India raised taxes on imports of goods such as electronic items, toys and furniture, aiming to give impetus to domestic manufacturing in a move that will hit Sweden's IKEA and other foreign firms. The measures, announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her 2020-21 budget, come amid criticism from some companies that India has increasingly resorted to protectionist rules that discriminate against foreign companies.

Ikea has recalled millions of 'Made in India' travel mugs from more than 400-stores across the world due to excessive-levels of chemicals in the plastic product. "There are no medical issues and this is purely a proactive initiative keeping the safety of our customers in mind," the Swedish furniture and home products retailer said, urging consumers to stop using the Troligtvis-branded travel mugs immediately.

Polish bishops denounced Swedish furniture giant Ikea for what it called "LGBT indoctrination" after an employee was sacked for refusing to take down a homophobic comment he posted on the firm's internal website. Ikea has said that the worker's comments could have offended "the dignity of members of the LGBT community" adding that the group's policy was "not to tolerate discrimination and exclusionary attitudes".