Stories for August 2020

Friday, August 14th 2020 - 07:54 UTC
US government seizes vessels loaded with Iranian oil in violation of sanctions, WSJ reports

The US government has for the first time seized vessels allegedly loaded with Iranian fuel in violation of sanctions imposed by the Trump administration, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing US officials.
Friday, August 14th 2020 - 07:44 UTC
Airbnb restricting under 25 from renting entire homes to reduce rowdy parties

Airbnb said on Friday it is restricting the ability of people under 25 in Britain, France, and Spain from renting entire homes via its platform in order to reduce unauthorized parties and ensure safety.
Thursday, August 13th 2020 - 07:50 UTC
Argentina and Mexico will produce and distribute the Covid-19 Oxford University vaccine in Latin America

President Alberto Fernández, announced on Wednesday that Argentina together with Mexico, will produce for Latin America the coronavirus vaccine developed by the AstraZeneca laboratory in collaboration with the British University of Oxford.
Thursday, August 13th 2020 - 07:36 UTC
Brazilian Executive and Legislative reaffirm economic reforms' commitment

A series of high-profile resignations from Brazil’s economic team have left Economy Minister Paulo Guedes shaken but committed to keep pushing for reforms in the government. The losses are also the most visible sign yet that Guedes’ ambitious economic agenda is suffering a downgrade in size and scope, although his austerity drive received a crucial backing from President Jair Bolsonaro and congressional leaders.
Thursday, August 13th 2020 - 07:30 UTC
Goldman Sachs forecasts “record breaking contractions” in several of the region's economies

As Latin America continues to battle the coronavirus outbreak, some economies in the region could see a “record-breaking contraction” not seen since World War II, according to investment bank Goldman Sachs.
Thursday, August 13th 2020 - 07:18 UTC
State Department tells ambassador and staff in UK to shape up on important issues

U.S. Ambassador to Britain Woody Johnson has made insensitive and inappropriate comments during his tenure, including about race, religion and sex, the State Department’s inspector general has found, judging that morale in some parts of the mission has dropped.
Thursday, August 13th 2020 - 07:15 UTC
Main cruise lines estimate monthly losses of one billion dollars

Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings are burning through over US$1 billion per month without revenue-generating cruises in service.
Thursday, August 13th 2020 - 07:09 UTC
Italy's cruise industry begins sailing in the Mediterranean on August 15

Italy's cruise industry is preparing to sail again in Mediterranean waters, hoping to help jumpstart the country's economy while restoring the reputation of the beleaguered global sector. MSC Cruises, a privately owned company based in Geneva, will resume operations with two departures from Italy this month, it said over the weekend.
Thursday, August 13th 2020 - 06:57 UTC
Brazil expects a record wheat crop, and considerable reduction of imports

Brazil's National Supply Company (Conab) said the current wheat crop (2019/20) has the potential to be a record. As a result, Brazilian cereal imports should fall. The agency believes that production should reach 6.8 million tons, 21.2% more than in the previous harvest.
Thursday, August 13th 2020 - 06:57 UTC
Chilean central bank allowed to buy treasury bonds, as “a tool of exceptional use”

Chile’s Congress has approved a law to allow the central bank to buy bonds issued by the country’s treasury in the secondary market, potentially giving the bank added firepower to help offset fallout from the COVID-19 crisis.