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How China could respond to Trump's new tariffs

From retaliatory tariffs on US goods like car parts and soy beans to controls on raw minerals essential for American manufacturing -- analysts say China has plenty of options if it wants to reply to fresh US levies.

Trump halts Canada and Mexico tariffs, China still targeted

US President Donald Trump delayed the start of tariffs on neighbors Mexico and Canada for a month Monday -- but China remained in the firing line for levies that are putting the global economy on edge.

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How Ukraine war left China's 'Nickel King' on hook for billions

The play by Xiang Guangda, China's "Nickel King", was to use his influential market position to short the metal, wait for the price to drop, then soak up the rewards when the value bounced back.

New world order? Pandemic and war rattle globalisation

Globalisation, which has both fans and detractors alike, is being tested like never before after the one-two punch of Covid and war.

Microsoft says it addressed corruption allegations in Middle East, Africa

Microsoft, accused by a former employee of paying bribes in Africa and the Middle East, said Saturday it has already probed the allegations and fired several employees as a result.

Saudi Arabia 'foils oil tanker attack' after rebels disrupt F1

Saudi forces destroyed explosives-laden boats and launched air strikes in Yemen on Saturday after Huthi rebel drones and missiles hit targets around the country, setting off an inferno at an oil plant within sight of Jeddah's Formula One race.

US hopes Taliban will quickly reverse girls schools closure

The United States expects the Taliban to reverse its decision to keep girls out of Afghan schools "in coming days", US special envoy Thomas West said Saturday.

Saudi Arabia pledges maximum security for F1 after Yemeni attack

Saudi Arabia pledged maximum security to reassure rattled Formula One drivers as the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was set to go ahead despite an attack on an oil facility nearby by Yemen's Huthi rebels.

Historic German 'rail bridge' aids war-ravaged Ukraine

The convoy rolls slowly out of the heart of Berlin, its eight cars tethered to a bright red locomotive. Destination: Ukraine, thanks to a historic "rail bridge" delivering humanitarian aid to the besieged country.

Away from bombs, Ukrainians make new home in German town

When Katrin Bilger heard about Russia's invasion of Ukraine, her nine-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son found her crying at the breakfast table.

Argentina to receive immediate $9.7 bn under $44 bn debt deal: IMF

The IMF executive board on Friday approved a $44 billion loan for Argentina to help the inflation-wracked country's economy, with $9.7 billion of the funding available immediately.

Yes or No? Amazon union vote gets underway in New York

Under hazy skies and in the calm of morning, workers waited patiently in line outside the JFK8 warehouse Friday for a say on whether to establish Amazon's first US labor union.

Oil prices, stocks higher after EU snubs Russia ban

Crude prices were higher Friday and stock markets made decent gains after European countries decided against a ban on Russian oil imports over its invasion of Ukraine -- but Germany said it would slash its energy purchases from Moscow.

Brazilian star Anitta tops Spotify with booty-grinding 'Envolver'

Pop superstar Anitta became the first Brazilian to reach the number one spot on music streaming platform Spotify Friday, with a booty-grinding hit, "Envolver," that has sparked a viral dance phenomenon.

Gilbert Houngbo to be first African to head UN labour agency

Gilbert Houngbo, the former prime minister of Togo, was on Friday elected the next head of the International Labour Organization, and will become the first African to lead the UN agency.

Oil prices slide as EU snubs Russia ban

Benchmark oil prices slid by three percent Friday after European countries decided against a ban on Russian oil imports over its Ukraine invasion -- but Germany said it would drastically slash its energy purchases from Moscow.

Ex-Togo premier Houngbo to head UN labour agency

Gilbert Houngbo, the former prime minister of Togo, was on Friday elected the next head of the International Labour Organization, and will become the first African to lead the UN agency.

Giant white diamond 'The Rock' makes debut in Dubai

A giant diamond nicknamed "The Rock" went on display for the first time in Dubai on Friday ahead of an auction where it is expected to fetch up to $30 million.

How European rulings imperil flagship Google product

Lax laws and sweetheart deals are becoming a thing of the past for big tech firms, particularly in Europe where a series of rulings is posing a major threat to one of Google's flagship products.

Polish businesses face labour shortage after Ukraine war

Szymon Janiewski employed 10 Ukrainians at his small construction company in Poland until war broke out in their homeland.

