ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - September 14, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - September 14, 2024

ZeroFox physical security experts collect, curate, and analyze information derived from open and proprietary sources for comprehensive context of the circumstances surrounding global events. Here is today’s daily roundup of major developments.

Brief Highlights

• India to Impose 30 Percent Tariffs on Steel Imports from China and Vietnam
• Protests Erupt in Melbourne over War in Gaza
• Growing Violent Demonstration in Pakistan Calling for the Release of Imran Khan in Pakistan Expected to End

India to Impose 30 Percent Tariffs on Steel Imports from China and Vietnam

The Indian finance ministry has announced an order to increase tariffs from 12 percent to 30 percent on some steel products imported from China and Vietnam to protect and boost local steel production. China and Vietnam will be taxed for the next five years, effective September 10, 2024. China has been exporting vast amounts of steel that would normally be consumed domestically. However, China's sluggish economy and shift away from large infrastructure projects have severely dented steel demand. Under normal circumstances, the lack of demand would result in mass layoffs in the domestic steel-producing sector. However, China seeks to maintain its usual steel production by exporting unused steel abroad at low prices. India is the latest nation to enact steel tariffs after a glut of Chinese steel imports.

Protests Erupt in Melbourne over War in Gaza

A recent anti-war demonstration outside a military hardware show in Melbourne led to a confrontation with police and dozens of arrests. Demonstrators were opposing the sale of military equipment to Israel, in particular equipment with ties to Israel-based Elbit Systems, which has been the target of demonstrations, especially in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Growing Violent Demonstration in Pakistan Calling for the Release of Imran Khan in Pakistan Expected to End

Demonstrators from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan canceled their nationwide protest to concentrate their efforts on a campaign set for September 22. Demonstrations related to Khan's arrest from mid-2023 have been ongoing for months but escalated on September 8, when security forces used shipping containers to block roads and conduct mass arrests in the capital Islamabad. There have been subsequent demonstrations to denounce the September 8 arrests.