Exxon has a long term contract to improve Iraq’s West Qurna oil field. In a significant development, Iraq’s Oil Minister Thamer Ghadhban stated, a major oil deal between Iraq and Exxon Mobil is “very close” in the making; the trajectory… Read More ›
United States
U.S.-China trade war unlikely to trigger “Lehman shock” on global economy
in order to mitigate some of the impact of the U.S.-China trade war, Japan plans on laying the groundwork for a hike in sales tax. On Tuesday, Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso stated the U.S.-China trade war is not likely… Read More ›
Trump escalates trade war
A trade war is far better than a weak non-enforceable agreement given China’s history of reneging on its commitments. In order to be more effective, Trump will have to make manufacturing in China more expensive. That should perk up the… Read More ›
U.S. sanctions on metals exports against international commitments: Iran
U.S. President Donald Trump is clamping down on Iran’s export revenue streams so as to force it to change its political stance on Israel. On Thursday, a spokesman for Iran’s foreign ministry stated, U.S. sanctions on its metals are against… Read More ›
Chinese Vice Premier Liu He to travel to Washington on Thursday: South China Morning Post
Trump’s threat of adding additional tariffs ion $200 billion exports of Chinese goods to the U.S. is most likely seen as a negotiating tactics by Beijing. On Monday, in a move that essentially underscores the impact U.S. trade tariffs are… Read More ›
Trump likely to further hike U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods this week
The move signals U.S. resolve and intent that it means business. Systemic concerns it has put across to China have to be addressed and resolved. Dilly dallying delaying tactics will not be entertained. In a development that underscores the United… Read More ›
Starbucks recalls 263,000 coffee presses due to deep puncture wounds hazard: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Starbucks had made the coffee presses in partnership with Bodum. They were sold in Starbucks cafes and on its website from Nov. 2016 through January 2019. As per a statement from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Starbucks Corp is… Read More ›
Siemens well placed to win majority of contracts for rebuilding Iraq’s power infrastructure
Since the defeat of ISIS in Syria in March, Iraq has become an investment opportunity for countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United States, as they seek to counter Iran’s growing influence in the region. At a joint press conference… Read More ›
Daimler discontinues sales of Smart mini-cars from U.S., Canada
There is a preference for larger, more efficient EVs that provide more milerange in the U.S. and Canada. Small two-person mini-cars are passe. In a significant development, German automaker Daimler AG stated, it will discontinue the tiny, two-person Smart cars,… Read More ›
Zurich Insurance to pay $5.1 million to U.S. in tax evasion case
The development underscores U.S. due diligence on recovering tax dues by its citizens. Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide from U.S. tax authorities. In a significant development, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) stated, Zurich Insurance will pay a penalty… Read More ›