South Korea: Number of births reaches seven-year high
25,200 babies were born in South Korea in March. That is the highest number since March 2019. The main driver behind the increase is the renewed popularity of marriage.
By Marcel Grzanna
25,200 babies were born in South Korea in March. That is the highest number since March 2019. The main driver behind the increase is the renewed popularity of marriage.
By Marcel Grzanna
Is China’s industrial policy really to blame for the country’s massive trade surplus? Economist Shang-Jin Wei challenges the conventional explanation and points instead to deeper causes: an extremely high savings rate, demographic trends and structural weaknesses in the financial system.
By Shang-Jin Wei
China’s economy is not immune to the raw-materials squeeze. The car market is slumping, toy factories are shutting down. The Politburo is calling for “greater efforts.”
By Marcel Grzanna
Chinese industrial companies reported strong profits in the first quarter. However, with demand remaining fragile, growing disparities are becoming apparent.
By Marcel Grzanna
Youth unemployment in China rose again in March after six consecutive months of decline. Joblessness also increased among older age groups. Economic and social pressure is mounting.
By Ning Wang
Manufacturers in Indonesia, Vietnam and other Asian economies are increasingly feeling the effects of rising prices and disrupted supply chains linked to the war in the Middle East.
By Julia Fiedler
According to this year’s Boao Report, Asia has emerged as the new global hub for AI development. The region is benefiting from its large digital population and political support, while the AI market is growing rapidly.
By Amelie Richter
The Year of the Horse is being celebrated with unusual extravagance. Why Beijing is extending the holidays – and why anything goes when it comes to tapping the “spirit of dragon and horse” (龙马精神).
By Johnny Erling
Powered by strong exports, China has hit its growth target. But the model is increasingly coming at Europe’s – and Germany’s – expense. A course correction is not in sight.
By Jörn Petring
Vanke is struggling under a heavy debt load. Upcoming bond maturities are now putting the company under intense pressure. The fate of the group is widely seen as a bellwether for the trajectory of China’s property crisis.
By Jörn Petring