Japan exports still weak in March, plunging 46 percent, but eye of storm may have passed

TOKYO — The severe slump in Japan’s exports eased slightly in March, offering a small sign that overseas demand may be headed toward recovery, even as the nation recorded its first annual trade deficit in 28 years.

Japan’s exports nearly halve in March as demand from major markets remains in doldrums

TOKYO — Japan’s exports continued to slump in March, hit by declining shipments of autos and electronics, underlining a grim outlook for the world’s second-largest economy as it struggles to climb out of recession.

Oil hovers under $49 as investors look to US inventory report for signals on demand

VIENNA — Oil prices inched upward Wednesday but prices stayed below $49 a barrel on expectations that the latest snapshot of U.S. crude inventories will offer new evidence of weak demand.

South Korean parliamentary committee approves US free trade deal, paving way for full vote

SEOUL, South Korea — A South Korean parliamentary committee approved a free trade agreement with the United States on Wednesday, paving the way for the deal to be voted on by the entire legislature.

South Korean parliamentary committee approves US free trade deal

SEOUL, South Korea — A South Korean lawmaker says a parliamentary committee has approved a free trade agreement with the United States, paving the way for the deal to be voted on by the entire legislature.

Japan posts trade deficit for past year, the first in nearly three decades

TOKYO — Japan reported Wednesday its first annual trade deficit in 28 years.

Oil languishes below $46 in Asia after US bank concerns send crude, stocks plunging

SINGAPORE — Oil prices languished below $46 a barrel Tuesday in Asia after renewed doubts about the health of U.S. banks sent crude and stock markets tumbling.

Oil hovers below $46 in Asia after US bank concerns send crude, stocks plunging

SINGAPORE — Oil prices languished below $46 a barrel Tuesday in Asia after renewed doubts about the health of U.S. banks sent crude and stock markets tumbling.

Negotiator: Taiwan to discuss partial free trade agreement with China

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan will discuss a partial free trade agreement with China and sign pacts to enhance economic cooperation during high-level talks in late April, negotiators said Saturday.

Vietnam announces stimulus plan to help farmers affected by global economic downturn

Vietnam announces stimulus plan to help farmers

HANOI, Vietnam — Vietnam has announced an economic stimulus plan to help farmers who are among those worst affected by the global recession, the government said Saturday.