Stories for March 2008

Tuesday, March 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Subtle message from strong Euro Trichet to Federal Reserve

European Central Bank President Jean Claude Trichet said he's “concerned” about the Euro appreciation after the currency kept hovering on record rates against the US dollar. It's the first time Trichet has specifically expressed worry about the Euro vis-ÃÂ -vis other currencies since November.
Tuesday, March 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Chile/Ecuador agree to explore for gas in Gulf of Guayaquil

Chile and Ecuador will join in exploring for oil in the Gulf of Guayaquil, visiting Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa said Monday in Santiago.
Tuesday, March 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentina hikes gas export tax to ensure domestic demand

Argentina will raise taxes on the country's natural gas exports in an effort to ensure domestic energy supplies, Planning Minister Julio De Vido said on Monday. The amount of the increase was not immediately disclosed but the move hiked taxes already in place on Argentine natural gas exports.
Tuesday, March 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
US cruise passengers to be reimbursed “fuel surcharges”

One of the world's top cruise operators has agreed to reimburse US passengers for fuel surcharges that were not adequately disclosed, the Florida attorney general announced Monday.
Tuesday, March 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Mercosur leading role in China's increased beef imports

The United States Foreign Agricultural Service forecasts China's 2008 beef imports to increase nearly four-fold to 30.000 tons boosted by strong domestic demand and the Olympic Games peak next August and an overall domestic short supply.
Tuesday, March 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentina stops blind runner travelling to Falklands

Argentine authorities have refused a charter flight permit to allow a blind marathon runner, --and his dog--, to fly to the Falklands to begin his seven marathons on seven continents in seven days quest aimed at raising funds for charity.
Tuesday, March 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Ban Ki-moon praises success of Rio Group summit

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon applauded on Monday the outcome of this weekend's Rio Group Summit, which ended with the further resolution of tensions between Colombia and Ecuador.
Tuesday, March 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Argentine mining industry angry with change of rules

Argentina's mineral exports in 2007 fell 9.6% on the year in terms of volume but rose 22.2% in terms of value, according to a report from IES Consultores published in the Buenos Aires press. Exports last year were valued at 2.8 billion US dollars, with copper making up 62.6% of shipments, IES said.
Tuesday, March 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
In Olympic year China's inflation seems set for a record

China's consumer prices index jumped in February to an 11-year high of 8.7%, presenting Beijing's leaders with a big economic headache in the run-up to the Olympic Games. Twelve months inflation in January was 7.1% and economists had expected a February figure in the range of 8 percent.
Tuesday, March 11th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
UN warns on food prices and calls for production boost

In the wake of world food prices leaping almost 40% last year, the United Nations agricultural agency is calling on governments and businesses to boost production through investment.