Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports remained nearly unchanged in October 2025, reflecting a marginal 0.02% rise despite declines in major industries like apparel and tea. Strong growth in coconut-based products was not enough to offset reduced export earnings from petroleum, rubber, boats, and spices. The slowdown in key markets such as the United States and India further highlights the challenges facing the country’s export sector.

Stablecoins are rapidly expanding and could drain valuable retail deposits from euro zone banks, weakening their funding stability. The ECB warns that a run on major stablecoins could trigger large sell-offs of U.S. Treasury assets, disrupting global financial markets. Additional risks could impact the euro zone if jointly issued stablecoins face heavy redemptions under differing regulations.

Sri Lanka’s CEB is selling power below its generation cost to about 70% of consumers, shifting the burden to higher-use households. Middle-income families using more than 180 units are charged up to 317% of the cost, effectively paying a hidden cross-subsidy. Critics say this amounts to an unrecorded tax and disproportionately penalizes households that cannot afford solar power.

The UK government continues to borrow to cover the gap between spending and tax revenue, with October 2025 borrowing reaching £17.4 billion. National debt now stands at around £2.6 trillion, roughly equal to the country’s annual GDP, and rising interest payments—£8.4 billion in October—limit spending on public services. While borrowing supports investment and economic growth, policymakers aim to reduce debt relative to GDP over the next five years.

Sri Lanka’s cabinet has approved moving forward with the process to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), beginning with completing a formal questionnaire from the trade bloc. Membership would require the country to gradually eliminate tariffs on 85–90% of goods, unlocking access to larger export markets and global supply chains. The questionnaire, issued in October 2024, must be completed before January 1, 2026, to continue Sri Lanka’s accession proces

PM Carney’s pre-budget speech sets the tone for Canada’s 2026 fiscal plan, with bold pledges on housing, climate, and youth employment.

After Samoa’s 2025 budget was rejected in Parliament, Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa claimed the FAST Party’s fiscal plan closely followed her government’s priorities. The defeat triggered an early election and renewed debate over policy continuity.

The October 2025 protests across Argentina unite teachers, retirees, unions and students in opposition to President Milei’s austerity measures, pension vetoes and education cuts — a pivotal moment for the country’s political and social future.

On 1 October 2025, the UAE–Australia CEPA entered into force, marking Australia’s first free trade agreement with a Middle Eastern nation. This comprehensive deal covers goods, services, investment, digital trade, and sustainability — setting a new benchmark for bilateral cooperation.

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Khoshnaw Rahmani, Jadetimes Staff K. Rahmani  is a Jadetimes news reporter covering culture. Image Source: ODD ANDERSEN 1. Historic...

Passed in 2025, Albania’s Mountain Package is a game-changing law that hands long-term land users formal ownership, spurs eco-tourism, and unlocks investment across the highlands. This article dives deep into its legal framework, regional parallels, and early success stories.

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From July 16–18, 2025, Lusaka’s Mulungushi International Conference Centre hosted the inaugural Invest in Zambia International Conference (IZIC) under the patronage of President Hakainde Hichilema.

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