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China posts forecast-beating growth in first quarter
China posts forecast-beating growth in first quarter
Business and Economy
by  AFP

China's economy grew far more than expected in the first quarter of 2024, data showed Tuesday, even as it is buffeted by a property-sector crisis and flagging consumer activity. It reflects "the fundamental policy shift from a focus on (the) consumer market and service sector to... industrial growth", she added.

Alexandre de Moraes: Brazil judge in feud with Elon Musk
Alexandre de Moraes: Brazil judge in feud with Elon Musk
Technology
by  AFP

With his stern gaze and shiny-bald head, Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes has emerged as one of the most powerful and polarizing people in Brazil by probing far-right ex-president Jair Bolsonaro's alleged attacks on democracy. The immensely powerful judge, who also heads the Superior Electoral Tribunal (TSE), is hated by the far right, which accuses him of censorship and abuse of office.

Cheap Chinese steel threatens jobs in Latin America
Cheap Chinese steel threatens jobs in Latin America
Business and Economy
by  AFP

Latin American metal workers are clamoring for higher import tariffs as cheap Chinese steel floods the region, threatening hundreds of thousands of jobs linked to the industry. As the pressure increases, steel plant bosses and workers in countries like Chile and Brazil -- the top producer in the region and number nine in the world -- are pressing governments for higher import tariffs.

Drought-hit Panama Canal to ease traffic restrictions
Drought-hit Panama Canal to ease traffic restrictions
Business and Economy
by  AFP

The number of ships allowed through the drought-hit Panama Canal each day will be increased thanks to signs of an improvement in water levels, authorities said Monday. The Panama Canal Authority said Monday that it had informed clients it would gradually allow up to 32 ships through per day, compared with a limit of 27 announced a month ago.

Samsung returns to top of the smartphone market: industry tracker
Samsung returns to top of the smartphone market: industry tracker
Technology
by  AFP

Samsung regained its position as the top smartphone seller, wresting back the lead from Apple as Chinese rivals close the gap on both market leaders, industry tracker International Data Corporation (IDC) reported Monday. "While Apple managed to capture the top spot at the end of 2023, Samsung successfully reasserted itself as the leading smartphone provider in the first quarter," Reith said.