Analysts see options for US despite China’s mineral export controls
China’s launch of export controls on antimony and certain superhard materials starting September 15 is a reminder, analysts say, that the United States needs to expand its sourcing of the critical mineral as the tech rivalry between the world’s two…
Spain PM asks EU to ‘reconsider’ EV tariffs plan on Chinese electric cars
As he wrapped up a visit to China, Pedro Sanchez, Spain’s prime minister, has asked the EU to “reconsider” its plan to impose tariffs of up to 36 percent on Chinese electric cars. He says Brussels and Beijing need to…
US inflation reaches 3-year low as Federal Reserve prepares to cut interest rates
Washington — The post-pandemic spike in U.S. inflation eased further last month as year-over-year price increases reached a three-year low, clearing the way for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates next week. Wednesday’s report from the Labor Department showed…
European business confidence in China is at an all-time low, report says
HONG KONG — China must reprioritize economic growth and reforms and boost investor confidence by leveling the playing field for all companies in the country, a European business group said Wednesday. With “business confidence now at an all-time low” over…
Gaza: Six UNRWA staff killed in strikes on school sheltering displaced people
“This is the highest death toll among our staff in a single incident,” UNRWA said in a post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter. At least 34 people were killed in the strikes, according to media reports. UNRWA…
UN firmly rejects allegations against agencies in Yemen
Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, dismissed the allegations, stating “such false statements are baseless, and further threaten the safety of staff and hinder our ability and our partners ability to serve the people of Yemen.” The allegations were…
Indonesia’s dwindling middle class seen dimming economic outlook
KARAWANG, Indonesia — Rahmat Hidayat lost his job when the shoe factory he worked for closed down last year in the industrial town of Karawang in Indonesia’s West Java. The 44-year-old now earns less than half of what he used…
China takes lead in critical technology research after ‘switching places’ with US
SINGAPORE — An Australian think tank that tracks tech competitiveness says China is now the world leader in research on almost 90% of critical technologies. In a newly released report, the research group adds there is also a high risk…
Google, Apple lose court fights against EU, owe billions in fines, taxes
LONDON — Google lost its last bid to overturn a European Union antitrust penalty, after the bloc’s top court ruled against it Tuesday in a case that came with a whopping fine and helped jumpstart an era of intensifying scrutiny…
Zimbabwe rolls out hefty fines for poor telecommunications services
Harare, Zimbabwe — Zimbabwe’s government has introduced hefty fines of up to $5,000 for poor service in the country’s telecommunications industry. In a statement Tuesday, Zimbabwe’s ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera said the government will levy fines of between $200 and…