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Taiwan is close to being in the world’s 20 biggest economies by GDP. Trade and global connectivity are central, not least given the country’s key role in the global semiconductor industry. It also has a strong commitment to the environment and the economic opportunities around renewable energy.

UK inflation has fallen more than expected, with lower costs for petrol offsetting rises in clothes prices. But this month’s data pre-date sharp increases in other regulated bills, including energy, water and council tax. Also looming are the effects of tariff wars and mounting economic uncertainty.

Last week’s announcement of sweeping US tariffs will have a big impact on global trade. The method used to calculate the tax rates to be charged on imports from individual countries has surprised economists. For the UK, cars, pharmaceuticals and machinery are the sectors most likely to be affected.

The inflation data released in late March 2025 show that UK price growth has slowed slightly. But this relief, largely driven by a surprise fall in clothing costs, is unlikely to last, with impending rises in energy bills and mounting world trade tensions putting further upward pressure on prices.

The quantity of consumer data to which many companies now have access means that they can personalise their goods and services, as well as optimise their operations. In this way, artificial intelligence is changing big parts of our lives – from how we shop and learn to our banking and healthcare.

Western countries imposed extensive sanctions on Russia after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. But the measures were unilateral and piecemeal – and while they have been effective in disrupting the Russian economy, evasion and ‘trade deflection’ through third countries limits their impact.

In the late 19^th century, Britain faced rising protectionism in some of its key export markets. Then, in the early 20^th century, the country itself embraced a protectionist trading agenda. These experiences had long-term consequences for the structure and productivity of the national economy.

Digital microdata reveal nuance in the price of the holiday season’s most important meal, while historical records highlight how the cost of key ingredients has changed over decades.

Household finances have been stretched in recent years, with some families affected far more than others. In the lead-up to Christmas – a crucial time for many businesses – retailers will be looking to translate consumer interest into hard sales, particularly as the outlook for 2025 is so uncertain.

UK government proposals to merge some smaller public pensions may improve their performance for beneficiaries. But the scale of this effect is likely to be limited, as is the impact on aggregate investment and the country’s rate of economic growth.

At first glance, it may seem that economics and sport are of little relevance to one another. But economic analysis can inform big sporting decisions from signing players to specific plays to performance assessment; while sport can shed light on fundamental economic questions.

Caps on the numbers of visitors allowed at certain destinations aim to relieve pressure on hotspots of overtourism. Their introduction presents an opportunity for other places to attract more tourists and students, boost their economies and promote a more sustainable and equitable tourism industry.

Faced with the threat of climate change and other environmental damage, some say that the solution is a reversal of our collective commitment to continued economic growth. But the idea of degrowth has a range of definitions – and reviews of research on the topic reach contrasting conclusions.

UK inflation has fallen more than expected, with lower costs for petrol offsetting rises in clothes prices. But this month’s data pre-date sharp increases in other regulated bills, including energy, water and council tax. Also looming are the effects of tariff wars and mounting economic uncertainty.

The UK labour market data released in March 2025 show rising real wages for those in work. But there are likely to be tougher times ahead for jobseekers as fiscal policy changes start to bite.

The fast fashion industry is characterised by both overproduction and overconsumption. The sector is harmful to the environment, requiring enormous quantities of natural resources and creating substantial waste. Policy-makers could promote a more circular economy to reduce the damage.

Comparing data from France, Germany, Italy and the UK shows that social inequalities typically increased during the pandemic. Young people and those with less education were most affected by job losses: policy intervention could get more of them back into work.

Youth violence has high costs – not just for the victims but for their families and communities. Tackling the crisis needs a coordinated approach of the kind deployed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic – one that includes police and the criminal justice system, but with public health at its core.

The history of British defence policy has been one of constant imbalance between resources, capability and commitments, interspersed with reviews that fail to solve the fundamental problems. These appraisals are typically done at times of economic crisis when public expenditure must be controlled.

Moving public agencies out of London was a major plank of the levelling-up agenda. The effects on local economies seem smaller than hoped – and it’s important to compare them with those of other tools of regional policy: key infrastructure, new institutions and encouraging private sector investment.

UK government proposals to merge some smaller public pensions may improve their performance for beneficiaries. But the scale of this effect is likely to be limited, as is the impact on aggregate investment and the country’s rate of economic growth.

At first glance, it may seem that economics and sport are of little relevance to one another. But economic analysis can inform big sporting decisions from signing players to specific plays to performance assessment; while sport can shed light on fundamental economic questions.

The quality of jobs in the UK is generally good: by many measures, it has even improved over the last five years. But there are a number of concerning trends that could lead to more mediocre jobs, and away from enriching work and employees who are happy and fulfilled.