In early January, China released its 2024 trade surplus at a staggering $990 billion, shattering the previous record of $838 billion set two years prior. Exports in December also reached new highs with a surplus of $104.8 billion in the month alone. While some economists believe this shows China’s dominance in manufacturing, others argue it shows unsustainable growth with risks of deflation. China’s unprecedented trade surplus risks the escalation of tariffs and eroding trade partnerships.
globalEDGE Blog
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Tragedy has struck California as devastating wildfires, which began on January 7th, continue to ravage the region. Over a week later, the fires show no signs of slowing, leaving destruction and heartbreak in their wake. More than 180,000 people have been impacted, with countless residents displaced, homes destroyed, and lives tragically lost. This disaster marks a dull beginning to 2025, compounding the challenges those in the affected areas face.
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Welcome back to the globalEDGE Blog! With the start of the Spring 2025 semester, our Michigan State University student authors are excited to bring you another season of blogs.
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As the semester winds down, the globalEDGE team is preparing for a well-earned winter break. Your engagement and support motivate us to continue striving for excellence. We encourage you to explore the diverse content available across the globalEDGE website during this time. In the meantime, check out our social media—we recently joined Instagram! Check us out @msuglobaledge.
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In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in the emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, which are now shaping industries, governments, and education systems worldwide. Business schools are critical in preparing future leaders to address sustainability challenges. However, integrating ESG principles into business education differs significantly between regions, mainly Europe and the United States.
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XRP has risen to become the third-largest cryptocurrency behind Bitcoin and Ethereum, which has helped contribute to a turning point in digital assets. Ripple is the company behind XRP, and the success of this crypto comes from its research into a creative strategy for revolutionizing international payments processing. The blockchain-based payment network RippleNet has positioned XRP as a pillar of global banking and collaborated with top institutions throughout the globe.
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The British Columbia Maritime Employers Association has locked out more than 700 supervisors at ports throughout British Columbia. At the same time, a strike at the Port of Montreal, the biggest port in eastern Canada, continues to cause problems. The strike has already led to partial closures, affecting 40% of the port’s container traffic. Shipping delays could quickly add up, potentially disrupting important international shipments and creating significant economic challenges for global businesses and consumers.
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The whisky industry, long dominated by traditional producers in Scotland, Ireland, and the United States, is experiencing a shift in international markets. Recent developments highlight international challenges and opportunities for whisky producers, highlighting the changing dynamics of international trade and shifting consumer tastes.
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Japan is at an essential moment in its history. After three decades of slow economic growth, the country has a chance to rebuild its economy through startups and technology innovation. With a rising interest in Japanese startups from local and foreign investors and efforts by the government to support entrepreneurship, Japan can turn the corner. However, there are still many challenges the startups need to overcome.
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Over half the global population in 2024 will have voted in some sort of election in what has been described as the “mother year” for elections. The United Kingdom, Botswana, India, North Macedonia, Poland, Argentina, and, recently, the United States have entered election season with one central theme becoming apaprent: incumbent politicians have been losing at an unprecedented rate in global history.