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Trump Intervenes To Bring TikTok Back To The U.S.

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 20, 2025

TikTok began restoring access for U.S. users on Sunday, following a pledge by President-elect Donald Trump to reinstate the platform’s operations as he prepared to take office. Speaking at a rally before his inauguration, Trump emphasized the importance of the app’s return, stating, “Frankly, we have no choice. We have to save it.” He also hinted at plans for a joint venture to secure TikTok’s presence, a platform used by 170 million Americans.

Hours before the rally, TikTok informed its users about the positive developments, attributing the app’s revival to Trump’s efforts. “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, TikTok is back for U.S. users,” read the company’s message. While some users regained access to limited services on the app, the full platform remained unavailable for download on app stores as of late Sunday.

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TikTok acknowledged ongoing efforts with service providers to restore operations fully. In a statement, the company expressed gratitude to Trump for ensuring clarity and protection for its service providers. This assurance, TikTok noted, was crucial in allowing its operations to continue without legal risks. The platform also highlighted its role in supporting over 7 million small businesses across the U.S.

Tensions Amid U.S.-China Relations

TikTok’s revival comes against the backdrop of strained ties between the U.S. and China. While Trump has indicated plans to impose tariffs on China, he also expressed interest in fostering direct communication with the Chinese leadership. Addressing the matter, China’s foreign ministry stated its hope for a fair and open business environment in the U.S. for international companies like TikTok.

TikTok had gone offline for U.S. users late Saturday following the implementation of a law banning its operations over national security concerns. Officials cited fears that user data could be accessed by ByteDance, the app’s Chinese parent company, and misused. In response, Trump announced plans to delay the enforcement of the law, creating an opportunity to negotiate a deal ensuring national security.

On his social platform, Truth Social, Trump suggested the U.S. take a 50% ownership stake in a joint venture overseeing TikTok’s U.S. operations. He also assured companies supporting the app’s continued availability that they would face no legal liabilities.

Divided Opinions On TikTok’s Return

Trump’s intervention marks a notable shift from his earlier stance during his first term in office when he sought to ban TikTok entirely over privacy concerns. In contrast, he now credits the app for helping him connect with young voters during the 2024 presidential election. However, not all members of Trump’s Republican Party agree with his actions. Senators Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts have criticized the move, stating that only a complete severance of ties between ByteDance and the Chinese government would satisfy legal requirements.

The law passed by Congress grants the U.S. government the authority to ban or require divestitures of Chinese-owned apps, a move that has already affected other ByteDance properties like CapCut and Lemon8, which were also removed from U.S. app stores.

A “Hair On Fire” Moment For Businesses

The temporary shutdown of TikTok sent shockwaves across industries reliant on the platform. Marketing agencies scrambled to develop contingency plans, with one executive describing the situation as a “hair on fire” crisis. Meanwhile, U.S. users flocked to VPN searches, hoping to bypass restrictions, and e-commerce sellers worried about delayed transactions on TikTok Shop.

During the turmoil, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration and a rally, signalling the company’s support for the deal. Meanwhile, interest in TikTok’s U.S. operations is growing, with names like Elon Musk and former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt reportedly exploring acquisition opportunities. A U.S. tech startup, Perplexity AI, has also submitted a proposal to merge with TikTok’s U.S. branch and create a new entity involving other partners.

Despite the upheaval, TikTok’s path forward may cement its place as a dominant social media platform in the U.S., backed by President Trump’s evolving approach to its operations and the broader landscape of U.S.-China tech relations.

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EU Farm Output Prices Decline For The First Time In Nine Months

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 12, 2026

EU Market Adjustments Signal New Price Trends

Agricultural output prices across the European Union declined in the fourth quarter of 2025, marking a shift after several quarters of increases. Data from Eurostat shows that farm gate prices fell by 1.9% compared with the same period in 2024.

Crisis of Declining Prices In Select Markets

Cyprus recorded one of the more notable decreases in agricultural input costs among EU member states, with prices falling by 2.6% compared with Q4 2024. The reduction eased cost pressures for the local agricultural sector following periods of higher prices earlier in 2025. Across the EU, prices for goods and services consumed in agriculture remained relatively stable. Non-investment inputs such as energy, fertilisers and feedingstuffs showed limited overall changes during the quarter.

Country-Specific Divergence In Price Movements

Eurostat data highlights considerable variation across member states. Fifteen EU countries recorded declines in agricultural output prices. Belgium registered the largest decrease at 12.9%, followed by Lithuania (8.2%) and Germany (6.0%). At the same time, twelve countries reported increases in output prices. Ireland recorded the strongest rise at 6.8%, followed by Slovenia (5.6%) and Malta (4.2%).

Stability In Agricultural Inputs Amid Commodity Shifts

Agricultural input prices also showed mixed developments. Eleven member states recorded declines, including Cyprus (2.6%), Belgium (2.1%) and Sweden (2.0%). Other countries experienced moderate increases, including Lithuania (4.2%), Ireland (3.3%) and Romania (2.5%). Among major agricultural commodities, milk prices declined by 4.1% while cereal prices fell by 8.9% across the EU. In contrast, fertilisers and soil improvers increased by 7.9%, reflecting continued volatility in input markets.

Outlook For EU Agriculture

The latest Eurostat data points to uneven price developments across the EU agricultural sector. While input prices remained broadly stable in many markets, movements in output prices varied significantly between member states. These trends highlight the need for farmers and policymakers to adapt to shifting commodity prices and changing cost structures across the European agricultural market.