BDC’s Trade Information Facility News 010
Monthly economic review of emerging market economies: January 2010 update
Emerging market economies, particularly emerging Asia, are leading the world recovery. Nonetheless, each country is recovering at a different pace with growth in countries like Mexico, South Africa, Russia and Turkey expected to be fragile in 2010. Planned exit strategies from fiscal stimulus measures hold the key to sustained growth in 2010.
Source: Euromonitor International
For more information on the service please contact sender
Trinidad & Tobago – Deflationary Pressures To Keep Rates Stable
Still-weak economic activity is likely to keep deflationary pressures to the fore for the time being, allowing the central bank to keep its loose monetary policy in place until the latter part of 2010. While returning economic activity may presage some price pressures going forward, we anticipate only a very moderate hiking cycle in 2010, and expect monetary authorities to raise rates by 150bps to 6.50% by year-end.
Heading Lower
Trinidad & Tobago – Retail Price Index, % chg
Source: BMI, CBTT
For more information on the service please contact sender
‘CA to be Jamaica’s exclusive national carrier’
The Jamaican Government has agreed to ensure that local company Caribbean Airlines (CA) is designated the exclusive national carrier of Jamaica under the air services agreements between itself and other territories. This was stated in the non-binding letter of intent signed on January 22 by the Jamaican Government, Air Jamaica Ltd, Air Jamaica Holdings Ltd and Caribbean Airlines, the Jamaican Gleaner reported.
Source: Trinidad Express (13/02/10) http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_business?id=161595470
Asia – Dissecting Global Trade Links
BMI View: China’s January trade figures were positive, with imports in particular showing strength in excess of favorable yearly comparisons. US consumer demand and Chinese raw material demand will be crucial to how fast the trade surplus falls going forward. Moreover, with Australia’s trade deficit continuing to widen despite its growing trade surplus with China, the Australian economy could suffer heavily from faltering Chinese commodity demand.
Source: Business Monitor International
For more information on the service please contact sender
US businesses getting Caribbean tax holiday
Greg Hennessy designs software in New York, where his US$2 million-a-year company, SWAT, is based. His customer credit-card payments go to a bank in Panama, where his business is incorporated. As a result, he pays taxes at Panama’s bargain-basement rates, far lower than what he’d owe in the US “So far,” he says, “it’s been excellent.” Red Ball, a company in Phoenix, runs Web sites selling collectibles, software, and assorted other goods. It routes its nearly US$15 million in card revenue to the tropical island of Nevis, where Red Ball is incorporated.
Source: Trinidad Guardian (17/02/10) http://guardian.co.tt/business/business/2010/02/17/us-businesses-getting-caribbean-tax-holiday
Refillable packaging: What’s in it for the consumer?
Whilst the idea of refilling your own packs in store is not new, a new trial by ASDA supermarkets in the UK is again attempting to bring this idea from smaller niche outlets into the mainstream. Consumers are being offered ASDA private label fabric softener in a refillable plastic pouch that can be used up to 10 times in store.
Source: Euromonitor International
For more information on the service please contact sender