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A pivotal Czech steel producer, Třinecké železárny, is showing resilience in a challenging market. Despite a downturn in sales, the company has managed to boost its profits through strategic economic measures while facing the pressures of high energy costs and the need for sustainable practices.
Třinecké železárny, the last Czech steel manufacturer operating “from the ground up,” reported strong results. The company saw its profits jump from 44 million crowns to 316 million crowns year-on-year, attributing the success to careful cost-management strategies. However, sales dipped slightly, from 49.7 billion to 47.4 billion crowns.
The Moravia Steel group, which includes Třinecké železárny, generated 543 million crowns last year. Most of their output is exported. Germany is their major customer, receiving 30 percent of exports, with only 30 percent of its production staying within the Czech Republic. This highlights the company’s dependence on international markets for its products.
“The company has confirmed its position as a stable steel manufacturer even in a demanding economic period, which has been struggling with lower apparent steel and low demand for the third year. The European industry has seen a decline in steel consumption in all major customers in 2024,”
—Petra Macková Jurásková, Moravia Steel spokeswoman
The steel industry confronts complex issues, including high energy expenses. According to the World Steel Association, global steel demand is expected to grow by 1.7% in 2024, a slower pace than the pre-pandemic average, placing pressure on manufacturers to remain competitive (World Steel Association).
A major concern for the company is the shift towards decarbonization in steel production. Třinecké železárny has calculated that decarbonization will cost around a billion euros, approximately 25 billion crowns. They plan to construct an electrical arch furnace, crucial for reducing carbon dioxide emissions from its operations.
The ironworks had initially planned to build the furnace in 2028, but postponed it to 2030 due to funding shortages. While the European Union has provided 50 percent of the investment needed, subsidies would have to cover 70 percent of total costs to start construction. The firm may be forced to suspend the project if they cannot get the funding.
Energy expenses have significantly impacted steelmakers. In 2019, before the pandemic, Třinec Železárny spent about 3.5 billion crowns on energy, which surged to 8.65 billion crowns in 2023, and 6.69 billion crowns last year. Petr Popelář, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Moravia Steel, doesn’t expect energy prices to fall back to pre-COVID levels.
The business is also building a briquetting line, which combines raw materials needed for steel production, in an effort to reduce emissions. The line is scheduled to be operational in 2027, a move that is economically sensible and should cut annual emissions by up to 70,000 tons.
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India has joined China and Brazil in expressing strong objections to the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), a policy designed to impose costs on imports of carbon-intensive goods. The countries view the mechanism as a protectionist measure that could hinder global trade and disproportionately affect developing nations.
India’s commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, has publicly criticized the EU’s CBAM, stating that it “does not meet the test of fair play.” Goyal emphasized that developed countries, historically responsible for the majority of global emissions, should shoulder a greater burden in addressing climate change. This stance reflects a broader concern among developing nations that carbon taxes could impede their economic growth and industrial progress.
Did You Know? The EU’s CBAM is set to be phased in starting in 2026, initially focusing on sectors like cement, iron, steel, aluminum, fertilizers, electricity, and hydrogen.[1]
The EU and India are currently engaged in negotiations to finalize a free trade agreement by the end of the year. Though, the EU’s carbon border tax has emerged as a significant obstacle in these discussions. Goyal had previously warned Brussels and London of potential retaliatory measures if India’s steel, fertilizer, and cement industries were not granted exemptions from the levy.
Despite the challenges, both the EU and India have expressed a commitment to resolving the outstanding issues and reaching a mutually beneficial trade agreement.Recent efforts have focused on accelerating the pace of negotiations to meet the year-end deadline.
In response to concerns about the complexity and potential burden of the CBAM, the EU recently agreed to simplify the levy and exempt most importers from the new rules. This move is part of a broader initiative to reduce red tape and streamline the implementation of the mechanism. The EU aims to strike a balance between promoting its green agenda and minimizing the impact on international trade partners.
Pro Tip: Businesses can prepare for the CBAM by assessing the carbon footprint of their products, investing in cleaner production technologies, and engaging with policymakers to advocate for fair and equitable implementation of the mechanism.
The EU’s CBAM is part of a growing trend of carbon border taxes and other measures aimed at addressing carbon leakage, where companies relocate production to countries with less stringent environmental regulations. while these measures are intended to promote climate action, they have also raised concerns about protectionism and potential trade disputes.
