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…
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…
African nations boost gold reserves amid economic uncertainty
Nairobi, Kenya — Central banks in Africa are turning to gold to protect themselves from economic and geopolitical instability and to diversify their financial portfolios. In September 2023, the price of gold per ounce was $1,900. A year later, it…
Google loses final EU court appeal against $2.7 billion fine in antitrust shopping case
London — Google lost its final legal challenge on Tuesday against a European Union penalty for giving its own shopping recommendations an illegal advantage over rivals in search results, ending a long-running antitrust case that came with a whopping fine….
China’s Xi, Spain’s Sanchez seek to ease EU-China trade disputes
beijing — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday urged visiting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to play a “constructive role” in improving strained ties between Bejing and the European Union. Sanchez for his part said he hoped the EU could…
Black creatives band together to navigate fashion industry barriers
A lack of opportunities has resulted in underrepresentation of Black designers, stylists and other creatives in the fashion industry. It’s also created a new wave of Black entrepreneurs who are passing on lessons of the business. Tina Trinh reports. (Camera…
Greece to tax cruise ships to protect popular islands from overtourism
Athens — Greece plans to impose a 20-euro ($22) levy on cruise ship visitors to the islands of Santorini and Mykonos during the peak summer season, in a bid to avert overtourism, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Sunday. Greece relies…