US Tourism Down 11%
Tourism into the United States plunged by over 10% last month while more Americans consider moving abroad according to new data from National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO).
In March visitors from the US’ neighbour, Canada, was down by just over 20% while visitors from Western Europe was down 17%.
But while tourism from outside the country is down people within the 50 states are considering moving abroad.
The poll, conducted by Harris Insights and Analytics, finds that 42% of Americans are considering or are relocating abroad with Canada the top choice of destination.
European Commission relaxes CO2 rules for cars and vans
The European Union (EU) is set to provide more flexibility for car manufacturers in order to achieve emissions targets from now until 2027.
As part of the move the European Commission (EC) has proposed an amendment that will give manufacturers the ability to be given three years to meet the CO₂ targets on average instead of the current annual target. The European Automobile Manufacturers' Federation(ACEA) welcomed the proposal as it offers manufacturers a competitive edge by avoiding job losses.
The move follows a similar rule implemented by the UK government.
The EC’s proposal has been submitted to the Council of the EU and the European Parliament, which will now each determine their positions and reach a political agreement.
China – ASEAN Trade up 9%
Trade between the ASEAN countries and China reached 6 trillion yuan ($962 billion) last year marking a 9% increase year-on-year as China consolidates its regional ties amid simmering relations between Beijing and Washington.
The ASEAN countries, which consists of Myanmar, Laos, Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Cambodia, have harnessed relations with Beijing since the opening of the China-Vietnam freight train in 2017. Since the launch the volume of goods traded has increased as the initial five trips per month of only basic goods has evolved as rail efficiency has improved.
The route saw the delivery of festive goods during this year’s Spring Festival Holiday with rapid transport of ASEAN fruits including Vietnamese durians and coconuts into China.
The railway departments plans to add new logistics equipment including all-container types in the China-Vietnam freight train service to ensure a more free flowing transport of goods like steel, food, lubricants, sulfuric acid and lithium batteries. Greater harmonisation of trading ties is essential as Asian countries weather the storm of trade barriers erected by the United States.
While tariffs among ASEAN nations is virtually zero China has free trade agreements with the member countries.
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