G’day from Sydney. In this week’s dispatch, why 50,000 Covid-19 cases a day is hurting Indonesia more than the U.K., and how Australia’s wine industry is adapting in the wake of sky-high Chinese tariffs.
A surge of coronavirus cases in Indonesia is resulting in tragically familiar outcomes: Hospitals short of life-saving oxygen and drugs, and people dying alone. In the world’s fourth most populous country, 1,000 people are losing their lives from the virus every day.
In the U.K., however, the daily tally of 50,000 cases has an entirely different impact. Since “Freedom Day” on July 19, revelers have jammed into nightclubs for the first time in months, commuters can ride the train mask-free and diners are eating out without capacity limits. Despite the jump in infections, the daily death toll is around 50.
The key difference? Vaccination.
More than half the population in the U.K. is fully inoculated against Covid, including most of its elderly and those at high risk. In Indonesia, just 6% of people are fully immunized. Shots are scarce and the population is scared and vulnerable.
A funeral site in Indonesia’s Medan city, in North Sumatra province.
Photographer: Ivan Damanik/NurPhoto
As richer nations hold film festivals, fashion weeks and football championships again, the pandemic continues to sweep the developing world, shuttering economies and dashing livelihoods. We take a closer look at the rich-poor divide in vaccine access — which the World Health Organization has called a “catastrophic moral failure.” — Edward Johnson
Wine Exports
Sky-high tariffs have taken
a sledgehammer to Australian wine exports to China. But the road to Hong Kong appears to be wide open.
Shipments to the city rocketed 111% in the 12 months ended June 30, according to the latest data from Wine Australia. That compares with a steep 45% drop in exports to mainland China.
Partners in Wine
Hong Kong makes it into the top five for Aussie wine export markets
Source: Wine Australia
Beijing effectively closed off the market for Australian wine late last year with crippling tariffs. Those don’t apply to Hong Kong, which has an independent tax system from the mainland.
My colleague Sybilla Gross examines how the industry is adapting.
What We’ve Been Reading
A few things from around the world that caught our attention:
We’d like to hear from you. Follow @BloombergAU and tweet us for any questions or feedback about this week’s roundup.
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