Beijing / AP China accused the United States on Thursday of hampering trade after Washington imposed duties of up to 450 percent on Chinese steel in its latest response to a flood of low-priced imports. The Ministry of Commerce complained US regulators discriminated against Chinese suppliers by using incorrect standards for deciding what production cost and market prices should …

  Sydney / AFP A multi-billion-dollar deal to break up Australian logistics giant Asciano between local and international suitors hit a hurdle on Thursday after a key corporate regulator raised concerns about reduced competition at ports. The Aus$9.05 billion (US$6.5 billion) takeover, announced in March, would see the rail, freight and ports operator’s assets split between a consortium led by …

  Hong Kong / AP Chinese technology giant Lenovo said on Thursday it posted a net loss last year, as its smartphones struggle to keep apace with Apple and Android rivals and as the market for personal computers fizzles. The Beijing-based company, which has traditionally manufactured computers but has been trying to broaden its smartphone business after scooping up Motorola …