UAE Media Council Reviews 2025 H1 Licensing, Digital Initiatives

Recent changes to U.S. trade policy, specifically the scaling back of the 'de minimis' rule that previously allowed goods under $800 to enter duty-free, have led to rising consumer prices, delivery delays, and reduced product availability, particularly affecting small businesses and low-income consumers. This shift has increased duties and customs checks, straining supply chains and causing frustration among American consumers, while critics argue it disproportionately harms vulnerable groups despite supporters claiming it protects domestic manufacturing. The impact extends internationally, with foreign exporters like small businesses in Ecuador experiencing declining U.S. orders. Separately, the U.S. stock market shows signs of caution with insider buying at a ten-year low, private equity realizations slowing, and concerns over market concentration and student loan defaults. Meanwhile, the UAE Media Council reported significant growth in media licensing and content distribution in early 2025, alongside efforts to advance flexible policies and digital platforms to boost its global media production ambitions. These developments illustrate ongoing economic and regulatory shifts influencing global trade, investment, and media sectors.