Latest news with #manufacturers
WIRED
9 hours ago
- Business
- WIRED
Analysts Say Trump Trade Wars Would Harm the Entire US Energy Sector, From Oil to Solar
I also think the tariff on it is just as important as the uncertainty about not knowing where the end game is and what the tariffs are going to be. So, if you're on the manufacturing side of the renewables business, you're making investment decisions that have very long lives when you're building a manufacturing facility. Having that uncertainty around the investment climate and what the level of tariffs is going to be over the long-term just makes it more challenging to make all of those decisions. During the early part of this year, as this tariff war was starting, I had, like, biweekly calls from this manufacturer in Korea, just exasperated, saying, 'Doesn't the US government know that we're making long lead time decisions, and we need to have some sort of clarity around what the policy environment is going to be, not just for the next four years, but for the next 10 years?' The US is making it very challenging right now to make these types of investment decisions. Is there any US energy industry that benefits from trade tensions? I don't think anybody benefits, per se, from the trade tensions. Everybody, no matter what part of the energy sector you're in, is having to navigate the uncertainty around what the tariff levels are going to be. That said, the overall policy environment has changed to one that is more favorable for natural gas. The fact that we are an exporter of natural gas and have all of the domestic resources that we need makes it less impacted by tariffs than what other sectors are, like renewables. But even for E&P [exploration and production of oil and gas], they utilize steel in that process. There are tariffs on steel. Steel prices have gone up. It has a negative impact on all energy sectors. One part of this report that jumped out to me is you said that the US may be stuck with older technologies, especially when it comes to solar, while the rest of the world advances at a quicker pace. What's the long-term effect of that? Before I answer that question directly, let me just give you some context. We estimate that the cost of building a utility-scale solar project is about $1.15 a watt in the US. The comparable number in China is about 42 cents a watt. It's not surprising that the cost of building a solar facility in China is a lot less than the cost of building a solar facility in the US. What is very surprising when we put this data together is how much less expensive it is to build a solar project in Europe than it is in the US. It's about 70 cents a watt to build a solar facility in Europe compared to the US. So the US is almost 50 percent more expensive to build a solar facility than the cost of building it in Europe. And the biggest reason that it's more expensive here is because of all the tariffs that we have on solar. It's not the only reason, but it's the biggest reason. So we've already kind of penalized solar with the tariffs that we have in place.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Pharma packaging meets tough regulations
In the highly regulated pharmaceutical industry, packaging plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety, efficacy, and compliance of medications. It is not just about containing the drug; it serves as a barrier between the product and external factors, such as contaminants, moisture, light, and air. But packaging in the pharmaceutical sector is far more than a protective covering—it must adhere to a stringent set of regulations that vary across countries. These regulations are designed to protect consumers, maintain product integrity, and prevent fraud. As the pharmaceutical sector grows, so too do the complexities surrounding its packaging requirements. Understanding the importance of pharma packaging is vital for manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers alike. For decades, packaging design, materials, and labelling have had to evolve to keep pace with increasing regulatory demands, new drug innovations, and changing consumer expectations. In this article, we'll explore the key regulations governing pharmaceutical packaging and examine how manufacturers are adapting to meet these tough standards. Pharmaceutical packaging is one of the most regulated areas in the entire manufacturing industry. The regulations that govern packaging are designed to ensure that products are safe for use and remain unaltered until they reach the consumer. These regulations focus on various aspects of packaging, including materials, labelling, and traceability. Most importantly, they protect against the risk of counterfeit drugs, a growing concern globally. In the European Union (EU), the regulations for pharmaceutical packaging are primarily governed by the EU's Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines. These guidelines cover the entire lifecycle of a drug, from manufacturing to packaging, and require manufacturers to use packaging that maintains the drug's stability, safety, and efficacy. One of the most stringent regulations involves child-resistant packaging. This is required for products that could pose a poisoning risk, such as medicines containing high doses of analgesics, paracetamol, or opioids. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a central role in overseeing pharmaceutical packaging regulations. The FDA enforces regulations concerning the packaging materials used in pharmaceuticals, ensuring that packaging does not interfere with the drug's quality. Similarly, the FDA's Drug Approval Process includes extensive testing for packaging to ensure that it meets requirements for tamper-evidence, labelling accuracy, and stability. Countries outside the EU and the US also have their own regulatory frameworks. Japan, for example, mandates that drug packaging must feature detailed instructions and warnings in both Japanese and English. Packaging regulations in China focus on the durability of materials, while India's packaging requirements include anti-counterfeit measures like holographic seals and track-and-trace systems. Navigating the complexity of these varying standards presents a challenge for global pharmaceutical companies. With the rise in global drug counterfeiting, pharmaceutical