This Month
G7 summit opens with a focus on trade, wars — and not riling Trump
If there is a shared mission at this year’s G7 summit, in Canada’s Rocky Mountains, it is a desire to minimise any fireworks at a moment of combustible tensions.
Asian Development Bank mulls lifting nuclear power funding ban
The rethink follows a decision by the board of the World Bank last week to remove its decades-long prohibition on funding nuclear energy.
Pro-invest, Kajima plan $1.5b build-to-rent portfolio
Japanese investment in the Australian housing story is deepening, with the latest partnership aiming to supply a much-needed mid-market rental product.
Gas giants say they can get Asia off coal – and reduce emissions
New research suggests replacing coal power with Australian gas could deliver cost-effective emissions reductions in Asia.
‘We’re not that strong’: Huawei founder says it lags US in chip making
Ren Zhengfei has played down his company’s technology against that of Nvidia, as Beijing and Washington discuss export controls as part of trade talks.
Australian rare earths miners join rush to Brazil
At least 13 small Australian miners are frantically trying their luck – and trying to raise money – to develop rare earths mines. But why are they choosing Brazilian projects rather than Australian?
Millions have flocked to this billionaire’s art islands
Soichiro Fukutake is the driving force behind Benesse Art Site Naoshima, a sprawling display of artworks over three Japanese islands. His crowning glory is a 10th museum by star architect Tadao Ando.
Global factory shutdown warnings over China’s rare earth ban
German carmakers became the latest to warn China’s export restrictions threaten to halt production and rattle their economies as China-US trade tensions rise.
Higher US metals tariffs kick in on deadline for ‘best’ trade offers
The decision fans tensions at a time when the US is locked in negotiations with numerous trading partners over the US president’s so-called ‘reciprocal’ duties.
Japan’s Mixi hikes PointsBet takeover bid, valuing bookmaker at $402m
The entertainment giant’s hopes of acquiring the ASX-listed group had been complicated by a rival proposal from Matthew Tripp’s Betr, which holds 20 per cent.
Global soccer boot makers bow to pressure and dump kangaroo leather
Japanese sportswear groups Asics and Mizuno are now planning to use alternative materials following decades of activist pressure.
CSIRO is the adult in the room as the AI kids run wild
As the business and technology worlds race for artificial intelligence supremacy, the CSIRO’s Data61 is trying to show companies how to develop systems responsibly.
May
The unlikely rise of the Japanese toilet
Thanks to COVID and then a jump in tourism, Japanese-made bidets called Toto Washlets are enjoying a spurt of popularity in the West.
Trump left weaker in trade partner talks after court rulings
Judicial rulings have challenged the president’s trade policies, meaning the EU, Japan, India and others are in no rush to seal a deal on reducing tariffs.
US court strikes down Trump’s ‘liberation day’ tariffs
The Trump administration immediately filed a notice of appeal after a US trade court blocked sweeping tariffs from going into effect.
Trump backing for a Nippon Steel deal leaves big questions
The two companies, left to grapple with ambiguity, publicly praised the “partnership” and a “bold” decision at the weekend. Neither has commented on specifics.
Japan’s tariff-hit car giants in fight of their lives
Donald Trump’s vehicle levies could slash an average 18 per cent off volume sales from Toyota, Nissan and Honda in their most important market.
‘Major shift in our understanding’: Japan resells more Australian gas
Japan is reselling record volumes of Australian liquid natural gas to Asian trading partners, sparking concerns over domestic shortages.
Cult Aussie skincare brand sold for an estimated $50m to Vita Green
Queensland-founded skincare group Alpha-H, known for its Liquid Gold products, has been sold by its PE owners to a Hong Kong supplement company.
Bessent warns of maximum tariffs as nations eye tough trade tactics
The treasury secretary says the levies will return to levels set on “liberation day” if others do not negotiate in “good faith” after China’s defiant stance.