About Anupama Sen

Research Assistant in International Trade (Economics) at the UKTPO

Bridging food and energy crises: A global imperative in a warming world

The interconnected challenges of food insecurity and energy vulnerability are among the defining issues of the 21st century. Both are exacerbated by factors such as climate change, economic inequalities, and geopolitical instabilities, creating substantial strain on global systems. These impacts are felt most acutely in low-income nations, where access to basic necessities like food and energy often remains precarious. As the world navigates these challenges, a key question arises: how can food and energy security be ensured without compromising one for the other? Agriculture plays a vital role at the intersection of food production, energy consumption, and environmental sustainability. The sector accounts for almost 70% of global freshwater use and contributes over 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions.[1] Its reliance on fossil fuels—for mechanization, irrigation, transportation, and fertilizer production—has created a feedback loop that has the potential to exacerbate environmental degradation. This dependence also leaves agricultural systems vulnerable to energy price fluctuations, which could heighten the instability of food supplies. Increasingly, agriculture is being looked to for dual responsibilities: feeding a growing global population and supporting cleaner energy transitions, such as through biofuel production. However, this dual role can place food security and energy needs in competition, as biofuel crops [...]

By , |2025-01-16T10:03:02+00:0015 January 2025|Blog, International Trade|0 Comments

The EU’s tariff hike on electric vehicles from China: The data behind the decision

  For nearly a decade, China has been the linchpin of global supply chains, thanks to its competitive labour costs and vast manufacturing prowess, earning it a moniker as the 'factory of the world’. China’s strong manufacturing position extends to the automotive industry. Against that backdrop, starting on 4 July 2024, the EU will implement tariffs, in the form of countervailing duties (CVDs) ranging from 17% to 38%, on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). These duties on Chinese EV imports will be on top of an existing 10% duty, thereby reaching a peak of 48%. The decision to levy further duties follows an investigation by the European Commission launched in October to investigate Chinese subsidies distorting EV prices and posing unfair competition risks to European carmakers. Thus, the tariffs are applied on a company-specific basis, tailored to the level of subsidies allegedly received by Chinese firms. The EU's tariffs on Chinese EVs could be seen as a strategic move aimed at reducing its dependency on China in this sector whilst at the same time stimulating domestic EV production. While some may view this policy as protectionist or neo-mercantilist, it could alternatively be seen as a prudent industrial strategy to foster [...]

By |2024-10-11T15:09:30+01:0028 June 2024|Uncategorised|0 Comments
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