Though Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney recently said he had a lengthy and productive conversation with US President Donald Trump on August 1 covering trade and other issues, his words suggested it is unlikely American tariffs on imports from his country will be lifted in anytime soon.

The two neighbours have been locked in a trade war since early this year, when Trump imposed tariffs on some imports from Canada and Ottawa responded with its own countermeasures.

Though Canadian PM Mark Carney recently said he had a lengthy and productive conversation with US President Donald Trump on August 1, his words suggested it is unlikely American tariffs on imports from his country will be lifted in anytime soon.
Carney said a senior team of his government officials was in Washington for the latest round of talks on trade, while making clear progress would not be quick.

“I last spoke to the president on Monday evening. We spoke at length on a wide range of issues, including on trade, but geopolitical, other issues. … It was a good conversation,” Carney told reporters in Toronto.

Carney said a senior team of his government officials was in Washington for the latest round of talks on trade, while making clear progress would not be quick, global newswires reported.

He reiterated Canada would maintain its tariffs on imports of US steel, aluminum and autos, which it described as strategic sectors.

“Don’t expect immediate white smoke on one of these strategic sectors, but that’s the type of conversation that we’re having, and we’ll continue to have,” he added.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

Primark has (29th August) officially unveiled its first standalone Home store in Great Britain to crowds of eager interiors lovers at Manchester’s Trafford Palazzo.

Set over two floors and nearly 12,000 sq ft, the store offers a treasure trove of interiors inspiration, whether you’re on the hunt for plush bedding, cosy throws, decorative touches or must-have storage solutions. There’s also a mezzanine floor with Primark’s popular travel offering, stocked with everything you need for your next getaway – from stylish luggage to packing cubes and travel-friendly accessories.

Primark has opened its first standalone Home store in Great Britain at Manchester’s Trafford Palazzo, spanning nearly 12,000 sq ft over two floors.
The store offers bedding, décor, storage and a mezzanine travel section.
The launch featured live entertainment and voucher giveaways, while Trafford Palazzo and Market Street stores also received upgrades, marking Primark’s lifestyle push.

Shoppers queuing up to be the first through the doors this morning were greeted by a live DJ, bringing the party atmosphere, and were among the first to try out the new shopping experience. The retailer’s existing Trafford Palazzo store has also had a makeover, with an expanded womenswear offering, upgraded fixtures across the Health & Beauty department and a brand-new Nails beauty studio.

To mark the opening, Primark is also giving six lucky Manchester shoppers the chance to win £100 shopping vouchers to spend in the new Primark Home store. The vouchers will be hidden across the city with clues revealed on the @primark.home Instagram from 9:30am today. The first eagle-eyed fans to find them can put their prize straight towards their Primark Home must-haves.

Its flagship Manchester Market Street store is also set to unveil a fresh new look next month, including a new performance wear area, a makeover of its RAWR beauty studio and a pre-loved section.

Ceara Doyle, Store Manager at Primark Trafford Palazzo said: “The buzz and excitement around this new opening has been incredible and finally getting to welcome our first customers through the door this morning was a real moment to remember. That amazing moment was only possible because of our brilliant team who have been working behind the scenes to bring the store to life – from fitting out the space, right down to the final cushion fluffs this morning. The new store truly is a dream for interiors fans, and we can’t wait for people across Greater Manchester to come and explore the extensive range, be inspired by the great style on offer, and find quality, affordable pieces to treasure in their homes, now and for years to come.”

Leandra Dwyer, Asset Manager at Peel Retail & Leisure said: “Trafford Palazzo is fast establishing itself as the UK’s leading destination for new flagship retail and leisure concepts. The launch of Great Britain’s first standalone Primark Home store at Trafford Palazzo is a fantastic example of how Peel Retail & Leisure partners with major brands to create vibrant spaces where retail and leisure thrive and where consumers want to be. We are looking forward to seeing the progression of this exciting new store evolve.”

