The US is seeking to limit China's manufacturing capabilities in exchange for concessions from other nations, aiming to prevent Beijing from finding alternative routes around Trump's tariffs. Top economic advisers are exploring the idea of secondary tariffs on imports from countries with close ties to China, and trading partners may be asked to refrain from absorbing excess goods from China.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/04/17/economy/us-china-recruiting-trading-partners/The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has been operating in the Middle East since 1961, providing humanitarian, peace, governance, and economic assistance to address regional challenges such as conflicts, droughts, and high unemployment. However, a recent pullback of foreign aid is already affecting women at a free clinic in Amman, highlighting the potential consequences of reduced support for vulnerable populations.
https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-foreign-aid-cuts-middle-east-tariffs-jordan/The World Health Organization (WHO) has reached a landmark agreement with member-states to prevent future pandemics from repeating the mistakes made during the Covid-19 crisis, marking a significant milestone in global health cooperation. The agreement aims to improve preparedness and response efforts, ensuring that countries are better equipped to handle emerging health threats.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/04/18/opinion/editorial/preparing-for-the-next-pandemic/2094296The draft pandemic treaty includes provisions to ensure equitable access to virus samples, tests, medicines, and vaccines. Countries that share critical samples will be guaranteed access to resulting products, with the World Health Organization holding up to 20% for poorer countries. However, critics note that there are limited consequences for non-compliance, as countries can use diplomatic channels or arbitration if disputes arise. The treaty builds on existing International Health Regulations, which have been flouted by some countries in the past, including China during COVID-19 and the US amid its bird flu epidemic.
https://www.ocregister.com/2025/04/16/who-pandemic-treaty/Singapore's Foreign Minister Wong has proposed three key thrusts for the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean): eliminating tariffs across the region to reduce non-tariff barriers, upgrading free trade agreements with countries like China, India, and South Korea, and strengthening global partnerships through collaborations with the CPTPP and EU.
https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2025/04/17/singapore-ready-for-polls-as-pm-wong-outlines-vision-for-regional-global-cooperation-amid-global-tensionsSingapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has called for faster economic integration within ASEAN, urging the bloc to eliminate tariffs, boost intra-ASEAN trade, and reduce non-tariff barriers. He emphasized the need for a more unified region to navigate geopolitical tensions and maintain relevance in a fragmented world. Wong also stressed the importance of accelerating the development of the Asean Power Grid to support green energy transition, attracting new investments, creating jobs, and enhancing collective energy security.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/singapore/2025/04/17/asean-must-fast-track-tariff-free-trade-says-singapore-pm-wong/173409The World Trade Organization (WTO) has sharply cut its forecast for global merchandise trade from solid growth to a decline, citing further US tariffs and spillover effects that could lead to the heaviest slump since the COVID pandemic. WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala expressed concern over the contraction in global merchandise trade growth, warning of potential negative spill overs into financial markets and broader areas of the economy. The WTO estimates a 1.5% decline in goods trade growth, with a 7% long-term shrinkage in global GDP if economies of China and the US decouple from each other.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40358092/wto-slashes-2025-trade-growth-forecast-warns-of-deeper-slumpThe World Trade Organization (WTO) is warning that global merchandise trade may decline due to potential new tariffs imposed by the US administration, following a recent 90-day reprieve. The WTO's concerns come as the International Monetary Fund had previously predicted solid growth in world trade volume.
https://channelnewsasia.com/watch/wto-warns-global-trade-outlook-has-deteriorated-sharply-after-us-levies-5070781Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed support for Malaysia's role as ASEAN Chair this year and pledged to sign the ASEAN-China Free Trade Upgrade Protocol with regional countries as soon as possible. During a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Xi emphasized China's commitment to cooperation and openness, rejecting concepts like decoupling and supply disruption. He also highlighted Malaysia's choice of ASEAN theme for this year, "Inclusivity and Sustainability," which reflects its understanding of the current global landscape.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/04/17/xi-jinping-china-ready-to-sign-asean-trade-deal-backs-malaysias-leadership-amid-global-uncertainty/173375