New tariffs introduced by the Trump administration are significantly impacting cross-border manufacturing operations in US and Mexican states along their shared border. Businesses historically dependent on frictionless trade are now pausing investments due to the shifting policies.
Tourism numbers are sky-high in Japan. The country saw record numbers of travelers throughout 2024, and government officials are hoping to see the numbers double by 2030. But workers are in short supply. So, to adapt to the tourism boom, Japan is turning to everything from robot hotel receptionists to contactless restaurants.
The global shift toward new automotive technologies can be difficult for companies producing parts that may become obsolete. It’s straining local economies in areas with a lot of manufacturing, like Japan’s Shizuoka prefecture. To adapt, one company specializing in automotive light bulbs has expanded into mushroom cultivation.