MONEY MASTER

Chinese companies have committed roughly  US$80 billion  to overseas clean technology projects in the past year, according to a new report by Australian research group  Climate Energy Finance (CEF) . The surge reflects China’s push to find new markets as domestic clean-energy supply continues to outstrip demand. China’s expanding footprint comes despite pressure from US President Donald Trump’s tariff measures, with many countries deepening cooperation with Beijing on clean energy as supply chains shift. Since early 2023, China’s cumulative overseas direct investment in green technology has risen to  more than US$180 billion , the report said. China’s Supply Glut Drives Overseas Push China dominates the global supply chain in: solar panels batteries critical minerals and processing With overcapacity at home, Chinese manufacturers are increasingly investing abroad to create new markets. “China’s got a supply glut when it comes to green technology… so they need oversea...

Business on Edge UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves is under pressure from business leaders to  hold back on corporate tax hikes , as fears rise that more levies could stifle growth. The  British Chambers of Commerce (BCC)  urged a pro-growth stance to avoid entering a "vicious circle" of economic slowdown. Backdrop & Tensions Reeves raised  £40 billion in new taxes  last October, including  £26 billion in employer payroll taxes . The UK economy has since shed over  250,000 jobs . Reeves is caught between  Labour’s promises  not to raise income, VAT, or employee NI, and mounting fiscal pressures. Business Plea BCC Chief Shevaun Haviland is calling for the government to: Address  skills shortages  and  operating costs . Avoid more business taxation, which would  restrict investment . Policy Outlook Reeves has hinted she may  revisit her fiscal headroom , potentially raising taxes again. Economists warn her fiscal leeway c...