascus once again ranked at the very bottom with a dismal score of 30.7, plagued by war and crumbling infrastructure. Tripoli (Libya), Dhaka (Bangladesh), and Karachi (Pakistan) also remain in the bottom 10, with minimal improvements. The World's Bottom 10 Least Liveable Cities in 2025: 9 / 16 Source: The Economist Intelligence Unit- Global Liveability Index 2025 Where Does India Rank in the Global Liveability Index 2025? 10 / 16 India continues to face challenges in the Global Liveability Index 2025, with none of its major cities making it to the top half of the rankings. While cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai showed modest improvements in infrastructure and education, rising pollution levels, traffic congestion, and political instability have impacted their overall scores. Additionally, growing concerns over healthcare accessibility and urban safety have kept Indian cities from climbing higher. The stability score, in particular, took a hit due to socio-political tensions and security concerns. Though there's visible progress in tech hubs and metro expansions, India still has a long way to go before it competes with global leaders in liveability. Instability and Conflict Drag Rankings Down 11 / 16 Political tensions, threats of conflict, and civil unrest caused a global 0.2-point drop in stability scores. Cities like Tehran and those in Taiwan and parts of India saw noticeable ranking drops due to these concerns. Healthcare and Education Saw Global Improvement 12 / 16 Despite geopolitical issues, global averages in healthcare and education have improved slightly. Better facilities and post-COVID policy investments played a role in this rise, especially in the Middle East and South Asia. Top 10 Most Liveable Cities (2025): 13 / 16 1. Copenhagen 2. Vienna 3. Zurich 4. Geneva 5. Vancouver 6. Frankfurt 7. Amsterdam 8. Osaka 9. Melbourne 10. Munich Bottom 5 Least Liveable Cities (2025): 14 / 16 1. Damascus 2. Tripoli 3. Dhaka 4. Karachi 5. Port Moresby Why These Rankings Matter? 15 / 16 As people continue to migrate to cities in search of better lives, these rankings shape global conversations about urban planning, investment, and migration. They help governments, businesses, and citizens make informed decisions about where to live and work. Global Liveability Index 2025 16 / 16
