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CDC Issues Travel Advisories for Americans Amid Chikungunya Outbreaks in Tropical Regions

CDC Issues Travel Advisories for Americans Amid Chikungunya Outbreaks in Tropical Regions

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued Level 2 travel advisories for Americans planning to visit certain tropical countries due to outbreaks of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne disease. The advisories apply to Cuba, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Guangdong Province in southern China, urging travelers to practice enhanced precautions. Chikungunya is characterized by symptoms such as fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rash. While most individuals recover within a week, severe cases can lead to prolonged joint pain or even hospitalization due to the risk of organ damage and death. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported 445,000 suspected and confirmed cases and 155 deaths worldwide from January to September 2025. The CDC also highlighted potential risks for travelers to Brazil, Colombia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Thailand.
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Mature markets push global debt to record near $346 trillion, says IIF

Mature markets push global debt to record near $346 trillion, says IIF

By Rodrigo Campos NEW YORK, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Developed markets led a borrowing push that lifted global debt to near $346 trillion at the end of the third quarter, while a pending ruling on the legality of U.S. tariffs could force even more U.S. issuance, a banking trade group said.
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Trading Day: Nervy Fed vigil almost over

Trading Day: Nervy Fed vigil almost over

ORLANDO, Florida, Dec 9 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks, bonds and the dollar held relatively steady on Tuesday as investors braced for the Federal Reserve's policy decision on Wednesday, while surprisingly hawkish remarks from Australia's central bank governor rocked markets there. More on that below.
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China and Brazil create joint space laboratory, despite US pressure

China and Brazil create joint space laboratory, despite US pressure

By Eduardo Baptista BEIJING, Dec 10 (Reuters) - China and Brazil have begun building a joint laboratory for space technologies, Chinese state-owned defence electronics firm CETC said, deepening scientific ties as the two countries push ahead with a major telescope project in South America.
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CRML and Romania Establish Joint Venture to Develop European Rare Earth Supply Chain

CRML and Romania Establish Joint Venture to Develop European Rare Earth Supply Chain

Critical Metals (CRML) has entered into a 50/50 joint venture with Romania's state-owned Fabrica de Prelucrare a Concentratelor de Uraniu (FPCU) to create a fully integrated European rare earth supply chain. This initiative aims to secure rare earth materials for European manufacturing and national security sectors. Under the agreement, CRML will have long-term offtake rights to 50% of the Tanbreez concentrate output and plans to develop a rare earth processing facility in Romania. This move challenges China's dominance in global rare earth processing, as China currently controls about 80% of this market. The facility will produce aerospace and military-grade magnets, enhancing stability for European industries.
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Brazilian Court Bars Maersk and Others from Initial Santos Terminal Auction Round

Brazilian Court Bars Maersk and Others from Initial Santos Terminal Auction Round

A Brazilian court has supported a proposal by the National Agency for Waterway Transport (Antaq) to structure the auction for a new port terminal concession in Santos, Brazil. The court's decision aligns with Antaq's plan to exclude current terminal operators from the first round of bidding. This move is intended to foster competition and increase investment in the port, which is the largest in South America and is nearing its container capacity limit. The auction is anticipated to be the largest in Brazil's port history, potentially leading to the creation of the country's largest container terminal. Current operators, including Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, and DP World, have expressed opposition to this structure, arguing it limits the project's potential. Despite their complaints, the court ruled in favor of Antaq's proposal, emphasizing the need for increased competition.
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Brazilian Court Bars Major Operators from Initial Santos Terminal Auction Round

Brazilian Court Bars Major Operators from Initial Santos Terminal Auction Round

A Brazilian court has supported the country's port administrator's decision to exclude current terminal operators from the first round of bidding for a new port terminal concession in Santos. The Federal Court of Accounts upheld Antaq's proposal for a two-stage auction process, aimed at increasing competition and investment in the port. The first phase will be limited to operators without current concessions in Santos, with a second phase open to all if the first does not yield satisfactory proposals. This decision affects major operators like Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, and DP World, who have expressed concerns about the auction structure.
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Critical Minerals Excluded from COP30 Discussions Despite Importance

Critical Minerals Excluded from COP30 Discussions Despite Importance

At COP30, critical minerals were initially included in discussions but ultimately excluded from the final text due to opposition from Russia and China. These minerals, essential for the energy transition, are crucial for producing batteries, solar panels, and energy systems. Despite their exclusion, the discussions highlighted the importance of developing sustainable and responsible supply chains for these minerals. The conference also saw protests over the environmental and social impacts of mining, particularly in Brazil, the host country, which has significant reserves of rare earths.
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China Maintains Dominance in France's Textile and Apparel Imports

China Maintains Dominance in France's Textile and Apparel Imports

China continues to be the leading supplier of apparel to France, maintaining a significant share of the market over the past five years. In the most recent year, China accounted for a substantial portion of France's garment imports, reflecting a stable position despite slight fluctuations in market share. This trend highlights the ongoing reliance on low-cost sourcing from Asia, even as France explores nearshore and EU suppliers for faster turnaround and compliance-friendly production. The data underscores the complex dynamics of global textile sourcing, where cost efficiency and supply chain agility are key considerations for importers.
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Australian Miners Invest in Brazil's Critical Minerals Amid Global Demand

Australian Miners Invest in Brazil's Critical Minerals Amid Global Demand

Australian mining companies are increasingly investing in Brazil's critical minerals sector, driven by the global demand for resources essential to clean energy and digital technologies. Brazil, which holds significant reserves of niobium, graphite, nickel, and rare earth elements (REEs), is becoming a key player in the global supply chain. The country is the world's second-largest holder of REE reserves, following China. Australian firms are developing projects to tap into these resources, with initiatives like the Serra Verde's Pela Ema project in Goiás state, which aims to supply a significant portion of global demand by 2027. Brazil's favorable business environment, including its renewable energy resources and skilled labor force, further attracts foreign investment.
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China's Naval Visit to Jamaica Challenges U.S. Security Strategy

China's Naval Visit to Jamaica Challenges U.S. Security Strategy

China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has sent the hospital ship CNS Silk Road Ark to Jamaica as part of Exercise Mission Harmony 2025. This visit is seen as a challenge to the U.S.'s new National Security Strategy, which aims to maintain American influence in the Western Hemisphere. The Chinese ship will provide medical services in Jamaica and other countries in the region, including Mexico and Brazil. This move is part of China's broader strategy to expand its influence through humanitarian diplomacy, directly competing with U.S. efforts in the region.
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China's Naval Visit to Jamaica Challenges US National Security Strategy

China's Naval Visit to Jamaica Challenges US National Security Strategy

The United States' new National Security Strategy aims to reinforce American dominance in the Western Hemisphere, a region traditionally defined to include North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean. This strategy seeks to prevent non-Hemispheric competitors, such as China, from establishing a strategic presence in the region. In a direct challenge to this strategy, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has deployed the hospital ship CNS Silk Road Ark to Jamaica. The ship, equipped with advanced communication facilities and helicopters, is on a 12-day visit to provide medical services in Montego Bay, Kingston, and Falmouth. This visit is part of Exercise Mission Harmony 2025, a Chinese initiative to extend influence through humanitarian diplomacy across the Caribbean and Latin America, including stops in Mexico, Barbados, Brazil, Peru, and Chile. Concurrently, the US Navy's USNS Comfort is conducting a similar mission in the region under Operation Continuing Promise 2025.