Economy

Workers at a copper smelting plant in Chile. The price of the commodity has tumbled to a four-month low on sluggish Chinese demand.
7 October 2023
Few big mergers took place in April to September in Europe, other than L'Oreal's purchase of Aesop. 
Business deals

Global M&As slow as central banks tighten monetary policy

Japan bucks trend with 16% rise in April-September on BOJ's easy stance

3 October 2023
Wind turbines in Calahorra, Spain: Europe's biggest challenge lies in manufacturing the super magnets essential for sophisticated systems like electric vehicles and wind turbines.
Opinion

Europe can go green and rely less on China at the same time

Bloc must 'de-risk' clean energy supply chains to reduce dependence

28 September 2023
A worker unloads palm oil fruit bunches at a factory in Tanjung Karang, Malaysia. Profits at Malaysian palm oil companies have been plummeting.
Trade

Malaysia to double palm oil exports to China, dodge EU restrictions

The two Asian nations sign infrastructure investment deals worth $4.2bn

18 September 2023
The prospect of deflation, after decades of rapid expansion, has loomed over the world's second-biggest economy since July's consumer prices reverse.
Asia Insight

China deflation dread stalks property trade, struggling firms

Summer CPI gloom leaves consumers, markets bracing for impact of weak demand

12 September 2023
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Most read in 2023

China's Belt and Road at crossroads as more loans turn sour

10 years in, Beijing enjoys greater clout but new investments trend down

7 September 2023
British and Japanese trade officials met in London on Sept. 6. (Photo by Anna Nishino)
International relations

Japan and U.K. launch economic security dialogue

Ministers confirm cooperation on critical minerals for supply chain resilience

7 September 2023
The British and Japanese trade ministers are expected to affirm their stance on the high standards of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact. (Nikkei montage)
International relations

Japan and U.K. to jointly invest in critical minerals in Africa

Ministers to meet Wednesday and reach agreement with Chinese influence in mind

4 September 2023
Nigel Huddleston, the UK's Minister of State for International Trade, said the U.K. joined the CPTPP to boost commerce and "help shape" trade rules in areas it is "passionate about," like the digital economy. (Reuters)
Interview

U.K. trade minister rejects doubt over CPTPP gains for country

With China keen to join, Huddleston says states must play by rules

27 August 2023
A shipping container yard in Karachi: The EU is Pakistan's primary export market.
Politics

Pakistan blasphemy law and violence risk EU trade status

Recent legislation, church attacks could have economic consequences, experts say

26 August 2023
China's Vice Premier He Lifeng and French Economy and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire attend the China-France Economic and Financial Dialogue at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on July 29.
International relations

Le Maire says France wants better China access, not decoupling

Finance Minister says 'de-risking' does not mean China is a risk

30 July 2023
Japan now requires export licenses for semiconductor-manufacturing equipment. (Photo by Masayuki Kozono)
Semiconductors

Japan's new chip equipment export rules take effect Sunday

Tokyo aligns with Washington to keep most advanced technology out of China's hands

23 July 2023
Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch says joining the CPTPP "will help grow the U.K. economy." London's own assessment shows a boost of 0.08% over 15 years. (Photo courtesy of U.K. Department for Business and Trade)
Trade

U.K. formally joins CPTPP to little fanfare and low expectations

Malaysia stands to gain from free palm oil exports but few other benefits seen

16 July 2023
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Beijing in April. "China remains a partner, a competitor and systemic rival, but the systemic rival position has gained ground in recent years," she said on July 13. 
Supply Chain

Germany lists grievances, seeks cooperation in first China strategy

Chinese embassy says challenges Berlin faces are not Beijing's doing

13 July 2023
SAIC sold 530,000 autos overseas in the first quarter, an increase of 40% from a year earlier.
Caixin

China's SAIC seeks site for electric car factory in Europe

State-owned automaker also wants partners in India to raise capacity

10 July 2023
Agustin Carstens has served as general manager of the Bank for International Settlements since 2017.
Interview

Fiscal, monetary policy near limit as inflation returns: BIS chief

Carstens notes labor shortage hindering financial supervision amid bank failures

8 July 2023
The EU will "de-risk and diversify" as part of its new China policy to build a stable supply chain that is not threatened by economic intimidation.
International relations

EU walks tightrope of economic security and trade in new China stance

Policy document calls Beijing 'a partner, a competitor and a systemic rival'

2 July 2023
Fishermen in Fukushima prefecture separate fish other than icefish from their catch. The EU may fully lift its restrictions on seafood imports from the area, as the U.S. already has. (Photo by Mayumi Tsumita)
Trade

EU set to end Fukushima import restrictions on Japan food items

Radiation tests and other requirements would be abolished as early as summer

30 June 2023
A sign points to the Brexit zone at the Port of Zeebrugge in Belgium. Bill Emmott called on the U.K. to improve trade relations with the European Union.
Interview

CPTPP won't make up for U.K.'s losses from Brexit: ex-Economist editor

Asia-Pacific trade pact's benefits are more political, Bill Emmott says

28 June 2023
European Union business sentiment in China plunged to all-time lows during the pandemic, as overseas operators grappled with Beijing's strict zero-COVID policies (Source photos by Getty)
Interview

China 'must do more' to restore investment stature: EU Chamber head

Jens Eskelund says market access, clear regulation key for European companies

26 June 2023
Taiwania Capital has $200 million to invest in Central and Eastern European companies.
International relations

Taiwan-backed fund invests in Central, Eastern Europe as ties warm

Taiwania bets on biotech and health, sees role in Ukraine reconstruction

24 June 2023
A commercial port in Vladivostok. Despite sanctions, semiconductors and other targeted goods and technologies have continued to make their way into Russia.
International relations

EU takes aim at Chinese companies in new Russia sanctions

11th package focuses on curbing chips and other shipments via third countries

24 June 2023
Chinese Premier Li Qiang and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz review the troops in Berlin on June 20. This is Li's first overseas trip since taking office.
International relations

China and Germany stake out common ground on climate change, economy

Leaders on both sides look to strengthen trade ties despite tensions over security

21 June 2023
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says Europe has to be "clear-eyed about a world that has become more contested and geopolitical."
International relations

Europe unveils 'de-risking' strategy but states divided on China

Proposal to defend technologies like AI, chips likely to face fierce debate

21 June 2023
This fishing vessel was packed with migrants from Pakistan, Syria and Egypt. It capsized off the southern Greek coast on June 14.  (Photo by Hellenic Coast Guard via Reuters)
International relations

Greece shipwreck highlights Pakistan human smuggling woes

Hundreds still missing after migrant vessel capsizes in Mediterranean Sea

20 June 2023