The blast happened at a key site for natural gas production. The authorities blamed a technical malfunction while operations were being restarted after the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.

In just eight weeks, much of the global economy has been knocked sideways. America has mostly been spared from the tumult.

China’s strategic reserves of oil and natural gas have insulated it somewhat, but its manufacturing-based economy is beginning to falter.

Survivors jumped from windows to escape the blaze, the deadliest at a factory in South Korea in two years. Four people are still missing.

Bangladesh is taking steps to conserve electricity, which its factories need to keep stitching together the world’s clothing.

A study tracks how the North American Free Trade Agreement and trade competition with Mexico led to earlier deaths for American factory workers.

The country has prioritized self-sufficiency in producing a crucial battlefield weapon, though weaning itself fully off cheaper Chinese components is difficult.

Once celebrated for its fiery spirits, the town of Maotai has reeled from a bad Chinese economy, changing tastes and a crackdown on boozy official banquets.