Economy

Wednesday, March 31st 2010 - 02:10 UTC
Argentina expects a 2009/2010 crop of 91 million tons, up 48%

Argentina’s 2009/2010 crop is estimated in 91 million tons, 48% higher than the previous mainly because of improved yields thanks basically to more regular rainfall, courtesy of the El Niño climate phenomenon.
Wednesday, March 31st 2010 - 02:04 UTC
UK economy recovery in fourth quarter revised upwards

The United Kingdom economy grew faster than previously thought in the last quarter of 2009, the Office for National Statistics says. It revised October to December's growth to 0.4%, up from the previous estimate of 0.3%.
Tuesday, March 30th 2010 - 23:00 UTC
Quake impact leaves Chilean farmers short of storage, cooling and irrigation

Chile’s annual fall harvest season continues apace, notwithstanding earthquake damage to Chile's roads, irrigation systems, electric grid, packing houses, and other infrastructure.
Tuesday, March 30th 2010 - 04:46 UTC
Argentine dockworkers strike expands; 5.000 trucks waiting to unload

Argentine dockworkers expanded the strike to eight terminals, mainly in the Greater Rosario port area, the heart of the country’s soy bean belt, demanding higher pay and improved working conditions. The conflict comes when Argentina, the world’s third exporter of the oil seed prepares to ship the latest crop.
Tuesday, March 30th 2010 - 04:34 UTC
Rio Tinto executives sentenced to lengthy jail terms for bribery by Chinese court

Four Rio Tinto executives have been found guilty of bribery and stealing secrets by a Chinese court and have all been handed lengthy jail terms. Australian Stern Hu was handed a 10-year sentence. Wang Yong was given 14 years, Liu Caikui seven years and Ge Minqiang eight years.
Tuesday, March 30th 2010 - 04:31 UTC
Lula da Silva unveils massive four year infrastructure program

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced Monday an 886 billion US dollars infrastructure investment plan that would be carried out by his chosen successor, Cabinet Chief Dilma Rousseff, should she win the October presidential election.
Tuesday, March 30th 2010 - 04:23 UTC
Relief in European Union: Greece manages to take 5 billion Euros in 7 year bonds

Greece on Monday took five billion Euros with a seven-year bond just days after being given a lifeline by the European Union to help resolve its unprecedented debt crisis but analysts noted timid demand for the offer.
Tuesday, March 30th 2010 - 04:21 UTC
US Treasury planning to sell 27% stake in Citigroup during 2010

Citigroup Inc.’s largest shareholder, the US Treasury Department, is planning to sell its 27% stake this year in what could become the biggest profit for the bank-bailout program.
Tuesday, March 30th 2010 - 04:17 UTC
Latest strike by cabin crew cost British Airways £ 5 million a day

British Airways has said that the latest strike by cabin crew has cost them £5.5m-a-day - down from £7m for the first walkout. The airline claims it carried 118,575 passengers in total over Saturday and Sunday compared to 86,262 the last weekend.
Monday, March 29th 2010 - 04:25 UTC
China takes the lead position as the world’s main exporter

The World Trade Organization confirmed China's top position in the global markets saying it had now overtaken Germany as the world's top exporter. The United States comes in third on the list behind Germany.