The world Trade Organization (WTO) is currently grappling with the legal and economic implications of carbon border taxes, as countries seek to reconcile their climate goals with their trade obligations. The debate over carbon border taxes is highly likely to intensify in the coming years, as more countries consider implementing similar measures.
| Country/Region | Measure | Status |
|---|---|---|
| European Union | Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) | Phasing in starting 2026 |
| United States | Considering carbon border tariffs | Under discussion |
| Canada | Exploring carbon border adjustments | Under consideration |
The Carbon Border Adjustment mechanism (CBAM) represents a significant shift in global trade policy, reflecting the increasing urgency of addressing climate change. The EU’s initiative aims to level the playing field for European producers who face carbon costs under the bloc’s emissions Trading System (ETS). By imposing a carbon levy on imports,the EU seeks to prevent carbon leakage and encourage other countries to adopt more enterprising climate policies.
The concept of carbon border adjustments has been debated for years,with proponents arguing that it is indeed necessary to protect domestic industries and incentivize global climate action. Opponents, though, raise concerns about protectionism, trade distortions, and the potential impact on developing countries. The implementation of the EU’s CBAM will be closely watched by other countries,as they consider their own approaches to carbon pricing and border adjustments.
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and its implications for global trade.
What are the potential long-term effects of the EU’s carbon border tax on global trade relations? How can businesses adapt to the changing landscape of carbon regulations and trade policies?
Disclaimer: this article provides general information and should not be construed as legal or financial advice. Consult with a qualified professional for specific guidance.
share your thoughts and join the conversation! What are your views on the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism? subscribe for more updates on global trade and climate policy.
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Kananaskis, Canada – U.S. President Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer officially signed the UK-US trade agreement on Monday, June 16th, aiming to reduce tariffs between the two nations. While the agreement promises to boost economic activity, questions linger regarding the reduction of steel and aluminum tariffs, initially slated to drop to 0% as per the preliminary agreement in May. The final details concerning steel tariffs remain under negotiation,casting a shadow over the comprehensive trade deal.
The signing took place during the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Canada, where President Trump, holding the signed document, expressed optimism about the strengthened relationship with the UK, anticipating job creation and increased income. The agreement, initially outlined in May, includes provisions for the United States to reduce tariffs on the first 100,000 vehicles imported annually from the UK from 27.5% to 10%.In return,the UK has committed to increasing tax-free quotas for US beef and ethanol.
Did You Know? The UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD) was agreed upon in principle on May 8, 2025, laying the groundwork for this recent trade agreement [[2]].
Despite the initial agreement to eliminate steel tariffs, the specific tariffs applicable remain unclear. The UK currently benefits from an exemption from a 50% steel tariff imposed by the U.S. The ultimate outcome of the UK-US trade agreement may hinge on the UK’s ability to assure the U.S. regarding British Steel’s holdings in China.
Prior to the meeting,both U.S. and British officials indicated their readiness to implement the trade agreement reached the previous month. Though, Trump’s repeated assertions about this being the first agreement with a major trading partner, coupled with a lack of concrete details and implementation, have left british companies uncertain.
With President Trump’s tariff negotiation deadline approaching, this agreement with the UK represents a critically important achievement, alongside a “framework agreement” with China. For the UK, securing favorable terms ensures the protection of key industries from high tariffs. For the U.S., concessions from the UK in agricultural trade signify a accomplished outcome of the tariff war.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on official publications from the USTR and the UK Department for Business and Trade for the most up-to-date facts on the implementation of the trade agreement [[1]].
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Auto Tariffs | 10% on first 100,000 UK vehicle imports, 25% + Most Favored Nation tariff on additional vehicles. |
| Steel Tariffs | Reduction to 0% initially planned,current status uncertain and under negotiation. |
| UK Concessions | Increased tax-free quotas for US beef and ethanol. |
| Implementation Date | Seven days following official publication [[3]]. |
Trade relations between the United Kingdom and the United States have long been a cornerstone of both economies. this new agreement builds upon decades of economic cooperation, aiming to further reduce barriers and stimulate growth. The agreement is notably significant in the wake of Brexit, as the UK seeks to forge new trade partnerships globally. The US remains one of the UK’s most important trading partners, and this deal is expected to strengthen those ties.
The automotive and agricultural sectors are expected to see significant benefits, with reduced tariffs on vehicles and increased quotas for beef and ethanol.
Consumers may see lower prices on certain goods as tariffs are reduced, potentially increasing purchasing power.
