Asia / Pacific

These are the most popular stories from the Financial Times. These stories have not been verified and we cannot vouch their accuracy. Headlines Volvo Cars brings former boss back to provide a'steady' hand Trump threatens to impose secondary tariffs on Russian Oil if there is no agreement on Ukraine Isar declares launch of rocket a success, despite first-time failure to reach orbit Task force urges to eliminate oil and gas windfall taxes before 2030 View the full article Volvo Cars has appointed Hakan Samuelsson as its new chief executive after warning last month of a potentially challenging 2025. Donald Trump,...

Donald Trump, the U.S. president, said that if he felt Moscow was blocking his efforts in ending the war in Ukraine he would impose secondary tariffs ranging from 25% to 50%. These could begin within a month of no ceasefire. NBC reported that Trump told NBC News he felt angry and "pissed" when Russian president Vladimir Putin criticized Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the Ukrainian president's leadership. Trump told NBC News on the phone that he plans to meet with Putin this coming week. Trump repeatedly promised to end the "ridiculous war" in Ukraine during his presidential campaign of 2024. He has been...

Donald Trump, the U.S. president, threatened Iran on Sunday with bombings and secondary duties if Tehran failed to reach an agreement with Washington regarding its nuclear program. In a phone interview with NBC News Trump stated that U.S. officials and Iranian officials are talking, but did not provide any further details. Trump warned that if they do not make a deal there would be bombing. "But if they do not make a deal I may impose secondary tariffs like I did in 2004." Trump, in his first term 2017-21, rescinded the U.S.'s participation in a 2015 agreement between Iran and...

The speaker of Iran's parliament warned that Tehran would attack U.S. bases if Washington followed through with its threat of military consequences if a new deal on nuclear energy is not reached, he said. Donald Trump, the U.S. president, said in a statement earlier this month that Ayatollah Khamenei of Iran, Iran's supreme leader, had received a letter from him warning that there are "two ways to handle Iran: either militarily or by making a deal." Mohammad Qalibaf, Speaker of the Parliament, said: "If the Americans attack Iran's sanctity, the whole region will explode like a spark on a ammunition...

Russia accused Ukraine of attacking its energy infrastructure on Friday, despite a ban on such strikes. It said a major piece of gas pipeline in Sudzha was virtually destroyed. An official from Ukraine said that Russia was responsible for the attack on Sudzha's gas transit point. It was not possible to confirm independently which side was responsible. Separate agreements were announced by the United States and Russia on February 2 to stop their attacks in the Black Sea, and to target each other's energy. These agreements are potential stepping-stones that Washington hopes can lead to a complete ceasefire and to...

Here are some company news and stories that could impact the markets in France and Benelux or even individual stocks. EXMAR: Exmar reported on Thursday a decline in FY IFRS revenues to $348.9 millions but an increase in IFRS EBITDA at $204.7 million. It will not be proposing a dividend in 2024. FLUXYS: Fluxys announced on Thursday that FY revenues and EBIT had increased to 608.8 millions euros ($657.0) and 133.9million euros, respectively. It proposes to pay a EUR 1.4 dividend per share. HAL TRUST HAL Trust reported that its NAV will increase by 2,20 billion euros in 2024 to...

Puma Energy, a Trafigura-owned refinery products company, reported a 5% increase in net profit for 2024 in financial results published on Thursday. This is the third consecutive year that the business, which was once in a state of struggle has made a profit. Trafigura, a global commodity trading company, bought Sonangol’s stake in Puma Energy (then a loss-making company) in 2021. It took full control of the company and integrated it to its company as a way to increase its downstream market share. The company announced that its net profit was $39million. The company will not be paying a dividend....

Saudi Aramco has been in discussions to invest in two refineries planned in India, as the world’s largest oil exporter seeks a stable outlet for crude oil in the fastest-growing market in the world. India, which is the third largest oil importer and consumer in the world, wants to be a global refinery hub, as Western companies reduce their crude processing capacity to switch to cleaner fuels. Saudi Arabia's share in India's oil imports is declining as refiners who have invested billions to upgrade their plants are diversifying crude sources, including Russia, to tap into cheaper alternatives. Aramco has separate...

