The following GAIN reports were released on August 5, 2022. _______
Thailand: Rice Price - WeeklyExport prices of all grades of rice increased around one percent from the previous week as the Thai baht strengthening to 35.94 baht/$1.00 from the previous week’s exchange rate of 36.49 baht/$1.00. There continue to be new inquiries for fragrant and white rice, especially from Middle Eastern countries, the European Union, and the United States. Fright costs were stable for most markets such as routes to the United States and Asian countries; although, the current rates remain higher than rates from before the COVID-19 outbreak. Domestic rice prices also remain unchanged from the previous week as the supplies of new second-crop rice enter the market.
South Africa: Anti Dumping Duties Suspended for Competitors but Remain for United States PoultryOn August 1, 2022, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition announced a decision to suspend the imposition of Anti-Dumping Duties (ADDs) on poultry from Brazil, Denmark, Ireland, Poland, and Spain for a period of twelve months “considering the rapid rise in food process… as well as the impact that the imposition of the anti-dumping duties may have on the price of chicken.” Although the Commission investigating dumping found that poultry originating in these countries was dumped into the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) market and recommended the application of ADDs, the Minister determined that the imposition of these duties would have a negative impact on the poor.
South Africa: Food and Fuel Feed Rising InflationSouth Africa’s annual consumer price index inflation rate surged to a 13-year high of 7.4 percent in June 2022, driven mainly by a rise in food and fuel prices. Fuel and food prices soared globally due to the Russia/Ukraine conflict that disrupted commodity markets. Food price inflation was exacerbated in South Africa by ongoing load shedding, or prolonged power outages, that have increased costs along the supply chain. As a result, South Africa’s food price inflation accelerated by 9.0 percent, the highest level since February 2017. The consumer prices of grain-related and vegetable oils products are expected to rise in the coming months, which will keep food inflation at relatively higher levels. To help curb the escalating inflation rate, the South African Reserve Bank increased the interest rate by 0.75 percent, rising borrowing costs to its highest level since March 2020. For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/. |
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Healthcare “plans” and “products” didn’t deliver as promised, says the FTC
By Lesley Fair
It’s a discussion taking place around kitchen tables at this very moment: “What healthcare coverage is best for us – and how can we afford it?” Even with glossaries, tables, and charts ‘n’ graphs, it can be a complicated decision. Now factor in the companies that trick people into buying insurance “plans” or healthcare products that make impressive claims, but deliver less than promised – or businesses that add on fees without consumers’ express consent. Is it any wonder that people are often provoked into insur-rants? A proposed $100 million FTC settlement with Benefytt Technologies and corporate affiliates, as well as settlements with former CEO Gavin D. Southwell and former Vice President Amy E. Brady, will offer relief for consumers injured by the defendants’ deceptive claims, Telemarketing Sales Rule violations, illegal billing practices, and hidden schemes that flouted the protections of the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA).Read more >
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Join SBA and Public Private Strategies Institute for a webinar on Wednesday, August 17 at 2:00 p.m. ET to learn about resources to help you develop effective international business strategies for growth. Speakers include:Gabriel Esparza, Associate Administrator, Office of International Trade, U.S. Small Business Administration
Alisa S. Joseph, Director of Programs, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.
Additional speakers will be announced later.
Register
U.S. Small Business Administration
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