Uncertainty surrounding steel tariffs and potential shifts in trade balances could pose challenges.
This agreement represents a new chapter in UK-US trade relations, particularly in the post-Brexit landscape, with a focus on reducing specific tariffs and increasing quotas.
The EPD provides the framework and general terms for the new trade relationship between the US and UK [[2]].
What are your thoughts on the potential impact of this trade agreement? How do you think it will affect specific industries in your region?
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the UK-US trade agreement and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Consult with a qualified professional for specific guidance.
Share your insights and join the conversation! Subscribe to World Today News for the latest updates on global trade and economic developments.
Uzbekistan’s national football team is gearing up for a potential face-off against an African nation as they embark on their journey in the FIFA world Cup 2026. With the expanded format, the path to qualification and the possible opponents are becoming clearer.
The upcoming World Cup will feature an expanded format, allocating slots to different confederations as follows:
Given thes allocations, Uzbekistan, as an Asian team, will not be competing against other Asian teams in the initial stages. this significantly increases the likelihood of a match against a team from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Did You Know? The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, marks the first time three nations will co-host the event [2].
The strength of Uzbekistan’s African rivals will largely depend on the FIFA rankings. To secure a favorable draw and improve their chances in the World Cup, it is indeed crucial for Uzbekistan to maintain a strong performance in all their matches, including amiable games.
The team’s performance and FIFA ranking will play a crucial role in determining the difficulty of their opponents. Continuous improvement and strategic gameplay are essential for a successful World Cup campaign.
Pro Tip: Brands can capitalize on the World Cup by understanding the nuances of the landscape and prioritizing opportunities in their marketing plan [3].
| Confederation | Number of Teams |
|---|---|
| UEFA (Europe) | 16 |
| AFC (Asia) | 8 |
| CAF (Africa) | 9 |
| CONCACAF (north America) | 6 |
| CONMEBOL (South America) | 6 |
| OFC (Oceania) | 1 |
| Play-offs | 2 |
The distribution of slots highlights the competitive landscape and the importance of strategic planning for each team aiming to qualify.
What are your predictions for Uzbekistan’s performance in the World Cup 2026?
Which African team do you think would be the most challenging opponent for Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan’s increasing prominence in international football reflects the nation’s investment in youth advancement programs and infrastructure. The contry’s focus on nurturing talent and improving coaching standards has lead to significant progress on the global stage. As Uzbekistan prepares for the World Cup 2026, their journey symbolizes the growing competitiveness of Asian football.
Q: What are Uzbekistan’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup 2026?
A: Uzbekistan’s chances are promising, given their recent performances and strategic focus on improving their FIFA ranking.
Q: How is the draw for the World Cup 2026 structured?
A: The draw is structured based on confederations and FIFA rankings, ensuring a balanced distribution of teams.
Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! Subscribe to World Today News for more updates on the World Cup 2026.
Beijing—China’s coal-fired electricity generation experienced a surprising downturn in the first quarter of 2025, perhaps signaling a meaningful shift in the world’s largest coal-consuming nation. This decline,more than just a seasonal fluctuation,suggests a structural change in china’s energy landscape.
Coal generation decreased by approximately 4.7% year-over-year,outpacing the overall grid electricity supply decline of just 1.3%. Though, electricity demand actually increased by 1%, raising questions about the underlying factors at play.
The modest decline in grid electricity supply was primarily confined to january and February, months characterized by warmer-than-average temperatures that softened heating requirements. This suggests that the reduction in coal-generated electricity was not primarily driven by a widespread drop in economic activity or power use, but rather by underlying transformations in China’s energy supply.
Interestingly, coal usage within China’s steel sector edged upward by around 2%, driven by stable crude steel production. This stability in steel production, often a reliable indicator of industrial economic activity, suggests that China’s broader economic fundamentals remained solid, even as coal-fired electricity generation declined.
China’s steel industry saw a notable increase in exports during the first quarter of 2025, rising approximately 6% year-over-year to reach 27.4 million tonnes. This robust export performance occurred despite ongoing global trade tensions and heightened tariff barriers, particularly from Western markets. The strong export figures indicate resilience within the industry, reflecting competitive pricing and continued global demand for Chinese steel products.
Concurrently, China’s steel sector is undergoing a gradual but meaningful shift toward electric arc furnace (EAF) technology, which uses China’s 260 to 280 million tons of domestic scrap metal rather than traditional iron ore and coal-intensive blast furnaces. The sustained strength in steel exports, coupled with a strategic transition toward cleaner EAF production, underscores a more lasting trajectory for China’s steel sector, even amid external economic pressures and internal policy constraints.
