Economy

Economy Latest News

Taiwan could help industry after Trump warns of chip tariffs
Taiwan could help industry after Trump warns of chip tariffs
by  AFP

Taiwan will consider supporting its domestic industry the government said Wednesday, after US President Donald Trump warned he will soon place tariffs on overseas-made semiconductor chips. Speaking at a Republican congressional retreat in Miami on Monday, Trump warned the United States will soon place tariffs on foreign-made semiconductor chips, pharmaceuticals and metals such as steel.

Dutch chip giant ASML's net profits dip in 2024
Dutch chip giant ASML's net profits dip in 2024
by  AFP

Dutch tech giant ASML, which sells cutting-edge machines to make semiconductor chips, reported a drop in annual net profits Wednesday, as geopolitical headwinds and the emergence of Chinese AI start-up DeepSeek disrupt the sector. The tech sector has also been buffeted by the sudden emergence of DeepSeek, a low-cost Chinese artificial intelligence chatbot to rival its US competitors.

Red tape and rare earths: EU 'compass' charts economic future
Red tape and rare earths: EU 'compass' charts economic future
by  AFP

Promising a "simplification shock", the EU will unveil a much-anticipated blueprint to revamp Europe's economic model on Wednesday, as the bloc struggles to keep up with China and the United States. Commission Vice-President Stephane Sejourne has promised "a simplification shock without affecting environmental targets".

Sony names new CEO in management reshuffle
Sony names new CEO in management reshuffle
by  AFP

Japanese electronics and entertainment giant Sony Group said Wednesday that it has promoted Hiroki Totoki to chief executive officer as part of a wider management reorganisation. It also announced "changes to its management structure to clarify management roles according to their responsibilities for the management of the entire Group or of each business".

UK eyes third Heathrow runway in growth takeoff bid
UK eyes third Heathrow runway in growth takeoff bid
by  AFP

Britain's finance minister Rachel Reeves is on Wednesday expected to announce controversial plans for a third runway at London's Heathrow airport as the Labour government seeks to kickstart economic growth.

Asian markets track Wall St bounce as Fed decision looms
Asian markets track Wall St bounce as Fed decision looms
by  AFP

Asian markets rose in holiday-thinned trade Wednesday, tracking a rally on Wall Street, where tech titans led by Nvidia recovered some of their hefty losses a day earlier as worries over Chinese AI startup DeepSeek subsided.

Facing Bolivia's economic crunch with toy houses, fake banknotes
Facing Bolivia's economic crunch with toy houses, fake banknotes
by  AFP

For a month every year, thousands of Bolivians throng the stalls of an unusual market in La Paz, shopping for tiny toy houses and wads of fake cash -- substitutes for the real-life objects their hearts desire. I bought the little house with faith, and within a few years, I bought my (real) house."