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Export ban sparks rush to process lithium in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe's ban on raw lithium exports is forcing Chinese miners to rethink their strategy, speeding up plans to process the metal locally instead of shipping it to China's vast rechargeable battery industry.
Where are Southeast Asia's data centres?
New data centres are springing up worldwide as demand soars for artificial intelligence and cloud computing, with Asia one of the sector's fastest growing regions.
Seoul hits fresh record on mixed day for Asia markets
Seoul's Kospi index hit another record high Thursday on a mixed day for Asian equities following a strong lead from Wall Street but with traders giving a tepid response to forecast-beating earnings from chip titan Nvidia.
Deal or no deal: What's the state of Trump's tariffs?
US President Donald Trump's push to reimpose tariffs after his Supreme Court setback has raised questions about his trade deals and future plans, while fueling a rush for refunds.
US eases Cuba oil embargo but demands 'dramatic' change
The United States on Wednesday eased an oil embargo on Cuba but Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the communist-run island must change "dramatically," saying it had only itself to blame for an economic crisis.
IMF urges US to work with partners to ease trade restrictions
The IMF on Wednesday called on the United States to work with trading partners and find ways to mutually ease trade curbs, as it issued a review of the world's biggest economy.
Iran negotiators arrive in Geneva for high-stakes US talks
An Iranian delegation headed by its top diplomat arrived in Geneva on Wednesday for talks with the US, as the Islamic republic's president struck an upbeat tone about the prospect for a negotiated agreement to avert fresh conflict.
Eleven men lured into Russia war returned to South Africa
Eleven South African men who were allegedly lured into fighting for Russian forces in Ukraine returned to their home country Wednesday, AFP reporters saw.
Stock markets strike record highs as AI concerns ease
Stock markets in Asia and Europe reached record highs Wednesday on easing worries about the AI sector and ahead of chip behemoth Nvidia releasing its earnings.
Guinness maker Diageo cuts outlook on weak US, China demand
Diageo, the maker of Guinness stout and Smirnoff vodka, cut its sales outlook and slashed shareholder payouts Wednesday, as its new chief executive seeks to revive the struggling drinks group.
Swiss-EU deals package to be signed next week
After years of negotiations, Switzerland and the European Union will next week sign a package of agreements aimed at simplifying and harmonising their ties, Bern and Brussels said on Wednesday.
Stock markets hit record highs on easing AI concerns
Stock markets in Asia and Europe reached record highs Wednesday on easing worries about the AI sector which many see as overvalued and a threat to several industries.
Germany's Merz meets Xi in China, seeking closer ties
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday, hoping to bolster ties with his country's largest trade partner and high-tech rival as Europe's biggest economy struggles.
Aston Martin slashes staff as US tariffs hit carmakers
British luxury carmaker Aston Martin Lagonda on Wednesday announced plans to cut up to 20 percent of its workforce after widening annual losses on US tariffs and weak Chinese demand.
South Korea birth rate jumps but still under key fertility threshold
South Korea has recorded its biggest annual birth rate bump in 15 years, official figures showed Wednesday, but still far below the threshold needed to stop its population shrinking.
Germany's Merz arrives in China for talks on trade, security
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz touched down in China on Wednesday, beginning his inaugural visit to his country's largest trade partner and a high-tech rival as Europe's biggest economy struggles.
Tech firms lead Asian markets rally as Seoul, Tokyo hit records
Stock markets in Seoul and Tokyo surged to record highs as tech firms led an Asia-wide rally Wednesday following a rebound in their counterparts on Wall Street.
Economy not Russia is big fear on Finland's closed frontier
A deserted cafe and petrol station near the Niirala border crossing to Russia shows how life has been on hold since Finland shut the frontier with its giant neighbour in December 2023.
Alexandria bids farewell to historic tram in latest urban upheaval
Along Egypt's Mediterranean coast, the oldest tram in Africa and the Middle East rumbles for a final few weeks before its removal -- the latest urban upheaval Alexandrians say is hollowing out their city's identity.
'Jaws' harpoon gun and 'Star Wars' treasures lead LA film and TV auction
A harpoon gun from "Jaws," a jacket worn by "The Terminator," and a "Star Wars" lightsaber hilt and C-3PO head are among the eye-catching items to be sold at auction next month.
Tech shares rebound as markets weigh AI impacts
Tech shares bounced on Tuesday following the prior session's selloff as markets weigh the impact of artificial intelligence on incumbent technology companies while navigating tariff uncertainty.
Warner Bros. 'reviewing' new takeover bid from Paramount
Warner Bros. Discovery said Tuesday it has received a revised acquisition proposal from Paramount Skydance, even as the US media giant's board reaffirmed its support for a previously announced buyout deal with Netflix.
Stocks bounce as traders assess AI fallout, tariffs
European and US stocks bounced higher as investors recovered from a fresh bout of angst over AI and new US tariffs.
Senegal PM vows to double penalty for same-sex relations
Senegal's prime minister Tuesday unveiled legislation that would double the maximum penalty for same-sex relations, making them punishable by up to 10 years in prison, in a crackdown condemned by human rights groups.
Novo Nordisk to slash prices of weightloss drugs in US
Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk, which is struggling with competition for its anti-obesity treatments, said Tuesday that it will sharply cut prices for its flagship drugs in the US, announcing a 50 percent cut for Wegovy and 35 percent for Ozempic.
Greece set new tourism record in 2025
Greece in 2025 set new records in tourism arrivals and revenue, the country's central bank said Tuesday, continuing an upward trend for the third straight year according to the tourism ministry.
Stocks fluctuate as traders assess AI fallout, tariffs
Stock markets fluctuated on Tuesday as US President Donald Trump's new tariffs on imports came into effect, with investors also weighing renewed AI concerns.
China targets Japanese companies over military ties
China took action against 40 Japanese companies and entities on Tuesday, citing national security concerns, the latest escalation of a months-long row that has seen tourism to Japan plummet.
Asian markets mixed as traders weigh AI and tariffs outlook
Equities swung in Asian trade on Tuesday as investors weighed fresh AI fears and the US Supreme Court's decision to strike down a large part of Donald Trump's tariffs policy.
Australia buys parts for future AUKUS sub reactor
Australia has paid for the first British-built parts of nuclear reactors to power a future SSN-AUKUS stealth submarine, the government said Tuesday.
Brazil court to try politicians over hit on black councilwoman
Brazil's Supreme Court begins the trial Tuesday of politicians accused of ordering the 2018 murder of Rio de Janeiro councilwoman Marielle Franco, a case that exposed deep ties between politics and organized crime in the city.
Despite drop in 2025, Russian oil exports exceed pre-war volumes: report
While Russian oil exports dropped last year, Russia is still exporting higher volumes than before its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, researchers said Tuesday, calling for stricter sanctions enforcement.