packaging has evolved to include several security features designed to protect consumers and ensure product authenticity. Packaging plays an instrumental role in preventing tampering, ensuring that medications reach consumers in their original, unaltered state. Tamper-evident features are a critical component of pharmaceutical packaging. These features make it apparent if a product has been opened or altered in any way. Common tamper-evident mechanisms include seals, shrink bands, breakable caps, and special adhesive labels. For instance, a bottle with a tamper-evident seal will show visible signs of damage if someone tries to open it. These features are essential to preventing fraud, which can lead to serious public health risks, including the distribution of counterfeit or substandard drugs. Beyond tamper evidence, the growing concern over counterfeiting has led to the incorporation of high-tech security features such as holograms, QR codes, and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags. These innovations not only serve as a deterrent to counterfeiters but also allow for the traceability of medications from manufacturing to the point of sale. The track-and-trace system, mandated in some regions, enables regulators and pharmaceutical companies to trace a drug's path along the supply chain, ensuring that the product is authentic and has been stored and handled appropriately. As the pharmaceutical industry continues to face growing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, packaging is one area where significant improvements are being made. Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly exploring ways to reduce waste, lower carbon footprints, and use more sustainable materials while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements. One of the primary concerns regarding the environmental impact of pharmaceutical packaging is the excessive use of plastic. Packaging waste, particularly from single-use plastic bottles and blister packs, contributes to environmental pollution. In response, many companies are now adopting eco-friendly alternatives, such as recyclable or biodegradable packaging materials. Some companies have even moved towards using plant-based plastics, which reduce reliance on fossil fuels and contribute less to pollution. In addition to choosing sustainable materials, manufacturers are focusing on improving packaging designs to minimise waste. For instance, reducing the size of packaging or opting for more compact designs helps to lower material consumption and the energy needed for production and transport. The growing use of minimalist packaging also aligns with broader sustainability trends and consumer demand for greener products. Regulations governing the environmental impact of packaging are already in place in many regions. The EU, for example, has introduced the Waste Framework Directive, which aims to reduce packaging waste and encourage the use of recycled materials. The directive is part of a broader effort to transition towards a circular economy, where resources are reused and recycled rather than disposed of. Pharmaceutical companies must navigate these regulations while ensuring that their packaging continues to meet safety and compliance standards. Pharmaceutical packaging is a critical part of ensuring the safety, effectiveness, and compliance of medications. From tamper-evident features to sustainable packaging solutions, pharmaceutical companies must adhere to an array of regulations that vary by region and product. These regulations are designed not only to protect consumers but also to ensure that drugs maintain their integrity from the manufacturer to the patient. As the global demand for medicines continues to grow, the pharmaceutical industry will face new challenges in packaging. However, with innovations in materials, security features, and sustainability, the industry is likely to evolve in ways that continue to prioritise both consumer safety and environmental responsibility. With regulatory bodies remaining vigilant and the rise of technology offering new solutions, pharmaceutical packaging will undoubtedly continue to meet tough regulations for years to come. "Pharma packaging meets tough regulations" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. 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
The Guardian
14 hours ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Trump claimed ‘tariffs are easy' – he's learning the hard way that's not the case
'Tariffs are easy,' Donald Trump claimed in March. For his administration, and the world, they have proven anything but. Now an obscure New York court has blocked his signature trade policy, setting up a battle that looks sure to end up in the supreme court. The plan was simple. For decades, Trump has made the case for tariffs. Now, in his second term, he would dramatically hike them on the world; raise trillions of dollars for the federal government; cut taxes for Americans; and lure manufacturers to the country's industrial heartlands, creating millions of jobs. But this drastic bid to overhaul the global economy has proved far more and again over the past four months, reality failed to match the rhetoric. Threats were followed by delays. Exemptions were carved out of supposedly universal tariff waves. Even when they were imposed, it was days, if not hours, before pauses were announced. Trump returned to office determined to ignore all the warnings that led his first administration to hold back from executing his most extreme ideas. Long before the president had returned to the White House, he had pledged to hike duties on his country's two biggest trading partners and launch a trade war with the world's second largest economy. Sweeping levies on dozens of other countries ensued. Each significant economic assault has set the stage for a swift retreat. Tariffs on Canada and Mexico were all but halted. Steep individual tariffs calculated for a string of trading partners were reduced to 10%. An eye-watering 145% tariff on Chinese goods was drastically cut, having been in place for a matter of weeks. Trump's mind in each case was not changed. His arm was twisted. Panic in the markets prompted his administration, after initially making a show of defiance, to back down. And warnings that the very people