Global Franchising News from International Trade Expert Bill Edwards, August 2026

We’ve selected highlights from Bill Edwards’ biweekly Global Business Newsletter (#166, August 4, 2026). The newsletter covers international franchise development, global employment issues, international travel, and updates on business trends in many countries. For the complete newsletter, including in-depth country reports, charts, graphs, international company news, and economic trends and statistics, go here. Previous issues are available as well.

Mapped: Every Country in the World by Income Group

The Global Balance Sheet in 2026: Imbalance and Divergence

The World’s Balance Sheet is Out of Kilter with its Economy

One of the Busiest Shipping Ports Wants To Go Nuclear

Where the iPhone Costs the Most in 2026

Greer Hopes To Have “Interim Arrangement’ Options for USMCA by End of Year

How China Went from a Dream Customer to a Nightmare for Big Oil

U.S. Consumer Confidence Edged Down in July

Domino's Franchisee Profitability Hits Three-Year High Despite Discounting Pullback Softening Sales

The Country with the Most KFC Locations Isn't the U.S. or Japan

Chipotle Opens First Store in Mexico To Try and Do What Taco Bell Could Not

Edwards Global Services (EGS) monitors 30+ countries, 40+ international information sources, and six business sectors daily to keep up with international franchise news. The company’s Global Team on the ground covers 43 countries and provides updates about what is happening in their specific countries. Visit the EGS website here.