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China shrugs off new Trump tariffs but bruising trade war looms
China shrugs off new Trump tariffs but bruising trade war looms
by  AFP

Donald Trump's new tariffs will probably not have a major impact on China's economy but may herald the opening salvo of another bruising trade war with Beijing, analysts said Sunday. However, his action against Beijing was "not a big shock to China's economy", according to Zhiwei Zhang, president of Pinpoint Asset Management.

Cash-keen Taliban betting on Afghanistan's mines
Cash-keen Taliban betting on Afghanistan's mines
by  AFP

A miner in the mountains of eastern Afghanistan poured water over a block of jade, exposing the green stone that is part of the Taliban authorities' push to capitalise on the country's rich mineral resources. The rest may contain iron sulfide minerals that contaminate the ground if it comes into contact with water.

Seeking light in dark times four years after Myanmar coup
Seeking light in dark times four years after Myanmar coup
by  AFP

Yangon resident Aung Ko Gyi browses stalls for a solar power kit he can use to weather the blackouts that have become a constant feature of life in Myanmar four years on from a military coup. Resident Aung Kyo Gyi encourages others to switch to solar power to make it through the dark times.

Autos, electronics: What will Trump's tariffs impact?
Autos, electronics: What will Trump's tariffs impact?
by  AFP

US President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs on Canada and Mexico are set to roil supply chains for products ranging from automobiles to avocados -- with industries girding for cost increases. Analysts expect Trump's 25 percent across-the-board tariffs on Canada and Mexico would hit the automobile and electronics sectors hard.

Taliban govt-run corporation takes over luxury Kabul Serena hotel
Taliban govt-run corporation takes over luxury Kabul Serena hotel
by  AFP

Afghanistan's Taliban government took over management of Kabul's famed Serena hotel on Saturday, a hotel statement said, a luxury property targeted by Taliban attacks during their insurgency. The Serena has been the target of multiple deadly attacks by the Taliban before they swept to power in 2021, ousting the foreign-backed government.

Benin seeks home-grown cotton 'revolution'
Benin seeks home-grown cotton 'revolution'
by  AFP

Mathias Azonnoudo, a 50-year-old farmer in Benin, was taking a break sitting on a large pile of freshly picked cotton, which the government hopes will feed the country's nascent textile revolution. "I feel like the government has found business leaders that want more, so they are encouraging farmers to produce more," said Azonnoudo, who has been growing cotton for the past 16 years.

Trump to hit Canada, Mexico, China with tariffs, raising price fears
Trump to hit Canada, Mexico, China with tariffs, raising price fears
by  AFP

US President Donald Trump is set to unveil fresh tariffs Saturday on major trading partners Canada, Mexico and China, threatening upheaval across supply chains from energy to autos and raising inflation concerns. Both Canada and Mexico have said they are prepared to respond if Trump acts on tariffs, raising the specter of an escalating conflict.