Governments and traders spent Monday assessing the energy fallout from the expanding war involving Iran, as disruption around the Strait of Hormuz renewed fears over one of the world’s most important oil corridors. Since the conflict began on Feb. 28, tanker traffic through the strait has largely stalled, raising concern that a prolonged interruption could restrict supply well beyond the…
International postal operators across Europe have begun pausing shipments of low-value packages to the United States following the scheduled expiry of the “de minimis” exemption, which allowed parcels valued at less than $800 to enter duty-free. The exemption, which had long facilitated a smooth flow of low-cost imports, ended over the weekend, and its absence is already causing disruption for…
Strengthened Oversight and Licensing Requirements China has issued new interim regulations on August 22, 2025, through its Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, alongside the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Natural Resources, designed to reinforce control over the mining, smelting, and separation of rare earth elements—materials essential to electric vehicles, smartphones, wind turbines, and defense systems.…
Impressive Earnings and Rising Sales Walmart Inc. delivered a robust performance in the second quarter, with both sales and profits rising year-over-year. The retailer reported a net income of $7.03 billion, or 88 cents per share, for the three months ending July 31, a significant increase compared to $4.50 billion, or 56 cents per share, during the same period a…
The United States government, under the Trump administration, has embarked on an unconventional strategy to deepen its ties with the domestic semiconductor industry, with a focus on Intel Corp. In a recent development, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed that the government is seeking a 10% stake in the Silicon Valley company. This move is part of a broader effort…
Home Depot posted net sales of $45.28 billion for its fiscal second quarter, rising from $43.18 billion in the same period last year. The result, however, came in just below Wall Street expectations of $45.41 billion. Comparable-store sales advanced 1 percent overall and 1.4 percent in the U.S., pointing to modest growth despite pressure on households from persistent inflation and…
Swiss watchmaker Swatch has become the latest Western brand to be accused of cultural insensitivity in Asia after launching an advertising campaign that drew widespread criticism. The controversial advertisement, designed to promote its new Essentials collection, featured an Asian male model making a gesture by pulling the corners of his eyes upward. This motion, long recognized as a derogatory stereotype,…