Ariston Holding, an Italian water heating company, announced on Wednesday that it has regained possession of its Russian subsidiary after President Vladimir Putin annulled his decision last year to seize the unit. In April 2024, Russia seized the assets of several Western companies, among them the Ariston division, claiming that it was a "response" to "hostile actions" of the United States and their allies, as part of Western sanctions related to the conflict in Ukraine. On March 26, 2025 the Presidential Decree Number 176 of the Russian Federation reinstated Ariston Holding N.V. into possession and full management of its shares...

Investors are waiting for clarity about U.S. president Donald Trump's policy on trade ahead of the looming tariffs. Trump's recent comments have given traders hope that trade policies can be flexible. He hinted on Monday that not all tariffs will kick in until April 2, and that certain countries may receive exemptions. However, he did not provide any details. Trump escalated his trade conflict by introducing secondary tariffs of 25% on countries who buy oil or natural gas from Venezuela. The move caused oil prices to rise initially, but its impact was mitigated later by the relief brought about by...

The price of oil rose on Wednesday morning in the early Asia trading on fears that supplies would be tighter after U.S. president Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on countries importing gas and oil from Venezuela, and after U.S. inventories dropped more than expected. Brent crude futures increased 25 cents (0.3%) to $73.27 per barrel at 1214 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate Crude futures increased 28 cents (0.4%) to $69.28 per barrel. Trump signed on Monday an executive order allowing his administration to impose a 25% blanket tariff under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act for imports coming...

Two sources claim that the Chinese shareholder is a potential obstacle to the Italian tyremaker’s plans to expand its business in the United States. Sinochem, a state-owned Chinese company, is the biggest investor in Pirelli. Sinochem holds a 37% share in Pirelli. This is at a time that China is the top cyber and military threat to the United States, according a report published by U.S. Intelligence agencies on Tuesday. Washington has cracked down on Chinese automotive technology, banning software and hardware that are controlled by Chinese companies from being used in U.S. roads. Vehicles that will be sold in...

The copper price in London dropped to a 2-week low on Monday amid increased concerns over a global trade conflict, and as U.S. president Donald Trump's tariffs were looming. As of 0330 GMT, the benchmark three-month Copper on the London Metals Exchange lost 0.4% and was $9760 per metric tonne. Trump announced Sunday that the reciprocal trade tariffs he intends to introduce in this week will be applicable to all nations. Investors are worried by the high uncertainty surrounding Trump's Tariffs. Some arbitrage traders could lose money if Trump imposes copper tariffs earlier. The Shanghai Futures Exchange saw a 0.7%...

The copper price in London dropped to a 2-week low on Monday amid increased concerns over a global war of trade, and as U.S. president Donald Trump's tariffs were looming. As of 0155 GMT, the benchmark three-month Copper on London Metals Exchange (LME), lost 0.4% and was $9753 per metric tonne. Trump announced Sunday that he will introduce reciprocal tariffs this week to all countries. Investors are worried by the high uncertainty surrounding Trump's Tariffs. Some arbitrage traders could lose money if Trump imposes copper tariffs earlier. Due to concerns about supply disruptions following an earthquake that occurred in Myanmar,...

Iron ore futures fell on Monday due to concerns about demand prospects in China, the top consumer of iron ore. Steelmakers' production reductions have reduced ore's consumption. As of 0103 GMT, the most traded May iron ore contract at China's Dalian Commodity Exchange was trading 0.83% lower. It was 778 yuan (US$107.12) per metric ton. Beijing announced that it would reduce steel production due to an overcapacity. Although there has not been an official announcement yet, some steelmakers reduced their production to prepare for the formal announcement. This helped reduce demand for iron ore. Prices are also being impacted by...

The government announced on Monday that Australia's mining exports and energy earnings will fall by 6% during the current financial year, as the prices of iron ore are falling. The Department of Industry stated in its quarterly resource and energy outlook that profits are expected to fall from A$415bn to A$387bn ($243bn) due to the "impact of lower U.S. dollars prices on our energy and resource exports". The decline forecast was less than the 10% predicted in December. The report stated that "further modest declines in earnings are expected over the five-year forecast", with the amount of A$343billion remaining constant...

