US banana giant Chiquita has laid off around 5,000 workers following a month-long strike as part of nationwide industrial action. Workers are protesting against new social security laws lowering pensions. In 2023, Panama exported $273m of bananas, making it the 13th largest exporter of bananas in the world. What do the layoffs mean for Panama and the wider banana industry?

In Africa, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) celebrates its 50th anniversary amid recent exits from prominent member states. David Harper looks at the latest market developments from Shein, Temu and Nissan.