Brazil's Lula camp weighs social security levy on firms using contractors
Brazil's government, eyeing Lula's re-election, is studying measures to make firms with many contractors pay social security contributions.
Economy
Tehran's Daily Routines Continue as Washington Tightens Sanctions
As the U.S. prepares new sanctions on Iran, Tehran's daily life carries on amid economic strain and international warnings.
Ontario Premier Pledges Solidarity With Workers Amid New US Tariff Threat
Ontario Premier Doug Ford vows to stand by Canadian workers after Trump threatens 50% tariffs on autos, parts, and steel.
US Treasury Chief Warns of 'Economic Asphyxiation' in New Iran Sanctions Push
US Treasury Secretary Bessent threatens 'economic asphyxiation' of Iran, warning all nations and entities facilitating its oil trade will face sanctions.
US unveils sweeping sanctions to isolate Iran's economy
Washington expands secondary sanctions to sever Iran's economic lifelines, warning trading partners of consequences.
France and Saudi Arabia Sign Major Investment Deals in Paris
France and Saudi Arabia signed agreements in Paris, including €6bn investment in theme parks and talks on Hormuz alternatives.
Bessent: Trump Wants Canada Back at the Table for Fair Trade Talks
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says President Trump wants Canada to resume trade negotiations in good faith after talks broke down over the weekend.
Nigeria's Fuel Exports Soar Seven-Fold as Dangote Refinery Reshapes Trade
Nigeria's seaborne petroleum product exports surged seven-fold since 2023, driven by the Dangote refinery, boosting regional supplies and cutting imports.
US Treasury Targets All Iranian Revenue Streams With New Sanctions
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says new sanctions are designed to block every possible source of revenue for Iran.
US-Mexico cattle trade set to resume amid persistent screwworm fears
The US will partially reopen its border to Mexican cattle on Monday, despite ongoing screwworm cases in northern Mexico and concerns from US cattle groups.
Iran's rial hits record low as US prepares fresh sanctions
Iran's rial fell to a record 2.02 million per dollar as Washington readies new sanctions, deepening economic strain from months of conflict.
Macron hosts Saudi crown prince for talks on Hormuz alternatives
French President Macron welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the Elysee Palace for talks on alternative trade routes after Hormuz closure.
LatAm markets mixed as US-Iran tensions, Mexico data and Brazil poll take focus
LatAm stocks gain, currencies mixed as investors weigh US-Iran sanctions, Mexico Q2 growth and inflation, and a tight Brazil runoff poll.
US Weighs 7.5% Tariff on Chinese Goods Ahead of Xi-Trump Summit
The US is reportedly set to impose a 7.5% tariff on Chinese goods over overcapacity concerns, ahead of a planned Xi-Trump summit.
Iran's Escalation Playbook: Strait, Gulf States, and Cyber Fronts
Iran could escalate the Gulf crisis by tightening its chokehold on oil routes, striking Gulf infrastructure, or launching cyberattacks on the West.
Houthis Claim Missile Strike on Saudi Oil Tanker in Red Sea
Houthi rebels claim a ballistic missile struck a Saudi oil tanker off Yanbu, causing a deck fire but no casualties.
Saudi shipping firm Bahri confirms Red Sea attack on vessel Amzan
Saudi Arabia's Bahri has confirmed that its vessel Amzan was attacked in the Red Sea, according to a company statement.
Houthis Claim Attack on Tanker Off Saudi Port of Yanbu
Houthis say they attacked a ship off Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. UKMTO reported a tanker hit by a projectile; crew safe.
US set to unveil sweeping Iran sanctions, warns trading partners
The US is set to announce expanded secondary sanctions on Iran's trading partners, threatening to cut them off from the dollar-based financial system.
Mexico's Q2 GDP Growth Hits Fastest Pace Since 2022
Mexico's Q2 GDP grew 1.4% quarter-on-quarter, the fastest since 2022, as inflation accelerated to 3.26%, fueling rate-hike speculation.