The gold demand in India was sluggish due to record-high prices, and jewellers busy closing their accounts for the year. Most other Asian hubs saw a similar trend. Harshad Ajmera, a wholesaler at JJ Gold House Kolkata, said that "Jewellers weren't making purchases." India's fiscal year runs from April through March. The domestic gold price hit a new record of 89 796 rupees for 10 grams in the first week of this month. It has risen by nearly 15% since 2025. This week, Indian dealers offered a discount Discounts of up to $33 per ounce on official domestic prices, inclusive...

The price of iron ore futures fell on Friday due to rising concerns about a trade war, but they posted a gain for the week on stronger demand in China, which is the world's largest steel-making consumer. The May contract for iron ore on China's Dalian Commodity Exchange ended the daytime trading 0.19% lower, at 785.5 Yuan ($108.13). The contract is up 3.09% this week. As of 0722 GMT the benchmark April iron ore traded on the Singapore Exchange had fallen 0.14% to $103.35 per ton. This week, it has gained 3.44%. Everbright Futures reported that the monthly hot metal...

The copper price in London fell to a two-week low last Friday as the unease about looming U.S. Tariffs affected sentiment. As of 0717 GMT, the benchmark three-month price for copper on London Metals Exchange (LME), fell 0.5% to $9801.5 per metric tonne. The price had fallen briefly to $9,800 - its lowest level since March 17. Prices were down 0.6% for the week. Last month, U.S. president Donald Trump ordered an investigation into possible tariffs on imports of copper to rebuild U.S. manufacturing. The markets are nervous about Trump's promise to announce new tariffs, in addition to 25% on...

Gold prices reached a record high on Friday, as fears over President Donald Trump's new tariff plans fueled fears of a trade war around the world. This prompted a rush to the gold-safe haven. As of 0230 GMT spot gold rose 0.6%, to $3,073.79 per ounce. It had earlier reached a session high of $3.077.44. Bullion has risen 1.7% this week. U.S. Gold Futures rose 0.8% to $3.083.60. Gold is riding high at the moment. "Everything is in favor of gold, including U.S. economic policy, U.S. geopolitics and the slowdown in global growth," said Capital.com financial analyst Kyle Rodda. He...

The announcement by Donald Trump of a 25% auto import tariff sent shockwaves around the globe on Thursday. Global carmakers warned that prices would rise immediately, and dealers expressed concern about job losses in large auto-exporting nations, including many U.S. allies. The new tariffs are expected to lead to a second round of large-scale U.S. duties that will be imposed next week. The auto tariffs could increase the cost of an average vehicle by thousands of dollars in the U.S., and dampen demand further at a moment when the industry is already struggling with the transition to electric vehicles. The...

Donald Trump, who has been threatening new tariffs for weeks on imported vehicles, followed through with his threats on Wednesday. He said that a 25% tax would be imposed on cars not made in the U.S. next week. Trump will add a 25% tariff to previous duties on imported finished vehicles, starting April 3 at 12:01 am EDT (0401 GMT). The U.S. base tariff rate on automotive imports is 2.5 percent. The plan to disrupt the auto supply chain and trade sparked uncertainty among investors and customers, and retaliation threats were made. Global auto stocks fell from Asia to America....

Tesla, the electric vehicle manufacturer, was less affected by Donald Trump's auto tariffs than other automakers. Analysts said that Tesla's financial performance and supply chain may not be affected due to the large levies on global shipments, including cars and parts, to the United States. This is mainly because the company produces a majority of its products domestically. Even though Musk is now one of the primary advisors to President Trump, Musk's task may not be to improve the reputation of the brand worldwide. Musk was appointed by Trump as his chief adviser and has been tasked with cutting federal...

Tesla, the electric vehicle manufacturer, was less affected by Donald Trump's auto tariffs than other automakers. Analysts said that Tesla's financial performance and supply chain may not be affected due to the large levies on global shipments, including cars and parts, to the United States. This is mainly because the company produces a majority of its products domestically. Even though Musk is now one of the primary advisors to President Trump, Musk's task may not be to improve the reputation of the brand worldwide. Musk was appointed by Trump as his chief adviser and has been tasked with cutting federal...