Economy

Economy Latest News

Hudson's Bay Company: from fur trade to department store downfall
Hudson's Bay Company: from fur trade to department store downfall
by  AFP

From the 17th century fur trade that birthed a nation to the last major department store in Canada, The Hudson's Bay Company has left an indelible mark, but its storied 354 years are crashing to an end. In the early 20th century, as Canada's population exploded with the arrival of more settlers, HBC built large department stores in cities across the country.

China, South Korea and Japan agree to strengthen free trade
China, South Korea and Japan agree to strengthen free trade
by  AFP

China, South Korea and Japan agreed Sunday to strengthen free trade, according to a joint statement from their top officials meeting in Seoul. South Korea and Japan are major auto exporters, while China has also been hit hard by new US tariffs.

Australian black market tobacco sparks firebombings, budget hole
Australian black market tobacco sparks firebombings, budget hole
by  AFP

Sky-high tobacco prices in Australia have created a lucrative black market, analysts say, sparking a violent "tobacco war" and syphoning away billions in potential tax revenue. In March, the government cut its budget forecast for tobacco tax revenue in the period to 2029 by Aus$6.9 billion.

Protesters denounce Musk at Tesla dealerships in US, Europe
Protesters denounce Musk at Tesla dealerships in US, Europe
by  AFP

Demonstrators descended on Tesla dealerships across the United States and Europe on Saturday to protest company chief Elon Musk, who has amassed extraordinary power as a top advisor to US President Donald Trump. Hundreds rallied Saturday outside the Tesla dealership in New York's Manhattan.

UK dreams of US trade deal before Trump tariffs
UK dreams of US trade deal before Trump tariffs
by  AFP

Britain's government is hoping to reach a last-minute post-Brexit trade agreement with Washington to avoid -- or at least mitigate -- more tariffs set to be announced on Wednesday by US President Donald Trump. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour party that won power in July, visited Washington at the end of February and came away hopeful an accord could be reached.

'Defiant' Canada autoworkers vow to fight tariff layoffs
'Defiant' Canada autoworkers vow to fight tariff layoffs
by  AFP

Jeff Gray, a union leader for Canadians working for GM, has a message for companies considering moving auto jobs to the United States in response to President Donald Trump's tariffs. Gray said his great-grandfather was a founding member of the union in 1937, and multiple relatives have worked for GM since, a story common across Oshawa.

Trump auto tariffs strike at heart of North American trade
Trump auto tariffs strike at heart of North American trade
by  AFP

US President Donald Trump's tariffs on imported cars strike at the heart of a North American free trade agreement, threatening to disrupt supply chains and raise prices, experts say. - More expensive cars - Analysts and US trading partners warn that the tariffs will raise prices for American consumers.