The new opening comes as Primark’s home collection continues to thrive, with warm harvest themed decor, key icons of foxes and hedgehogs, autumnal florals and soft neutral layering set to be key trends this autumn / winter, as well as a new elevated feel for Halloween.

Alongside this, Primark has all the essentials students need to decorate their rooms as they head back to uni for the new year. Meanwhile, customers seeking a touch of luxury can also find the Primark Edit in store, a superior-quality collection, which features luxurious 500-thread count bedding for ultimate comfort, exceptionally plush towels that redefine softness, rich, intense home fragrances, and refined, lightweight ceramic tableware.

Primark’s second Trafford Palazzo store complements existing stores across Greater Manchester and follows the successful debut of the standalone Primark Home concept in Belfast earlier this year.

Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)

The UK economy is forecast to expand by 1.3 per cent in 2025, up from the earlier 1.1 per cent estimate, supported by stronger Q1 performance and public spending. Growth is projected at 1.2 per cent in 2026 before rising to 1.5 per cent in 2027.

Business investment remains weak at 1.6 per cent this year, sharply down from the previous 4.8 per cent forecast, reflecting subdued SME sentiment and higher national insurance costs. A modest recovery is projected—1.9 per cent in 2026 and 3 per cent in 2027, British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said in a release.

Exports are forecast to grow 3.1 per cent in 2025, aided by early momentum before new US tariffs, but net trade will stay negative as imports climb 4.4 per cent. Net trade is expected to contract by -1.3 per cent this year, -0.7 per cent in 2026, and -0.9 per cent in 2027.

“While 2025 may be slightly better than forecast, the overall growth landscape for the UK in the next couple of years looks weak. The economy will continue to be buffeted by global headwinds, alongside ongoing worries about high bond yields. Government expenditure has bolstered the economy this year, but the spending taps are likely to be tightened very soon across Whitehall,” said Vicky Pryce, chair of the BCC Economic Advisory Council, commenting on the forecast.

Inflation is expected to remain stubbornly above the Bank of England’s target, with CPI revised up to 3.7 per cent for 2025, before easing to 2.5 per cent in 2026 and 2.1 per cent in 2027. Higher wages and national insurance hikes continue to drive price pressures.

Interest rates are unlikely to fall further this year, with the base rate projected to hold at 4 per cent by end-2025. Limited cuts are expected in 2026, lowering the rate to 3.5 per cent, where it is set to remain through 2027.

Earnings growth will outpace inflation, rising 4.3 per cent in 2025, then 4.1 per cent in 2026 and 4 per cent in 2027, though this adds inflationary pressures. Unemployment is forecast to stay stable at 4.7 per cent through 2026, easing slightly to 4.5 per cent in 2027.

“A net trade deficit will continue to weigh on growth going forward. Global trade tensions, ongoing conflicts, and the recent removal of the USA’s de minimis threshold for small exporters are acting as a drag anchor on exports,” David Bharier, head of research at the British Chambers of Commerce said.

“The forthcoming Autumn Budget will be a pivotal moment. The Chancellor faces some tough decisions as more tax rises risk severely undermining sentiment and investment even further. Sustainable growth depends on driving productivity through modern infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and seizing the opportunities of the AI revolution. SMEs need the tools to invest, trade and expand. Without this, the UK risks being locked into a prolonged low-growth trap,” Bharier suggested.

“The spectre of inflation is set to loom over the economy for some time to come, with consumers reluctant to spend. That’s likely to slow the path of interest rate cuts. Government long-term strategies are welcome – but firms can’t only exist on promises of tomorrow. They need help today to grow, recruit and compete,” Pryce added. 

The UK economy is forecast to grow 1.3 per cent in 2025, easing to 1.2 per cent in 2026 before 1.5 per cent in 2027.
Business investment stays weak at 1.6 per cent this year, while net trade remains negative despite 3.1 per cent export growth.
Inflation will stay above target at 3.7 per cent in 2025, with rates at 4 per cent.
Earnings outpace inflation.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)