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U.S. Targets 60 Nations in Global Forced‑Labour Crackdown, Canada Included

The U.S. government has initiated a broad series of Section 301 investigations into 60 countries—ranging from major trading partners like Canada, the European Union, China, Mexico, Japan, and the U.K. —to determine whether they have failed to curb the use or import of goods produced with forced labour.  U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced that the probes will examine whether foreign policies and enforcement efforts sufficiently prevent forced‑labour‑linked products from entering global supply chains. If violations are confirmed, the U.S. may impose tariffs or other trade restrictions without requiring additional congressional approval. The move follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down parts of the administration’s previous tariff strategy, prompting a shift toward other trade tools. Canada, now under scrutiny, could face new economic pressures depending on the investigation’s outcome. Officials say the reviews will be completed “in a matter of mo...

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Why Plant-Based Meat Failed to Satisfy Consumers and Investors

Plant-based meat was once hailed as a game-changer for the food industry, promising to deliver meat alternatives that are better for the environment, animal welfare, and human health. However, after a decade of hype and billions of dollars in funding, the sector is facing a harsh reality check.

According to Pitchbook, a venture-capital research firm, funding for food-technology startups has fallen to the lowest level in nearly a decade, and many plant-based meat companies have struggled to turn a profit or scale up production. The main reasons for this decline are the high price, mediocre taste, and questionable health benefits of plant-based meat products.

Despite the growing awareness of the environmental and ethical issues of animal agriculture, most consumers are not willing to pay a premium for plant-based meat that does not taste as good as the real thing. A recent survey by the International Food Information Council found that only 28% of Americans have tried plant-based meat, and only 10% eat it regularly. Moreover, many consumers are skeptical about the health claims of plant-based meat, which often contains high amounts of sodium, fat, and additives.

As a result, plant-based meat has failed to capture a significant market share or disrupt the meat industry, which has also responded by offering more sustainable and humane options. While plant-based meat may still have a niche appeal for some consumers, it is unlikely to become a mainstream choice anytime soon.

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