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Australian wine industry toasts expected end to China tariffs
Australian wine industry toasts expected end to China tariffs
by  AFP

The Australian wine industry welcomed news on Wednesday that China could begin lifting punitive tariffs within weeks, raising hopes that the country's red wine glut will soon ease. Industry body Grape and Wine's chief executive Lee McLean welcomed the indication of tariff relief.

Volkswagen's 2023 profits rise, outlook for this year cautious
Volkswagen's 2023 profits rise, outlook for this year cautious
by  AFP

German auto giant Volkswagen on Wednesday reported a forecast-beating rise in profits for 2023, boosted by higher vehicle deliveries, but gave a cautious outlook for this year. Looking ahead, the German auto giant expects vehicle deliveries to advance in 2024, but by up to just three percent, due to tougher international competition and potential supply chain problems.

Cathay Pacific 'is back' with first annual profit since 2019
Cathay Pacific 'is back' with first annual profit since 2019
by  AFP

Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific on Wednesday reported its first annual net profit in four years, citing a surge in demand as it emerges from the impact of the financial hub's Covid isolation. "The year was characterised by a notable surge in travel demand following three years of pandemic-related restrictions."

Britain vows to build new gas power stations
Britain vows to build new gas power stations
by  AFP

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government pledged Tuesday to build new gas-fired power stations to boost energy security, drawing criticism over his climate policies before this year's general election.

EU must adapt to warming continent: officials
EU must adapt to warming continent: officials
by  AFP

EU countries need to step up preparedness for global warming after 2023 burned its way into history books as the hottest year on record, European Commission officials said Tuesday. "Europe is the fastest warming continent since the 1980s -- the warming here was about twice the global rate," commission vice president Maros Sefcovic said.

US consumer inflation up unexpectedly in February
US consumer inflation up unexpectedly in February
by  AFP

Consumer inflation posted a surprise acceleration in February, US government data showed Tuesday, a development that could give policymakers pause as they mull the right time to start interest rate cuts. Analysts expect the Federal Reserve to focus on underlying inflation when deciding the best time to start reducing rates.