The steel story aligns with official Chinese assertions of 5.4% growth for Q1. While some suggest china’s economy is struggling, the underlying statistics of increased electricity and steel demand suggest otherwise.
To understand the apparent paradox of declining coal-generated electricity alongside growing electricity demand, it is crucial to examine the explosive growth of distributed, behind-the-meter solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
According to China’s National Energy Administration (NEA), the country added roughly 120 gigawatts (GW) of new distributed solar capacity in 2024 alone, reaching approximately 370 GW of cumulative installed capacity by the year’s end. This growth trend continued aggressively into the first half of 2025, as developers rushed to commission installations before scheduled tariff reforms took effect. China’s behind-the-meter solar capacity is likely to exceed 430 GW by mid-2025, adding an enormous amount of hidden, decentralized electricity generation capacity that isn’t fully reflected in official generation statistics.
As David fishman of the Lantau Group, a Shanghai-based china energy expert, discussed
, China implemented a Whole County Rooftop Solar Promotion Program. Developers had to bid on an entire county’s rooftop solar at once, committing to putting solar on 50% of government buildings, 40% of public institutions, 30% of commercial and industrial rooftops, and 20% of rural homes. That’s paid off massively in the densely populated southeast of the country where demand is highest and free space is lowest.
Industry analysis from Ember and Climate Energy Finance indicates that this rapid proliferation of distributed solar has significant implications. Unlike traditional grid-connected utility-scale plants, distributed solar generation is often omitted or severely undercounted in official generation statistics produced by entities like China’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). As a result, tens of terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity generated by these rooftop systems are effectively invisible when interpreting China’s national grid-supplied electricity data.
This has profound implications: the reported 1.3% decline in grid electricity generation does not represent true reduced consumption, but rather a substitution effect—electricity generated behind the meter directly displacing grid-supplied power.
in the first quarter of 2024,behind-the-meter solar generation likely totaled around 80 TWh. By the first quarter of 2025, given significant capacity growth and better solar conditions, quarterly generation from behind-the-meter systems could have risen to between 100 and 120 TWh—an increase of perhaps 30 to 40 TWh compared to early 2024. Given that China’s reported 1.3% drop in grid-delivered electricity in early 2025 equates to roughly 30 TWh less generation, it’s reasonable to conclude that this hidden solar growth alone might account for much, if not all, of the decline.
In practical terms, rooftop solar capacity additions have invisibly flattened the growth in China’s grid electricity demand, effectively masking what would otherwise have been modestly growing consumption.
China’s dramatic shift toward distributed solar is not just a statistical curiosity; it represents a major structural transformation in the world’s largest electricity market. According to analysis from the China Electricity Council (CEC), renewables like wind and solar accounted for the vast majority of incremental electricity demand growth in recent years, a trend that is only accelerating.The rapid expansion of rooftop solar is directly displacing traditional fossil-fuel generation, especially coal, reducing both emissions and dependence on centralized fossil infrastructure.
This decentralization of generation, while complicating data interpretation, substantially advances China’s transition away from coal.
Looking ahead,there is strong evidence to suggest that china’s coal-fired electricity generation has now peaked after seeing very modest 0.2% growth in 2024 due to an extended heat wave combined with weaker than expected hydroelectric, entering a permanent decline trajectory. A combination of continued aggressive renewable installations—both large-scale and distributed—as well as policy mandates to peak coal consumption and emissions by mid-decade, reinforces this conclusion.
The international Energy Agency (IEA) has noted similar structural shifts globally, but China’s scale and speed are uniquely impactful. China’s policymakers remain committed to aspiring renewable capacity targets, efficiency improvements, and structural energy reforms, positioning the country for sustained coal generation declines year over year from now onward.
This quiet and partly hidden shift to behind-the-meter solar has far-reaching implications. It suggests that China’s recent electricity data must be interpreted carefully. A small dip in reported grid demand is no longer indicative solely of economic softness; it might equally reflect success in energy transition, masked by decentralized renewable generation.
Over the coming years, this hidden solar generation—though challenging for statisticians and grid planners—will likely accelerate coal’s decline, reshaping both China’s energy landscape and the global climate outlook. The first quarter of 2025, therefore, will likely be remembered not merely as a momentary blip, but as the pivot point toward China’s enduring transition away from coal.
