US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met briefly in Oman to launch high-stakes negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, the first serious engagement between the two countries in a decade.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/middle-east/the-brief-moment-that-marked-a-win-for-trump-s-high-stakes-talks-with-iran-20250413-p5lrdc.htmlUS President Trump has imposed tariffs on 57 trading partners, including the EU, with most countries facing a 10% duty rate. China responded by matching US tariffs on imports to 125%, escalating a trade war that threatens global supply chains. The move has raised concerns of a US recession and drawn criticism from fellow Republicans, who fear it will hurt their chances in next year's congressional elections. Trump believes the conflict with China will yield positive outcomes, citing a good relationship with President Xi Jinping, but financial markets are experiencing turmoil, with gold hitting a record high and US bond yields increasing.
https://channelnewsasia.com/business/trump-spares-smartphones-computers-other-electronics-his-125-china-tariffs-5062011US President Trump's tariffs have had a destabilizing effect on the global trade system, causing economic harm to the US and many other countries. The imposition of tariffs has disrupted international trade, leading to higher prices and reduced economic growth. Trump's decision to partially retract the tariffs has not reversed this negative impact, with economists warning that it may exacerbate the problem.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/trading-in-lunacy-how-trump-s-tariffs-will-save-masculinity-20250411-p5lr1m.htmlThe Trump administration's unpredictable trade moves led to hesitation among investors, delayed sourcing plans by manufacturers, and caution from global trade partners. The actions undermined WTO norms, making long-term planning riskier for all economies. Structural tensions between the US and China increased the likelihood of a trade war, with the US accusing China of intellectual property theft, forced technology transfers, and unfair subsidies.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1300721-trump-s-tariff-reprieves-leave-pakistan-in-a-bindUS and Iranian officials held a first round of direct talks in Oman, marking a significant step towards a nuclear deal. The meeting between US Special Envoy Steven Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was described as "very positive and constructive" by the White House. This comes after years of rising tensions and stalled diplomacy under President Donald Trump's foreign policy strategy, which is being re-evaluated amid Iran's expansion of its nuclear program.
https://www.foxnews.com/world/trump-team-holds-constructive-nuclear-talks-iran-meet-again-next-weekendUS-China tariffs have failed to shift manufacturing of smartphones, computers, and gadgets to the US, with China's central tariff office stating there is "no possibility for market acceptance" at current levels. Hu Jianlong, founder of Brands Factory, a consultancy working with Chinese companies, believes the situation remains unresolved and uncertain. The high-stakes tariff war began over 20 years ago, following China's accession to the World Trade Organization in 1996, which led to significant economic growth and increased exports to the US and other Western markets.
https://apnews.com/article/united-states-china-trade-tariff-business-volatility-223e4cd53165da6fbd64aff5652a1affUS tariffs on computers, smartphones, and chip-making equipment have been exempted, a move hailed as "the best news possible" for tech investors like Daniel Ives at Wedbush Securities. The exemptions were intended to prevent the US tech industry from being taken back a decade and slowing down the AI Revolution. However, experts warn that the disruption in trade between the US and China could lead to higher prices for consumers and potentially spark a global recession. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao has criticized the US tariffs, stating they will inflict serious harm on poor nations, while Beijing has indicated it will ignore further levies due to economic impracticality.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40357337/us-exempts-tech-imports-in-tariff-step-backUS and Iran held indirect nuclear talks in Oman, facilitated by the country's foreign minister, as preferred by Iran. The talks lasted over two and a half hours before the heads of both delegations briefly spoke together. US President Trump had announced direct talks with Iran earlier that day, but they proceeded through Oman's foreign minister instead.
https://www.news18.com/world/us-iran-hold-positive-and-constructive-nuclear-talks-set-for-further-dialogue-next-week-9297006.htmlThe World Health Organization (WHO) has made progress in negotiations on technology transfer for pandemic-related health products, with Latin American countries pushing for facilitation of the transfer. The issue was a contentious point during the Covid-19 pandemic, as poorer countries felt rich nations were hoarding vaccine doses and tests. According to Amprou, a delegate, the point has been resolved through constructive negotiations. However, the latest version of the text is not yet available, and experts question its effectiveness in preventing future pandemics. The US was absent from the negotiations after President Donald Trump announced his country's withdrawal from the WHO, which could heighten risks to global health surveillance.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40357332/who-members-reach-accord-in-principle-over-tackling-future-pandemics