Stories for August 9th 2018

Thursday, August 9th 2018 - 20:33 UTC
Brazil's auto exports tumble 21% in July over June: fingers point to Argentina weakness

Brazil's auto exports tumbled 21% in July from a month ago, the country's automakers' association said on Tuesday, blaming a monetary crisis in neighboring Argentina for the shortfall and adding that it expects exports to be steady for the year, not higher as it had predicted before last month.
Thursday, August 9th 2018 - 13:54 UTC
Brazilian inflation in July slowing down

Inflation in Brazil slowed for the first time in two months in July as the impact of a May nationwide truckers' strike dimmed, reinforcing the view that a recent price spike would not last long.
Thursday, August 9th 2018 - 13:14 UTC
Justice denies request to close a northern state border with Venezuela

A judge on the Supreme Federal Court of Brazil denied a request by the regional government of Roraima to close the nation’s border with Venezuela. Roraima is Brazil’s northernmost state and its authorities claimed the persistent influx of Venezuelan immigrants has overburdened the state’s public services.
Thursday, August 9th 2018 - 12:50 UTC
Ex Chilean president Bachelet chosen as next UN human rights chief

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has chosen former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet to be the world body’s new human rights chief, the United Nations said on Wednesday. The 193-member U.N. General Assembly is due to meet on Friday to approve Bachelet’s appointment.
Thursday, August 9th 2018 - 12:08 UTC
Allies commemorate the centenary of the Battle of Amiens in France

Members of the Armed Forces have led the UK and its allies in commemorating the centenary of the Battle of Amiens at an event in France on Wednesday. The Battle of Amiens was a major engagement in the First World War.
Thursday, August 9th 2018 - 11:38 UTC
Argentina: abortion bill rejected but reforms could be introduced to the Criminal Code

The Argentine Senate as was anticipated finally rejected a divisive bill that would have legalized elective abortion for pregnancies of up to 14 weeks. Thirty-eight senators voted against the legislation on Thursday following a debate that lasted more than 15 hours.
Thursday, August 9th 2018 - 08:40 UTC
Venezuela oil exports avoid seizures with tankers' transfers at sea and operating from Cuba

Venezuela’s state-run oil company PDVSA has limited the damage from an unprecedented slump in crude exports by transferring oil between tankers at sea and loading vessels in neighboring Cuba to avoid asset seizures. But Venezuela is still fulfilling less than 60% of its obligations under supply deals with customers.
Thursday, August 9th 2018 - 08:15 UTC
Cuban private farmers given more incentives to increase production

Cuba said this week it was doubling the amount of land it granted would-be farmers and the lengths of their leases in an effort to increase stagnating agricultural output. The state owns 80% of the land and leases most of that to farmers and cooperatives. The remainder is owned by some 400,000 private family farmers and their cooperatives.
Thursday, August 9th 2018 - 08:10 UTC
Chile doubles lithium carbonate exports: strong demand and prices

Chile’s exports of lithium carbonate reached US$ 85 million in July, more than double that of the same month the previous year, as demand and prices for the key component in electric vehicle batteries continues to rise, the central bank said in a release.
Thursday, August 9th 2018 - 07:46 UTC
Scotland challenges Mrs. May to set out a “Plan B” for Brexit

Prime Minister Theresa May has been challenged to set out a “plan B” for Brexit during talks with Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in Edinburgh. Mrs. May was in Scotland to mark the signing of a “city deal” investment package for the south east region.