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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.

Asian markets mixed as autos suffer more tariff-fuelled losses
Asian markets mixed as autos suffer more tariff-fuelled losses
by  AFP

Asian markets were mixed Friday as traders brace for next week's expected wave of US tariffs, while auto firms extended their painful losses following President Donald Trump's announcement of steep levies on vehicle imports. After another down day on Wall Street, equity markets in Asia were mixed Friday, with auto firms again taking the brunt.

Clean energy giant Goldwind leads China's global sector push
Clean energy giant Goldwind leads China's global sector push
by  AFP

China has rushed ahead in recent years as the world's forerunner in wind energy, propelled by explosive local demand as Beijing aggressively pursues strategic and environmental targets. - Gold rush - Goldwind's origin lies in the vast, arid stretches of western China, where in the 1980s a company named Xinjiang Wind Energy built its first turbine farm.