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Europe's lithium quest hampered by China and lack of cash
Europe's lithium quest hampered by China and lack of cash
Economy
by  AFP

Europe's ambition to be a world player in decarbonised transportation arguably depends on sourcing lithium abroad, especially in South America. In Africa, for example, Chinese demand has propelled Zimbabwe to become the fourth-largest lithium producer in the world.

Rice prices double in Japan as inflation accelerates
Rice prices double in Japan as inflation accelerates
Economy
by  AFP

Rice prices doubled last month in Japan as core inflation accelerated, official data showed Friday, posing a threat to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba ahead of July elections. In May, Japan's core inflation rate, which excludes volatile fresh food prices, hit 3.7 percent -- its highest level since January 2023 -- interior ministry data showed.