Asia’s fourth largest economy South Korea is facing gruelling tariffs by US President Donald Trump, but its shipbuilding industry could prove a useful bargaining chip.Already hit by sector levies on steel and car exports, Seoul is laser-focused on negotiations over a 25 percent country-specific tariff that has been suspended until July 8.AFP takes a look …
South Korea counts on shipbuilding to ease US tariff woes Read More »
Global equities were mixed Friday, while oil prices retreated as markets weighed the latest developments in the war between Iran and Israel.Markets rose after US President Donald Trump said he would allow for up to two weeks before possible US military action against Iran.But on Friday afternoon, Trump expressed doubt that European powers would be …
Global stocks mixed, oil lower as market digests latest on Iran Read More »
The hosts of the most recent UN climate talks are worried international lenders are retreating from their commitments to help boost funding for developing countries’ response to global warming.Major development banks have agreed to boost climate spending and are seen as crucial in the effort to dramatically increase finance to help poorer countries build resilience …
World Bank and IMF climate snub ‘worrying’, says COP29 presidency Read More »
The European Union on Friday banned Chinese firms from government medical device purchases worth more than five million euros ($5.8 million) in retaliation for limits Beijing places on access to its own market.The latest salvo in trade tensions between the 27-nation bloc and China covers a wide range of healthcare supplies, from surgical masks to …
EU bars Chinese firms from major state medical equipment contracts Read More »
Small, fuzzy and baring sharp teeth, Chinese toymaker Pop Mart’s Labubu monster dolls have taken over the world, drawing excited crowds at international stores and adorning the handbags of celebrities such as Rihanna and Cher.Beijing-based Pop Mart is part of a rising tide of Chinese cultural exports gaining traction abroad, furry ambassadors of a “cool” …
Monsters and memes: Labubu dolls ride China soft-power wave Read More »
The price of rice doubled in Japan in the 12 months to May, data showed Friday, as an acceleration in inflation piled fresh pressure on Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba ahead of key elections next month.Polls for parliament’s upper house are crucial for Ishiba after public support for his administration tumbled to its lowest level since …
Rice prices double in Japan as inflation accelerates Read More »
Europe’s ambition to be a world player in decarbonised transportation arguably depends on sourcing lithium abroad, especially in South America.Even the bloc’s broader energy security and climate goals could depend on securing a steady supply of the key mineral, used in batteries and other clean energy supply chains.But Europe has run into a trio of …
Europe’s lithium quest hampered by China and lack of cash Read More »
President Donald Trump announced Thursday he had given social media platform TikTok another 90 days to find a non-Chinese buyer or be banned in the United States.”I’ve just signed the Executive Order extending the Deadline for the TikTok closing for 90 days (September 17, 2025),” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, putting off the …
Trump extends deadline for TikTok sale by 90 days Read More »
Stock markets mostly fell Thursday while oil prices rose as the Israel-Iran conflict added to fears over a renewed spike in inflation that could dent economic growth in major countries.Investors had already taken a cautious stance after the US Federal Reserve kept its interest rates unchanged and warned Wednesday that President Donald Trump’s trade war …
Stocks drop, oil gains as Mideast unrest fuels inflation fears Read More »
Air India’s Boeing plane was “well-maintained” before it crashed a week ago, killing all but one of 242 people on board, the airline said on Thursday.Indian authorities are yet to detail what caused the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner to hurtle to the ground in the western city of Ahmedabad a week ago.At least 38 people were …
Air India says plane ‘well-maintained’ before crash Read More »
