RT Sama Hoole (@SamaHoole)Rapeseed has been grown for 4,000 years. The Romans burned it in lamps. Medieval Europeans used it for lamp oil. The industrial revolution used it to lubricate steam engines. It worked brilliantly: high heat tolerance, doesn't break down easily. Perfect for machinery. Toxic for humans.The problem: Rapeseed contains 50% erucic acid. This compound causes heart lesions in animals. Feed it to rats, their hearts develop fatty deposits and scarring. It also contains glucosinolates that s ...

Trade Relations with China and Canada - China plans to export approximately 50,000 cheap cars to Canada, which could potentially enter the US market under the USMCA agreement [2] - The US trade policy will impose hefty tariffs on these vehicles if they are of Chinese origin, with the president considering a 100% tariff [3][4] - The US has provisions in the USMCA that could allow for Canada to be excluded from the deal if it engages in a comprehensive trade agreement with China [5] Trade Deal between India and the European Union - The EU is seeking to establish a trade deal with India as a response to US trade policies that prioritize domestic production [7] - India is expected to benefit significantly from this deal, gaining more market access to Europe and potentially additional immigration rights for Indian workers [8] - The EU's need for alternative markets is highlighted by their dependency on trade, especially as they face challenges in exporting to the US [8] US-EU Trade Deal Update - A framework for a US-EU trade deal was agreed upon, which includes $600 billion in investment and a commitment to reduce tariffs on industrial goods to zero [12][13] - The European Parliament has paused the bill to lower tariffs, but discussions are ongoing, and there is optimism about passing the bill soon [14][15] - Despite some unresolved issues, the US has modified its tariffs for Europe, and there is a positive outlook for the trade deal's implementation [16] South Korea Trade Relations - South Korea has not fulfilled its commitments under a trade deal, leading to the imposition of additional tariffs by the US [17][18] - The US has reduced tariffs for South Korea from 25% to 15% as a gesture of goodwill, but South Korea has not executed its part of the agreement [18][19] - The trade deficit with South Korea has increased significantly, from $25 billion in 2020 to $65 billion, indicating an unsustainable economic imbalance [22] Currency Practices and Trade Competitiveness - There is skepticism regarding the currency practices of countries like China and India, with concerns that they may deliberately weaken their currencies to enhance export competitiveness [24][25] - The Chinese central bank's control over currency valuation is acknowledged, and it is suggested that some countries may be engaging in practices to weaken their currencies against the US dollar [25]