This year, trade wars have erupted on multiple fronts, ranging from solar panels to soyabeans. These will undoubtedly continue in 2026.
As America seeks to curb Chinese exports, the Middle Kingdom’s trade surplus has just topped $1tn for the first time, as demand for Chinese goods stays strong. And the more Washington slaps tariffs on Chinese imports, the more European and UK policymakers express concerns about “diversion” — the risk that China will respond to US pressure by dumping cheap goods in Europe. Recent hand-wringing from French President Emmanuel Macron is a case in point.
But while Macron focuses on manufacturing, there is another — more colourful — sector that also deserves attention this festive season: caviar. Yes, really.