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Automakers hold their breath on Trump's erratic US tariffs
Automakers hold their breath on Trump's erratic US tariffs
by  AFP

US President Donald Trump's aggressive but fast-changing trade policy has foisted difficult questions on carmakers that they have not yet been forced to answer. Parker, who quipped that US tariff policy might have changed since he last checked his phone, described the company's strategy as "quite simple."

China's forecast-beating growth belies storm clouds ahead: analysts
China's forecast-beating growth belies storm clouds ahead: analysts
by  AFP

Forecast-beating growth in China's first quarter may have offered Beijing's economic planners some much needed good news -- but analysts warn they should strap in for tariff-induced woes further down the line. A top economic planner also stressed that more "proactive and effective macro policies" would be needed to boost growth.

Heineken beer sales dip, tariffs add to uncertainty
Heineken beer sales dip, tariffs add to uncertainty
by  AFP

Heineken said Wednesday its beer sales were down in the first quarter but kept profit forecasts for the year unchanged despite noting increased uncertainty from tariffs. "Additionally, there are broader uncertainties, including recent tariff adjustments and potential increases, as we go forward," added Heineken.

Dutch flower industry grasps thorny pesticide issue
Dutch flower industry grasps thorny pesticide issue
by  AFP

As Margriet Mantingh gazes at flowers stretching as far as the eye can see at the world's biggest flower market near Amsterdam, all she sees is a huge bouquet of pesticides. At Aalsmeer, near the Dutch capital, dozens of staff on electric scooters weave through the world's biggest flower market.

Solar boom counters power shortages in Niger
Solar boom counters power shortages in Niger
by  AFP

Solar panels like the ones on the roof of Elhadj Abdou's house are an increasingly common sight in Niger's capital, which is often hit by power cuts. "There are no more power cuts here and there are no bills to pay, everything works on solar energy," said Abdou, who lives in Niamey's Lazaret neighbourhood.

Mackerel and missiles: EU-UK defence deal snags on fish
Mackerel and missiles: EU-UK defence deal snags on fish
by  AFP

Cod and herring are normally more likely to be on the dinner menu than the negotiating table at European security talks. But captained by France, some EU countries are pushing to link the opening of defence talks to successful negotiations in other areas, with fishing a major sticking point.

ASML CEO sees 'increased macro uncertainty' from tariffs
ASML CEO sees 'increased macro uncertainty' from tariffs
by  AFP

The head of ASML said on Wednesday there was "increased macro uncertainty" due to tariffs but the Dutch tech giant kept its sales forecasts for this year unchanged. "However, the recent tariff announcements have increased uncertainty in the macro environment and the situation will remain dynamic for a while," he added.