New Zealand’s exports surged to NZ$25.0 billion in the September 2025 quarter, driven by strong global demand for key agricultural products. At the same time, the Māori economy recorded rapid growth, with GDP contributions nearly doubling between 2018 and 2023 and Māori-owned businesses expanding into diverse sectors. Rising business confidence and resilient export performance make 2025 a milestone year for both New Zealand’s trade sector and Māori enterprise.

China has a high number of young, self-made billionaires, reflecting strong wealth creation driven largely by technological innovation. However, analysts warn that increased state control and the lack of protections for failed entrepreneurs are holding back innovation and risk-taking. Experts say a more supportive environment is needed to sustain China’s entrepreneurial momentum.

The OECD forecasts the global economy to grow 3.2% this year, showing resilience despite U.S. trade tensions. U.S. growth is upgraded to 2%, supported partly by strong AI-related investments, even as new tariffs pose future risks. China is expected to grow 5%, while India remains the fastest-growing major economy at 6.7%.

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Sri Lanka’s stock market fell 3.04% as Cyclone Ditwah triggered heavy selling, though construction stocks rose on expectations of rebuilding demand. Analysts say investors are cautious and the downward trend is likely to continue. Across Asia, markets moved mixed, with Japan declining, Pakistan rising, and India slipping due to cyclone impacts and trade uncertainties.

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.

Prime Minister Philip Davis has framed The Bahamas’ budget surplus as a political success, linking fiscal discipline to expanded public services and renewed voter confidence.

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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