Philippines Implements Measures to Tackle Inflation and Rice Prices

The Philippines is taking proactive measures to combat rising inflation and stabilize rice prices, a significant staple. Among these measures, a proposed reduction in rice import tariffs aims to lower consumer costs. The government also encourages private-sector-driven rice imports while expediting shipment clearance processes, ensuring sufficient rice supply. To address potential crop losses due to El Niño, the farm ministry recommends additional rice imports of 500,000 metric tons. Despite recent inflation challenges, authorities are optimistic about price stability as farmers prepare to harvest around five million metric tons of rice in the coming months, contributing to the country’s annual target.
U.S., European suppliers scramble to secure Christmas goods as cargo delays worsen

Suppliers to Walmart (WMT.N), Target (TGT.N), Amazon.com (AMZN.O) and other major retailers told Reuters they are placing holiday orders for Chinese-made merchandise weeks earlier this year, as a global shipping backlog threatens to leave many gift buyers empty-handed this Christmas shopping season.
Soaring costs challenge Canadian retailers counting on post-COVID surge

Canadian retailers are readying for a post-pandemic rebound as consumers emerge from lockdowns and open their wallets, but higher costs are eroding their profit margins and fanning inflationary pressures.