Economy

U.S. Vice President JD Vance is heading to India for the first time. (File photo by Reuters)
Your Week in Asia

Vance in India, South Korea's post-Yoon economy, election milestones

Your weekly lineup of Asia's biggest business and political events

20 April 2025
The European Union has been exploring ways to expand its trade partnerships since early this year.
Trump tariffs

As Trump tariffs loom, EU and CPTPP eye closer ties

Brussels moves to promote free trade, though entry into Pacific trade bloc unlikely

17 April 2025
Japanese property developers are engaged in a broad range of projects in Australia.
8 April 2025
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he will not back down on protecting Australia's cattle ranchers, legacy media companies and medical patients: "We don't want our health system to be more American."
Trade war

Australian PM hits back at Trump tariffs, rules out retaliation

Anthony Albanese says no compromise on several issues raised by the U.S.

3 April 2025
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra on March 28.
Australia election

Australian PM announces May 3 as federal election date

Parties roll out energy support and tax cuts to gain an edge in tight race

28 March 2025
Tourism was a bright spot in New Zealand's late-2024 economy, data showed, with visitors arriving in destinations including the capital city of Wellington. 
Economy

New Zealand exits recession, posting Q4 GDP growth of 0.7%

'Upside surprise' performance could indicate additional rate cuts this year

20 March 2025
Elon Musk, the world's richest man and a giant force in telecoms, is also one of the most politically influential people on the planet, raising questions for small island nations like Palau, seen above, as they consider using his Starlink service to improve their connectivity. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by AP, Getty Images and Reuters)
Policy Asia

Musk's Starlink expansion across the Pacific sparks enthusiasm -- and concern

Deals get remote islanders online, but fears linger over stranded investment, data security

14 March 2025
The U.S. has imposed a 25% tariff on imports of Australian steel and aluminum, declining to grant a carve-out as it did in President Donald Trump's first term. (Photo by Mayumi Tsumita)
Trade war

Asia response to U.S. metals tariff muted as EU comes out swinging

Australia and Japan lament lack of exceptions while South Korea pursues negotiations

12 March 2025
Beef is an important Australian export, and the country's farmers are closely monitoring the fallout from U.S. trade tariffs. 
Agriculture

Trump's tariffs could aid Australian farm exports -- eventually

Uncertainty over China's appetite and political tit-for-tats leave exporters guessing

11 March 2025
People wait at a bus stop in Sydney. Spending at home and export growth drove Australia's recent economic performance. 
Economy

Australia Q4 GDP rises 0.6% on upticks in public, private spending

Government expenditures still strong, but moderating as exports grow

5 March 2025
Rio Tinto's iron ore project in Australia: Mitsui & Co. partners with the Australian company to expand the mineral and metal resource businesses. (Photo by Rio Tinto)
Materials

Japan's Mitsui & Co. to buy $5bn stake in Australian iron ore project

CEO confident that demand from Southeast Asia and India can complement Chinese market

20 February 2025
Australia's headline inflation was 2.4% in December 2024, moderating considerably since peaking in late 2022 at 7.8%. 
Economy

Australian central bank cuts rates for first time in over 4 years

Chops 25 basis points from key interest rate, joins global easing cycle

18 February 2025
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke with U.S. President Trump about possible exemptions from steel and aluminum tariffs. 
Trade war

Trump 'considering' Australia carve-out on steel and aluminum tariffs

President spoke to prime minster just before signing levies

11 February 2025
Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell advocates "calm" in trade relations with President Trump's America.
Trade

Australia to argue U.S. tariffs 'not necessary' because of deficit

Trade minister says government will stay 'calm' discussing metal levies

10 February 2025
Residential buildings at the Brisbane River in Brisbane, Australia.
Opinion

Buying a house is an unaffordable dream for many in Australia

Yet political leaders know meaningful reform risks electoral oblivion

5 February 2025
A self-driving dump truck collects iron ore at Rio Tinto's Gudai-darri mine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia on Oct. 19, 2023.
Opinion

