Job Gain Points to a U.S. Economy Slowing but Hardly Stalling

CHRISTOPHER RUGABER / The Associated Press Apr 5, 2019 The U.S. economic expansion is set to become the longest on record in July. Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )

China’s Economic Growth Slows Amid Trade Battle With U.S.

JOE McDONALD / The Associated Press Oct 18, 2018 "The number of external challenges has increased significantly,” a Beijing spokesman says as the growth rate dips to 6.5 percent in a new report. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

China Applies Own Maximum-Pressure Policy on Pyongyang

ERIC TALMADGE / The Associated Press Apr 7, 2018 China's sustained game of hardball on trade may have been the decisive factor behind North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's diplomatic overtures to Seoul and Washington. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

U.S. Trade Gap Rises for the 6th Straight Month, to 9½-Year High

PAUL WISEMAN / The Associated Press Apr 5, 2018 Although President Trump blames trade deficits on bad trade agreements and unfair practices by America’s trading partners, most economists say they are caused mainly by the United States consistently spending more than it produces. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Putin Calls for Sanctions Against Countries That Imposed Sanctions Against Russia

Kasia Anderson / Truthdig Aug 7, 2014 Russian President Vladimir Putin wanted to fight economic fire with economic fire after the United States and the European Union brought sanctions against his country last week, and as of Wednesday, his call to action was heeded in the form of sanctions against those same nations. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Poles Stage Apple-Eating Social Media Campaign to ‘Annoy Putin’

Kasia Anderson / Truthdig Aug 1, 2014 Did you know that Poland is basically apple central? Yes, the Eastern European nation happens to be the largest exporter of apples the world over. And its people are not about to sit idly by while Vladimir Putin blocks their fruity bounty from entering Russia. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

President Obama Tightens the Screws on Russia With New Sanctions (Video)

Kasia Anderson / Truthdig Jul 30, 2014 It has been 12 days since the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over east Ukraine, and Tuesday, previous rumblings that the airborne incident would lead to further strain between the U.S. and Russia came to fruition. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Brazil Faces Drops in Crops

By Jan Rocha, Climate News Network Sep 8, 2013 One of the world’s major producers and exporters of food faces severe reductions in crop yields unless current farming methods are adapted now to address problems caused by climate change. Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )

China’s Economic Growth Slows

Alexander Reed Kelly / Truthdig Jul 13, 2012 Growth for the world’s largest exporter hit its slowest pace in three years as demand for Chinese products waned in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere, prompting the country’s leaders to encourage investment with stimulus measures. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Ireland Is Pushed Back Into Recession

Staff / Truthdig Mar 24, 2012 A 0.2 percent dip in GDP at the end of 2011, which followed a drastic decline in the third quarter, has thrown Ireland back into recession, alongside Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Portugal and Greece, and begs the question of whether austerity is the answer to Europe’s economic woes. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

China Becomes New World Export Leader

Staff / Truthdig Jan 10, 2010 China is heading into the Year of the Tiger with a roar. Last week it was announced that China has surpassed the U.S. as the world's biggest auto market, and this week Chinese state media is reporting that the country's exports leaped 17.7 percent in December, overtaking Germany as the global leader. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Israel Opens Gaza Border … for Flowers

Staff / Truthdig Feb 13, 2009 In probably the least appropriate metaphor for relations between Israel and Palestine, Israel has allowed, for the first time in a year, Gazan flower companies to export 25,000 carnations to Europe in time for Valentine's Day, though the volume pales in comparison to previous annual exports of 60 million flowers. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )