Governing Council Member Robert Holzmann has cast doubt on the European Central Bank’s (ECB) plans to lower borrowing costs this year, citing persistent inflation risks. In an interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Holzmann, who also heads Austria’s central bank, suggested that an interest-rate cut may not materialize until the very end of the year, if at all. The ECB’s policymakers are currently in a holding pattern, awaiting additional data to assess whether...

In the intricate web of global trade, exporters are facing unprecedented challenges as disruptions in the shipping industry ripple across supply chains. From soaring freight costs to prolonged transit times, exporters are grappling with a myriad of obstacles that threaten the viability of their operations. Rising Costs and Prolonged Transit Times: The once-efficient sea routes have become fraught with delays and exorbitant expenses, leaving exporters in a precarious position. For example, what...

Yara, a global leader in crop nutrition and sustainable solutions, recently announced its fourth-quarter results for 2023, highlighting both challenges and opportunities in the agricultural sector. Despite a decline in EBITDA compared to the previous year, the company remains optimistic about its improving trend and positive market outlook for 2024. Key highlights from the fourth-quarter results include: Svein Tore Holsether, President and CEO of Yara, acknowledged the impact of lower market prices...

In the face of sluggish demand in key markets such as Europe and the US, India’s export of engineering goods to Russia has witnessed a remarkable surge, crossing the $1-billion mark in 2023. This doubling of outbound shipments reflects a significant shift in India’s export landscape and highlights the resilience of its engineering sector amidst global economic challenges. Key sectors driving this export growth include machines, auto parts, steel and aluminum products,...