Australia's economic realities won't be addressed in elections

Without tackling deep-seated issues, nation will find it difficult to meet expectations of citizens

9 January 2025
Rescuers search under the rubble in Port Vila, Vanuatu, on Dec.17, following a deadly 7.3-magnitude earthquake.
Natural disasters

Vanuatu quake leaves at least 14 dead as rescue efforts kick in

Australia, New Zealand send help as aftershocks hit Pacific island nation

18 December 2024
China is Australia's largest trading partner, making reduced Chinese demand a headwind for its economy.
17 December 2024
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong spoke with Nikkei Asia during her visit to Shah Alam, Malaysia, on Dec. 4. (Photo by Norman Goh)
Interview

As Trump looms, Australia urges 'free and predictable trade'

Foreign Minister Wong stresses collaboration amid raised China-U.S. rivalry

5 December 2024
Palau is increasing international flight connections for tourists keen to access the white sand beaches and blue waters of the Pacific island country. (Photo by Palau Visitors Authority)
Travel & Leisure

Palau's tourism industry stays resilient despite Chinese pressure

Air travel is the 'bridge' as Pacific island nation increases flight connections

1 December 2024
A container ship passes in front of the Sydney skyline as it departs from Port Botany terminal.
Opinion

Australia must carve out a new path as Trump seeks to end free trade

In age of tariffs, Canberra should pivot to Asia and Europe for stable commerce

18 November 2024
As Donald Trump and Kamala Harris vie to become the next U.S. president, commodity powerhouse Australia is bracing for the potential impact on global trade. (Nikkei montage/Reuters)
Commodities

Trump election win would be 'calamitous' for Australian trade: experts

Commodity-reliant economy at risk from tariffs, retaliation and 'global trade war'

1 November 2024
A boy kicks a soccer ball in Sydney: Australia last year registered its lowest number of births since 2006, erasing a brief spike recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Society

Australia at 'crossroads' as fertility rate hits record low, experts say

Housing, rising costs, climate change among reasons cited for baby drought

18 October 2024
More people around the world are looking to courts to order governments and companies to take action against global warming, arguing they have a fundamental right to be protected from climate change. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by Getty Images)
Policy Asia

Japan group sues utilities, claiming climate inaction violates human rights

Country's first youth-led climate litigation comes as regional, global cases multiply

18 October 2024
Australian rock lobsters on sale at a stall inside the Sydney Fish Market on June 14. (Photo by Sophie Mak)
Trade

China's import ban on rock lobsters to end, says Australian PM

Restriction is latest to fall as bilateral friction eases under Albanese government

10 October 2024
 The edge of Glencore's Mount Owen coal mine and adjacent rehabilitated land are shown in Ravensworth, Australia on June 21, 2022. Australia's coal industry is facing increasing financial and regulatory pressures.
Commodities

Australian coal miners expand despite mounting industry pressure

Opportunity arises as shift to cleaner energy runs up against power demand gap

9 October 2024
The flags of Australia, left, and the United Arab Emirates. Australia is hoping that a trade deal the countries have completed will lead to investment for its minerals sector. (Source photos by Reuters and AP)
Trade

Australia secures trade deal with UAE, eyes cash for critical minerals

Agreement will boost exports by AU$678m a year, minister says

17 September 2024
The eruption of an underwater volcano off Tonga on Jan. 15, 2022 triggered tsunamis and damage from which the Pacific island nation is still recovering.
Natural disasters

Tonga struggles to break cycle of disaster and debt

Pacific island countries call for international community to step up aid

17 September 2024
Contractors hired for mining work in Australia now must receive the same pay as in-house employees.
Commodities

Australia's mining industry faults new labor rights for rising costs

Minerals Council cites multi-employer bargaining and 'same job, same pay' law

12 September 2024
People stroll near a Sydney beach on April 1. Cost-of-living pressures have taken a toll on many Australians. (Photo by AAP)
Economy

Australian GDP grows just 0.2% as interest rates hit consumption

Policymakers caught between sluggish expansion and stubborn inflation

4 September 2024