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RNZ News
7 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Trump tariffs worse for NZ businesses than Covid-19 pandemic
US President Donald Trump delivers remarks on reciprocal tariffs during an event in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, DC, on April 2, 2025. Photo: AFP / Brendan Smialowski Two-thirds of Kiwi businesses think United States tariffs would have a more severe global impact than Covid-19 and the Global Financial Crisis over the next 12 months, with nearly 80 percent of exporters most concerned, a survey indicates. However, the Talbot Mills Research survey of more than 300 business leaders commissioned by ASB Bank indicates a quarter saw some opportunity in the tariffs. "The current market volatility and geopolitical tension may be our 'new normal', but we've been in positions of global uncertainty before and the research shows Kiwi businesses are already thinking about actions they can take to make their business more resilient and generate returns," ASB's executive general manager business banking Rebecca James said. "It's clear businesses view any proposed US tariffs as troubling, but it's pleasing that nearly a quarter of respondents see opportunity in tariffs too. New Zealand has a reputation on the world stage for ingenuity and a can-do attitude, and we want businesses to know there are things they can do to future-proof and manage risks in turbulent times." Donald Trump holds a chart with each country's tariffs, although some have been paused or changed since the announcement on 2 April, 2025. Photo: AFP / Brendan Smialowski President Donald Trump's America First trade policy is aimed at protecting US industries and addressing the trade deficit through tariffs. While tariffs were set at 10 percent for most countries, including New Zealand, there were some notable outliers including Chinese origin goods. Negotiations between China and the US were scheduled to begin this week, while the 10 percent baseline was paused for a 90-day period. Given the uncertainty, James said businesses were shifting their focus to closer to home. "The research shows a pendulum swing when it comes to trading partners, with businesses redirecting their attention to our close neighbours. "Location seems to be king, with our customers prioritising relationships much closer to home. "We're also seeing exporters maintaining high standards and doubling down on premium products to give us an edge on the global stage, even where it costs more for consumers." She said banks were seen as a critical support function for 39 percent of respondents, specifically for working capital support (31 percent), risk advice (26 percent) and trade finance (24 percent). "ASB has provided $4.6 billion to Kiwi businesses over the past five years including considerable support to companies looking to expand and navigate opportunities abroad. "We encourage companies doing business overseas to speak with their banker and engage with a trade specialist to ensure your business is in the strongest position." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Bloomberg
20-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
What Happened to Billionaire Philanthropy?
Opinion Now that Bill Gates and Warren Buffett plan to step back from their work, which billionaires are going to try to make the world better, asks Bloomberg Opinion Columnist Beth Kowitt. (Source: Bloomberg)
Sustainability Times
07-05-2025
- Health
- Sustainability Times
Silent Killer in Your Home: This Common Plastic Chemical Linked to Staggering 356,000 Heart Disease Deaths in 2018, Study Reveals
IN A NUTSHELL 🔬 A study by NYU Langone Health links the plastic chemical di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) to over 356,000 heart disease deaths globally in 2018. to over 356,000 heart disease deaths globally in 2018. 🌍 The impact of DEHP is unevenly distributed, with South Asia and the Middle East experiencing the highest exposure levels. is unevenly distributed, with South Asia and the Middle East experiencing the highest exposure levels. 💰 The economic cost of DEHP exposure ranges from $10.2 billion to $3.74 trillion annually, encompassing healthcare expenses and societal impacts. ranges from $10.2 billion to $3.74 trillion annually, encompassing healthcare expenses and societal impacts. 🚨 The study underscores the urgent need for regulations to reduce DEHP exposure and its associated health risks. In a world where convenience often trumps caution, a silent threat may be lurking in the everyday items we use. A recent study by scientists at NYU Langone Health has unveiled the staggering impact of a chemical found in common plastic products. Known as di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), this substance is linked to a significant number of heart disease deaths globally. In 2018 alone, DEHP exposure was associated with over 356,238 deaths worldwide, a startling revelation that underscores the urgent need for awareness and action. As we delve deeper into the findings, the implications of these numbers are both profound and far-reaching. The Global Impact of DEHP The study conducted by NYU Langone Health offers a detailed look at DEHP's influence on global health. DEHP, used to make plastics more flexible, is found in numerous everyday items such as food containers and medical IV bags. Unfortunately, its ubiquity has led to widespread exposure, with dire consequences. In 2018, DEHP was responsible for 13.5% of all cardiovascular deaths among individuals aged 55 to 64. This translates to 349,113 deaths directly tied to plastic use, a significant figure that highlights the chemical's pervasive threat. The impact of DEHP goes beyond mortality rates. The chemical has cost the world 10.47 million years of life lost in just one year, turning what was once an invisible risk into a quantifiable human burden. The breakdown of DEHP within the body leads to hormonal disruptions, impaired metabolism, and cardiovascular damage. These effects underscore the chemical's dangerous role in modern life and the pressing need for regulatory scrutiny and public awareness. 'Mission impossible, now possible': These high-tech robots to heroically clear 2,850 radioactive sandbags from Fukushima plant Unequal Toll Across Regions DEHP's impact is not evenly distributed across the globe, with certain regions bearing a disproportionate burden. South Asia and the Middle East are particularly affected, with up to 17% of heart disease deaths in these areas linked to DEHP exposure. Researchers found that exposure levels in these regions were six times higher than in Europe, a stark disparity that highlights the uneven nature of environmental risks. In conjunction with East Asia and the Pacific, these regions accounted for over 73% of all DEHP-related cardiovascular deaths globally. Even within countries like the United States and Africa, those with the highest DEHP exposure faced up to 30% higher cardiovascular mortality rates compared to individuals with lower exposure levels. This inequality is not only geographic but also intertwined with environmental, economic, and systemic factors, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities. Discover the Top Nutrient-Rich Foods that Can Assist in Your Weight Loss Journey The Economic Burden of Exposure The financial implications of DEHP exposure are as staggering as the human toll. The study estimates that the economic cost of DEHP exposure ranges from $10.2 billion to $3.74 trillion in a single year. These figures encompass healthcare expenses, lost wages, and the broader societal impact of lives cut short. By highlighting the connection between phthalates and cardiovascular health, the research adds to the growing body of evidence that these chemicals pose a significant threat to human health. The NYU team conducted this analysis by examining exposure data from 2008 and health outcomes from 2018, a period chosen to reflect pre-regulation exposure levels. By correlating these exposure levels with mortality data, researchers traced how DEHP exposure is linked to increased heart disease deaths, offering a concrete understanding of the risks associated with these chemicals. No, you're not dreaming: your allergies are getting worse : this relentless surge is driven by climate change and it's only the beginning Looking Ahead: Reducing DEHP Exposure As the findings of this study reverberate across the scientific and medical communities, the focus now shifts to mitigating DEHP exposure and its associated risks. The research team, led by Leonardo Trasande, is exploring how reducing DEHP exposure could positively impact mortality outcomes in the future. With regulations beginning to take shape after 2018, there is hope that stricter controls and increased public awareness will curb the chemical's detrimental effects. The study is published in the journal EBioMedicine and serves as a clarion call for action. As we grapple with the implications of these findings, the question remains: How will societies balance the convenience of plastic with the undeniable need to protect public health from such insidious threats? Did you like it? 4.6/5 (20)