Japan's hardcore train fans accused of going off the rails

Crowding, confrontations and full-on attacks. Japan's many train fans are mostly mild-mannered enthusiasts passionate about the country's famed rail system, but a small group is gaining surprising notoriety.

Asian markets swing as traders assess Ukraine, inflation, Fed risk

Markets fluctuated in Asia on Friday as traders struggled to build on a rally in New York, with focus on the impact of the Ukraine war, surging inflation and Federal Reserve plans to fight it.

UN labour agency: where workers' rights are set in concrete

The International Labour Organization, which chooses its next leader on Friday, is a UN agency born in the aftermath of World War I to promote workers' rights and social protection.

Venezuela's risky currency stabilization to tackle inflation

Venezuela has been in recession for eight years, suffered four years of hyperinflation and endured a currency in free fall.

Mexico president apologizes for revealing central bank rate hike

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador apologized Thursday after he surprised financial markets by revealing that the nation's autonomous central bank had decided to hike interest rates, hours before an official announcement.

EU negotiators agree landmark law to curb Big Tech

Negotiators from the European Parliament and EU member states agreed Thursday on a landmark law to curb the market dominance of US big tech giants such as Google, Meta, Amazon and Apple.

Mexico president reveals central bank rate hike

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador surprised financial markets on Thursday by revealing that Mexico's autonomous central bank had decided to hike interest rates, hours before an official announcement.

P&O Ferries admits breaking law over sackings

Scandal-hit P&O Ferries on Thursday admitted that the company "chose" to break UK employment law when it fired 800 seafaring workers without notice last week.

EU in 'final countdown' to big tech crackdown

EU lawmakers wrangled Thursday to put the final touches on an unprecedented rulebook to curb the market dominance of US Big Tech giants such as Google, Meta, Amazon and Apple.

Ethiopian Airlines appoints new CEO

Ethiopian Airlines, the biggest carrier in Africa, has appointed a new CEO to replace Tewolde Gebremariam who left the company for medical reasons, the company announced Thursday.

War in Ukraine rattles auto parts industry

Ukraine's car parts industry, which supplies many vehicle manufacturers in western European, has taken a battering since the Russian invasion one month ago.

Biodiversity loss threatens economic stability: central banks report

Central banks have underestimated the significant threat posed by biodiversity loss, a new report said Thursday, warning that financial institutions and businesses were destroying the natural assets that they depend on.

Stocks mixed, oil prices dip as West targets Russian gold

Stock markets were mixed while oil prices eased Thursday as investors weighed Western summits on Russia's war in Ukraine and the prospect of sharper interest rate hikes to control inflation.

US durable goods ended streak of gains in February

Orders for big-ticket manufactured goods fell for the first time in five months in February amid a slump in business for civilian aircraft manufacturers, US government data said Thursday.

Amapiano: South Africa's 'pumping' music gift from township to the globe

Manchester United's Paul Pogba, fresh from a haircut, rhythmically juts out his chin to the catchy sounds of amapiano -- the South African music that has catapulted across the world.

Drones, thermal scanners scour China Eastern crash site

Recovery teams deployed drones and thermal imaging equipment Thursday across a mountainous area where a China Eastern plane inexplicably crashed with 132 people on board.

Toshiba shareholders reject spin-off plan in key vote

Toshiba shareholders on Thursday voted against a proposal to split the Japanese conglomerate into two, dealing a fresh blow to management that will likely spell further turmoil for the embattled company.

Oil sees further gains on sanctions talk, while equities slip

Oil prices extended their gains Thursday on growing fears of further Russia sanctions that could hit already thin supplies, while most equity markets retreated owing to surging inflation and central bank plans to sharply hike interest rates.

Some wins for US labor, but big picture stays tough

Lauded by President Joe Biden and bolstered by recent triumphs at Starbucks, the US labor movement has had reasons to cheer as attention focuses on upcoming unionization votes at Amazon.

Toshiba holds key shareholder vote on spin-off plan

Toshiba shareholders will vote Thursday on a plan to split the embattled Japanese conglomerate into two that has already faced staunch opposition from key investors.

Another US state passes abortion 'bounty hunter' law

Another US state passed a law allowing abortion providers to be sued in civil court Wednesday, as conservatives across the country ramp up their effort to overturn long-held reproductive rights.

The Japan Times - Economy (English)