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In bid to save shipyards, US set to charge fees on Chinese ships
In bid to save shipyards, US set to charge fees on Chinese ships
Economy
by  AFP

An escalating trade war between China and the United States faces another flashpoint Tuesday when Chinese ships will be required to start paying a special fee to dock at US ports. As of Tuesday, the Chinese government announced, all ships manufactured in the United States or linked to an American company would have to pay "special" duties to dock at ports in China.

US soybean farmers battered by trade row with China
US soybean farmers battered by trade row with China
Economy
by  AFP

The US soybean harvest is underway and in rural Maryland, farmer Travis Hutchison cracks open a pod to show how a field is nearly dry enough for reaping. Time is limited, as China's soybean purchasing window from the United States usually runs from October through January, said farmer David Burrier, based in Union Bridge, Maryland.

Who is setting fire to the Amazon?
Who is setting fire to the Amazon?
Economy
by  AFP

"Red John" is an old acquaintance of landowners and ranchers in the Brazilian Amazon. But Red John is a worker who cannot be controlled -- and an unprecedented drought in 2024 linked to climate change sent fires blazing out of control, scorching nearly 18 million hectares (44.5 million acres) of the Brazilian Amazon.

Mass-produced AI podcasts disrupt a fragile industry
Mass-produced AI podcasts disrupt a fragile industry
Economy
by  AFP

Artificial intelligence now makes it possible to mass-produce podcasts with completely virtual hosts, a development that is disrupting an industry still finding its footing and operating on a fragile business model. The industry veteran, whose program began in 2008, said he's skeptical about the mass adoption of AI podcasts.