Economy

Economy Latest News

China exports soared in June, beating forecasts: official data
China exports soared in June, beating forecasts: official data
by  AFP

China's exports jumped in June, official data showed Monday, beating forecasts in a month when Washington and Beijing agreed a tentative deal to lower swingeing tariffs on each other. Washington and Beijing have de-escalated their trade spat after reaching a framework for a deal at talks in London last month, but observers warn of lingering uncertainty.

Asian markets mostly rise on lingering trade deal optimism
Asian markets mostly rise on lingering trade deal optimism
by  AFP

Most Asian markets rose Monday as investors digested Donald Trump's latest trade war salvos that saw him threaten to hit the European Union and Mexico with 30 percent tariffs. In announcing his latest measures on Saturday, Trump cited Mexico's role in illicit drugs flowing into the United States and a trade imbalance with the European Union.

'Las Vegas in Laos': the riverside city awash with crime
'Las Vegas in Laos': the riverside city awash with crime
by  AFP

Rising from the muddy fields on the Mekong riverbank in Laos, a lotus tops a casino in a sprawling city which analysts decry as a centre for cybercrime. Ostensibly an urban development project to attract tourists with casinos and resorts, away from official oversight international authorities and analysts say it quickly became a centre for money laundering and trafficking.

US conducts military exercises at Panama Canal
US conducts military exercises at Panama Canal
by  AFP

The United States military teamed with Panamanian police to conduct a series of new exercises aimed at protecting the Panama Canal, amid tensions over alleged Chinese influence along the prized trade route.

US senators aim to arm Trump with 'sledgehammer' sanctions against Russia
US senators aim to arm Trump with 'sledgehammer' sanctions against Russia
by  AFP

US senators on Sunday touted a bipartisan bill that would arm President Donald Trump with "sledgehammer" sanctions to use against Russia, ahead of a visit by the US special envoy to Ukraine. US special envoy Keith Kellogg is due to begin his latest visit to Ukraine while Trump said he would make a "major statement... on Russia" on Monday.

EU chief delays retaliation for US tariffs in search of deal
EU chief delays retaliation for US tariffs in search of deal
by  AFP

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said Sunday that Brussels will continue to hold off on hitting back at US steel and aluminium tariffs, as it seeks a deal to avoid broader 30-percent levies. The EU tariff is markedly steeper than the 20-percent levy Trump had unveiled in April -- before hitting pause as markets went into meltdown. del/ec/djt

France says Australia defence ties repaired after submarine row
France says Australia defence ties repaired after submarine row
by  AFP

France's defence relations with Australia have recovered after their 2021 bust-up over a major submarine contract, the country's ambassador said Sunday. "Now, the first pillar of our cooperation is defence and security, so we have a very good level of cooperation," the ambassador told AFP as French forces joined major military drills around Australia.