Indonesia posts first trade deficit in six years, inflation accelerates
JAKARTA: Indonesia posted a trade deficit of $1.61 billion in May, its first in six years, as exports unexpectedly fell due to lower commodity shipments, while imports surged, official data showed on Wednesday.
Ringgit opens firmer against greenback as US posts weaker consumer confidence data
KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit was firmer against the US dollar in the early session, supported by weaker-than-expected US consumer confidence data that weighed on the greenback.
Indonesia’s shrinking skilled workforce rings competitiveness alarm
Middle and high-skill jobs in Indonesia have steadily disappeared in recent years, as the country struggles to create better-paying employment amid weak hiring demand, according to a recent World Bank report.
Higher electricity prices push Malaysia's headline inflation to 2% in May - Bank Negara
KUALA LUMPUR: Higher electricity prices, resulting from a surcharge due to increased generation costs, contributed to Malaysia's headline inflation edging up to 2.0 per cent in May, said Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).
Malaysian exporters record RM160mil in trade leads at Korea Import Expo 2026
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian delegation has secured export prospects of RM160 million at the recently concluded Korea Import Expo (KIE) 2026, outperforming the initial target of RM120 million, said the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).
Singapore raises electricity tariffs by 17% due to Middle East crisis
SINGAPORE: Singapore state utility SP Group said on Tuesday that it will raise electricity tariffs by 17% in the third quarter of 2026 due to soaring prices of imported natural gas, which accounts for 95% of the city-state's power production.
China's factory activity expands in June on high-tech exports
BEIJING: China's factory activity returned to expansion in June, an official survey showed on Tuesday, driven by strong high-tech manufacturing exports linked to the AI boom, even as shipments of other goods remained weak alongside subdued domestic demand.
China-Europe’s freight train services seen as vital trade artery
URUMQI: Steady growth in China-Europe and China-Central Asia freight train services, along with industrial upgrading and rising consumer demand in China and other Eurasian countries, is expected to further boost bilateral trade in the coming years, say market watchers and exporters.
Indonesia further cuts free meals budget after protests
JAKARTA: The government has decided to scale back President Prabowo Subianto 's flagship free nutritious meal programme after weeks of nationwide protests demanding a complete suspension.
RBA will be ‘better prepared’ to respond to next crisis
Canberra: Australian central bank assistant governor Chris Kent said the institution will be better prepared to respond to the next crisis it faces following a review of alternative monetary policy tools.
