Snapshot

We take a look at some of the events around the world affecting the global economy. From the Americas, through Europe, and then Asia, find out the latest from around the globe this quarter.

United States

The US is short of 80,000 truck drivers, which has made it hard to get products from ports to shop shelves and is driving up prices for a wide variety of products.

Ecuador

President Guillermo Lasso has declared a state of emergency to combat a crime wave driven by drug-trafficking gangs and is pushing a bill allowing the air force to shoot down unauthorised aircraft.

Sudan

The World Bank has suspended its aid to Sudan and the US has frozen US$700 million in aid, after the military there staged a coup against the civilian government.

Brazil

Brazilian senators have voted to recommend charging President Jair Bolsonaro over his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. The president has maintained he is “guilty of absolutely nothing”.

Lebanon

A political dispute over a probe into Beirut’s August 2020 port blast saw protests turn into street battles, killing several people. At least six people have been killed and 30 injured.

Australia

The Australian federal government is spending A$1.5 million to study the potential of a hydrogen hub at the port of Newcastle as part of a transition into cleaner energy and to cut emissions.

Japan

The Japanese government plans a 30 trillion yen stimulus package to ease the fallout on the economy from Covid-19. It will include 100,000 yen in cash for children aged 18 or under, and a travel subsidy.

China

China has been hit by the worst energy crisis in decades, due to coal shortages. The arrival of winter is expected to add to the pressure on supplies, says the State Grid Corporation.