- Economy
Economy
Trade
India's January trade deficit widens before US tariff relief kicks in
Wider-than-expected gap driven by large rise in gold and silver imports
Currencies
India's rupee to weaken long-term despite tariff relief, economists say
South Asian country's currency among worst performers in Asia last year
International relations
Japan mulls resuming ODA loans to Pakistan after decadelong hiatus
Aid agency JICA will consult with Tokyo as economy steadies
Automobiles
Japan eases screening for US-made cars in boost for Toyota's reverse imports
Transport ministry drops testing requirement to promote sales of American-made cars
Markets
Japan's Takaichi holds first meeting with BOJ chief since election win
Gov. Ueda says two had 'general exchange of views' on economic developments
Belt and Road
Sri Lanka rolls out red carpet to investors for $15bn Port City
Project that began as part of Belt and Road offers incentives in outreach effort
Economy
Lackluster Thai economy tests Anutin's post-election government
Kingdom's GDP growth slows to 2.4% in 2025, lagging Malaysia and Singapore
Automobiles
Toyota, peers make cooperation key to Japan automakers' global survival
Sense of crisis behind top carmaker's appointment of 'chief industry officer'
Economy
South Korean startups break ground on rocky Jeju Island
Central government sees such businesses beyond Seoul as key to boost national growth
Economy
Japan Q4 2025 GDP grows annualized 0.2%, below expectations
Tepid pace of economic expansion contrasts with bullish stock market
Climate Change
Kazakhstan battles shrinking Caspian Sea to keep key sectors churning
Water could drop over 10 meters if warming exceeds 2 C, hitting ports, oil trade
Your Week in Asia
Yoon insurrection ruling, India AI summit, Indonesia monetary policy
Your weekly lineup of Asia's biggest business and political events
Materials
Takaichi keen to work with US on undersea rare-earth development
Mud successfully test-drilled off island coast in a step toward domestic production
Belt and Road
China to implement zero tariffs on imports from 53 African countries
New measure to expand African exports to the country will start on May 1
Automobiles
Honda, Toyota voice concerns over EU's 'Made in Europe' plan
Plan to block cheap China goods, spur local industry may backfire for some in bloc
Markets
Inflation fears loom over yen, Japan bond markets under Takaichi
Postelection rise of currency masks concern over side effects of fiscal expansion
Big in Asia
Japan PM Takaichi chases mentor Abe's dream
Cost-of-living crisis an early obstacle to cementing popularity before push to revise constitution
Bonds
Japan's SMFG issues world's first 'digital inclusion' bonds
Proceeds from $500m sale to fund infrastructure projects
International relations
Rubio meets China's Wang Yi in Munich ahead of possible Trump-Xi summit
Meeting comes amid easing US-China tensions
Economy
Indonesia sees first quarter growth of up to 6% despite market turmoil
Finance minister plays down Moody's outlook cut and rupiah pressure
Travel & Leisure
China's tourist hot spots gear up for record Lunar New Year traffic
Theme park operators, local governments work to whet weak consumer appetite
Editor-in-Chief’s Picks
Editor's Choice: As Asia celebrates Lunar New Year, tensions refuse to wane
Akito Tanaka shares his weekly reflections and recommendations
Economy
Malaysia GDP expands 5.2% in 2025 as growth picks up in fourth quarter
Central bank expects momentum to continue in 2026 on robust domestic demand
Trump tariffs
Japan says companies shouldn't take losses to join Trump trade deal
Picking 1st projects for $550bn accord is 'battle of national interests': Akazawa
Trade war
Taiwan opens farm, auto markets to US in finalized trade pact
Taipei to buy more American LNG, aircraft; battle looms as KMT vows 'strict oversight'
Trump tariffs
US finalizes tariff hike on battery material graphite from China
Antidumping and countervailing duties expected to be imposed as early as next month
Finance
India's public banks FDI plan hinges on more than investment caps
Voting rights, high state ownership curb foreign investment even under current rules
Commodities
Malaysian palm oil faces more competition from soybeans
Production of commodity forecast to fall in 2026, but prices unlikely to climb
Trump tariffs
Japanese automakers take $13bn profit hit from Trump tariffs
Operating income at 7 carmakers sinks 30% on the year during April-December period
Politics
Singapore readies $30bn tech investment, AI incentives for businesses
2026 budget plan highlights city-state's push to stay competitive as global hub