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US 'in arrears' at the WTO
US 'in arrears' at the WTO
by  AFP

The United States has not paid its 2024 dues to the World Trade Organization and is therefore now deemed to be in "arrears", the WTO's spokesman said Friday. Washington has also not yet paid its dues for 2025, though contributions from the WTO's 166 members often do not come in until mid-year.

US Fed's preferred inflation gauge shows some cause for concern
US Fed's preferred inflation gauge shows some cause for concern
by  AFP

The US Federal Reserve's preferred inflation measure was largely unchanged last month, according to government data published Friday, but a widely scrutinized gauge of underlying price pressures rose. Personal income increased by 0.8 percent last month, according to the Commerce Department data published Friday.

Cuba resurrects dollar-only stores, a symbol of inequality
Cuba resurrects dollar-only stores, a symbol of inequality
by  AFP

In communist Cuba, some customers are more equal than others, as a 40-year-old math teacher who was out shopping recently in Havana with his son discovered. But "we had barely put a foot inside when they told me it (payment) was in dollars," Michael, the teacher, who declined to give his surname, told AFP. "Let's go, this isn't for us," he told his son, making a beeline for the door.

Germany says 'nothing off table' in US tariff row
Germany says 'nothing off table' in US tariff row
by  AFP

Germany said Friday it hopes the EU and United States can negotiate an agreement on US auto tariffs but the bloc was ready to retaliate, warning: "Nothing is off the table." "At the moment (the EU) still hopes and aims to reach an agreement in talks with the United States that can possibly avert a trade war," he said in Berlin.

No 'spring revival' for Germany as unemployment rises
No 'spring revival' for Germany as unemployment rises
by  AFP

Germany's unemployment rate unexpectedly rose in March after holding steady for two months, data showed Friday, with economists lamenting no "spring revival" was in sight for Europe's ailing top economy. The latest weak data highlights the huge challenge for Germany's next government, which is expected to be led by conservative election winner Friedrich Merz, when it comes to reviving the economy.

Japan PM says Trump's tariff views hard to understand
Japan PM says Trump's tariff views hard to understand
by  AFP

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Friday that Donald Trump's views on tariffs were "difficult to understand" after the US president announced 25 percent levies on imported cars and parts. This is very difficult to understand," Ishiba said during a legislative committee session.