International - Financial Times - Credit Squeeze

World’s largest producer of titanium dioxide to acquire facility in North East of England

Industry minister tells FT she wants ‘level playing field’ for Canadian and EU companies

Higher energy prices stoked by conflict have resulted in higher borrowing costs for government

LVMH’s billionaire boss says luxury group’s recovery hinges on the conflict being resolved quickly

Higher inflation following Middle East war darkens outlook for spending and economic growth

Companies rushed to make purchases amid fears that the Iran war would send prices even higher

The European Commission’s repeated attempts to run a coherent green industrial strategy are showing few results

Hours worked per person across the two countries have converged, but the productivity gap has widened

Also in today’s newsletter: US Navy secretary fired, and the tankers racing to exit the Strait of Hormuz

Closely watched Purchasing Managers’ index points to first contraction in 16 months in private sector activity

Read the April forecast from the FT’s Monetary Policy Radar team

Plus UK inflation

So much economic conflict, so many feelings

More flexibility over contentious marine issue with Reykjavik could tempt other ‘like-minded’ countries to join bloc

Conflict has hit fertiliser costs in an agricultural sector already reeling from Trump’s trade war

Economist Shin Hyun-song is renowned abroad but now must tackle slow growth and inflation

Manufacturing and retail sectors post sharp declines in economic activity

Rising prices risk deepening the country’s deflationary trap rather than providing any escape from it

Stuart Holloway formerly worked as a relationship manager at bank’s infamous SME unit

How the technology will affect prices is still uncertain