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Toyota may build new RAV4 in US in response to tariffs, sources say

TOKYO, Japan: Toyota is weighing plans to build the next-generation RAV4 SUV in the United States, according to three people familiar with the matter, as the automaker adapts to new trade pressures and a surge in demand for its best-selling vehicle.

The company currently manufactures the RAV4 in Kentucky, Canada, and Japan. While the original plan was to continue exporting the updated model to the U.S. from Cana

Asian countries look to buy more US energy to offset trade imbalance

SINGAPORE: Amid rising trade tensions, several Asian nations are stepping up energy purchases from the U.S. in hopes of easing tariff pressure under President Donald Trump's new import duties.

Many countries across Asia have significant trade surpluses with Washington and rely heavily on energy imports. As U.S. tariffs disrupt global markets, some governments are turning to Am

TSMC Q1 profit surges 60%, beats forecasts

TAIPEI, Taiwan: Taiwan's TSMC reported stronger-than-expected first-quarter earnings on Thursday, driven by booming demand for AI-related semiconductors.

The world's largest contract chipmaker posted a 60 percent rise in net profit for the January–March period, reaching T$361.6 billion (US$11.12 billion), up from T$225.5 billion a year earlier.

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Honda considers moving some factories to US from Mexico, Canada

TOKYO, Japan: Facing the pressure of new U.S. tariffs, Honda is weighing a shift in its production strategy that could see more of its cars built in the United States instead of Canada or Mexico, according to a report by the Nikkei newspaper.

The Japanese automaker aims to manufacture 90 percent of the vehicles it sells in the U.S. within the country, according to a report this week. This is part of a plan to bo

Hongkong Post halts U.S. mail shipments amid tariff dispute

HONG KONG - Mail services between Hong Kong and the United States are the latest casualty in an escalating trade dispute, with Hong Kong Post announcing it will suspend deliveries of goods as tensions rise over new U.S. tariff rules.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Hong Kong Post said it would immediately halt sea mail services carrying goods to the U.S., calling recent Am

China to tighten EV battery rules to reduce fire, explosion risks

BEIJING, China: China will raise battery safety standards for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, aiming to tackle fire and explosion risks as the country's new energy vehicle market continues to surge.

This week, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology released updated technical regulations for EVs and plug-in hybrid batteries. The new rules, which take effect in July 2026, will require automakers

China, Vietnam to assess viability of new railways, document shows

HANOI, Vietnam: During Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Hanoi this week, China and Vietnam agreed to take the first steps toward building new railway links. According to an agreement seen by Reuters, they will begin feasibility studies for two new rail lines.

The two countries have been discussing upgrading old railway lines built by the French over 100 years ago and adding a new coasta

Manhunt in Australia for Irish man wanted on multiple charges

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) are appealing to the public for assistance in locating Michael Connors, a 25-year-old Irish national who is allegedly residing in Australia unlawfully.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Connors in relation to alleged passport offences. He was last seen in Brisbane, Queensland, on March 15, 2025, and is known to use multiple aliases, including Craig O'Neill, Michael O'Brien

Luxury brands capitalize on "debut economy" to tap China market

People visit the booth of Tiffany Co. at the Consumer Goods Exhibition Area during the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng)SHANGHAI, April 22 (Xinhua) -- As China actively promotes its "debut economy" to spur consumption, more international luxury brands are seizing the opportunity to open new stores, host exclusive events and launch new products in

Interview: U.S. protectionist policies harmful to global supply chains, financial markets, says Egyptian expert

A staff member works on the fiberglass production line at a factory of Chinese fiberglass giant Jushi at the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone in Ain Sokhna district of Suez province, Egypt, Nov. 6, 2024. Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)Through frameworks like the Belt and Road Initiative and BRICS, China's substantial economic capabilities can help bolster the resilience of numerous other countries in defus

Feature: Beyond politics, California educator sees value in Chinese language education

Zach Danz, a UN staff member, reads an excerpt from the Book of Changes during an event marking the 16th UN Chinese Language Day at the UN headquarters in New York, on April 15, 2025."Regardless of what's happening in the higher levels of international trade or politics, people see the people-to-people connections and the importance of learning the language," said a principal of a Chinese language school in California.

Know about front-runners who may succeed Pope Francis

Vatican City, April 22 (ANI): Speculation has intensified over Pope Francis's successor, with media outlets predicting the outcome of the papal conclave remains challenging, as the cardinals' positions can shift with each vote.

The New York Times has named several potential candidates for the next head of the Roman Catholic Church Here are some of the contenders.

Pierbattista Pizzaballa

Pierbattista P

US lawmakers back trade action on China's shipbuilding tactics

Washington DC [US], April 22 (ANI): The Select Committee on China expressed its approval of the US Trade Representative's conclusions from the Section 301 investigation regarding China's excess shipbuilding capacity.

In a unified statement, Chairman John Moolenaar and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi conveyed their optimism about the USTR's choice to finally address Beijing's extensive use of subsidies and sta

WUC slams Chinese-sponsored Uyghur dance shows in Europe as propaganda to mask genocide

Munich [Germany] April 22 (ANI): The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) has vehemently opposed the current social media spread of propaganda movies featuring East Turkistan Uyghur dancers performing in Paris and Budapest's key squares.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is attempting to conceal the ongoing Uyghur genocide and create a false sense of freedom and cultural vibrancy in the area by staging these performances

Brazilian football star Roberto Carlos arrives in Nepal

Kathmandu [Nepal], April 22 (ANI): Renowned Brazilian football star Roberto Carlos arrived in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, on Tuesday morning to appear as a special guest in the ongoing Nepal Super League (NSL).

His visit was initially scheduled for Friday, but it got postponed due to health concerns. With his condition improved, Carlos landed in Nepal's capital to attend the ongoing Nepal Super League (NSL) at Da