who voted Trump back into power would bear the brunt of his tariffs prompted the president, after initially playing down the risks, to reconsider. Trump's economic agenda, which is aides are trying to ram through without guardrails, has so far been curbed by real-world consequences that failed to match his narrative. And on Wednesday, a further twist threatened to derail the core of his plan. To impose blanket tariffs on nations from Mexico and Mauritius to China and Chad, the administration declared a national emergency and used the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a 1977 law, as legal justification. The flow of fentanyl across borders, and the fact the US imports more than it exports, are emergencies that warrant tariffs under IEEPA, according to the White House. A little-known federal court disagreed. IEEPA 'does not authorize any of the Worldwide, Retaliatory, or Trafficking Tariff Orders', the US court of international trade concluded in a ruling. Most of Trump's tariffs – including a 10% rate on all imports, introduced last month – 'exceed any authority granted to the President by IEEPA to regulate importation by means of tariffs', a panel of three federal judges wrote. An appeals court on Thursday ruled the decision was 'temporarily stayed until further notice while this court considers the motions papers.' But there is no doubt that this was a significant setback. Rather than reluctantly walk back his tariffs himself, and present it as some kind of negotiating coup, as Trump has repeatedly done in recent months, for the first time figures outside his administration were pulling the plug. 'This was a novel and expansive use of IEEPA, and an untested one,' said Greta Peisch, former general counsel at the Office of the US Trade Representative under Joe Biden. 'It was brand new,' she added. 'They were really testing the limits of that power, and the ability of the executive branch to use it to impose tariffs.' The administration's appeal alleged the ruling was an example of 'judicial tyranny' in the US. But a narrower decision on Thursday, when a second US court issued a preliminary ruling against Trump's tariffs in a case brought by two Illinois toy companies, Learning Resources and hand2mind, presented another legal obstacle. Whatever happens, this process is unlikely to force Trump to fundamentally rethink his economic agenda. The US court of international trade ruling was not about whether the White House should launch a series of tariff assaults on the world, but how. 'We've got a very strong case with IEEPA,' White House trade adviser Peter Navarro claimed during a Bloomberg interview on Thursday. 'But the court basically tells us, if we lose that, we just do some other things,' he said. 'So nothing's really changed.' After months of uncertainty, these latest legal spats add another layer of confusion, rather than provide clarity, to businesses trying to navigate the world economy under Trump. 'We will leave this decision to work its way through the United States courts system,' said Candace Laing, president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. 'Ultimately, the end of this trade war with the US will not come through the courts.' Despite Trump's promises, most Americans are not as 'rich as hell,' thanks to the tariffs. Nor have tariffs raised trillions of dollars, or created millions of jobs. But Trump's view has also not changed. They remain beautiful, at least in his eyes. 'Don't project that this is going to be where we end up,' Peisch, now an attorney at law firm Wiley, said of the current legal limbo. 'There's going to be lots of ups and downs before we get to wherever the final resting place is for tariffs under this administration.'
The National
a day ago
- Automotive
- The National
Rebuilding Lebanon after Israel's war: The vast costs and vexing political challenges
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
The Independent
a day ago
- Business
- The Independent
Trump says China ‘totally violated' tariffs pause deal: ‘So much for Mr. Nice Guy'
President Donald Trump on Friday lashed out at China once more by claiming that Beijing was somehow not abiding by an interim deal under which both American and Chinese tariff rates on each other's exports would be dialed back after Trump's trade war caused them to spike precipitously. Writing on Truth Social, the president claimed China had been in 'grave economic danger' before the deal was reached two weeks ago after negotiations between Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese officials in Switzerland. He also suggested that the whopping 154 percent tax he had forced American importers to pay on Chinese goods had been 'devastating' for China and had caused what he implied was rioting in Chinese streets, causing him to relent and agree to the deescalation agreement negotiated by Bessent. 'Many factories closed and there was, to put it mildly, 'civil unrest.' I saw what was happening and didn't like it, for them, not for us. I made a FAST DEAL with China in order to save them from what I thought was going to be a very bad situation, and I didn't want to see that happen,' he said. Continuing, the president claimed the deal had caused 'everything' to 'quickly stabilize' with Chinese manufacturers going back to 'business as usual' as 'everybody was happy.' 'That is the good news!!! The bad news is that China, perhaps not surprisingly to some, HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US. So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!' he added. It was not immediately clear what the president was talking about. Although there have been press reports of strikes and protests by Chinese workers employed by the electric car manufacturer BYD, according to China Labour Bulletin those protests began on March 28, three days before Trump announced the 'Liberation Day' tariffs that started a tit-for-tat which caused both China and the U.S. to effectively double the cost of imports from either country. It was also unclear how Trump believes China has violated the terms of the agreement, which laid out a 90-day pause in the exorbitant mutual tariffs to allow for more talks between the countries. The White House did not immediately respond to a query on what unrest and violations the president was referring to in his post.
