Asian stocks fell as investors awaited US President Donald Trump's tariff announcement, with a regional gauge declining due to drops in Japanese and South Korean indexes, while Hong Kong's markets fluctuated.
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/capital-markets/traders-tread-warily-as-tariff-clock-counts-down-markets-wrapAustralia and China are seeking to strengthen their trade ties as geopolitical uncertainty and US tariffs impact global relations. The Australia-China Business Council's chairman, David Olsson, expressed a sense of "renewed optimism" between the two nations, aiming to create an environment for economic growth and harmony. However, Olsson warned that Beijing could reinstate trade barriers, which would sharply affect businesses, despite recent thawing in trade relations.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3304882/australia-china-trade-ties-imperative-both-sides-eye-emerging-prospects-risks?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionTurkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu's meeting with fellow NATO leaders will focus on collective defense, burden sharing, and strengthening alliances amid the Russia-Ukraine war. Fidan plans to emphasize Türkiye's contributions to Euro-Atlantic security, citing its strong military capabilities and modern defense industry infrastructure. He also stresses the importance of maintaining NATO's fundamental role in European security, given Türkiye's strategic location on the southeast flank. The meeting will also discuss cooperation with Asia-Pacific partners, including Australia, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand, highlighting the interconnectedness of Euro-Atlantic and Asia-Pacific security.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/top-turkish-diplomat-to-underscore-turkiyes-security-role-in-key-nato-meeting-207593China, Japan and South Korea have pledged to work together to counter US "liberation day" tariffs, which are expected to be announced by US President Donald Trump on Wednesday. The EU has warned that these tariffs would have a negative impact globally. Australia is likely to challenge the tariffs through the World Trade Organization, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stating they are prepared for all possibilities and believe the tariffs are an "act of economic self-harm". China, South Korea and Japan aim to jointly respond to US tariffs, as they seek to import semiconductor raw materials from each other.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-03/liberation-day-tariffs-global-economies-prepare/105130482China has highlighted the economic benefits of trade with the US, citing increased agricultural imports as a key advantage for both countries. The ruling Communist Party's official newspaper, the People's Daily, published an article on April 2, 2025, highlighting the positive impact of US exports on Chinese farmers and tech companies.
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/antitrust/china-touts-trade-benefits-for-us-in-last-ditch-tariff-appealRussian Direct Investment Fund head Kirill Dmitriev may visit Washington this week, meeting with US President's special representative Stephen Witkoff in an effort to strengthen relations between Russia and the US and find ways to end the conflict in Ukraine. The visit could be the first high-level meeting since 2022. Dmitriev had previously discussed rare earth projects with US officials, and the US government has lifted sanctions on him to allow a visa for his visit.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/961136-cnn-us-lifts-sanctions-on-kirill-dmitriev-witkoff-expects-him-for-talks-in-washingtonThe European Union is preparing for potential tariffs of up to 20-25% on all EU exports to the US, a move that could disrupt global trade and raise costs for US consumers. Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič will meet with EU ambassadors on Friday to discuss countermeasures worth €26 billion in response to US steel and aluminum tariffs. The EU has already imposed 25% tariffs on foreign-made cars, which will take effect on Wednesday. A meeting of the bloc's trade ministers is scheduled for next Monday in Luxembourg.
https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-to-bundle-response-to-trumps-auto-and-reciprocal-tariffs/The European Union has a plan to retaliate against US tariffs, with EU executive chief Ursula von der Leyen stating that negotiation is preferred. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum about Canada's plan to counter "unjustified trade actions". China, Japan, and South Korea have agreed to jointly respond to US tariffs, but Seoul disputed the claim of a joint response.
https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/liberation-day-reciprocal-tariffs-donald-trump-what-to-expect-13876596.htmlEuropean Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the EU will retaliate against US tariffs, stating they have a strong plan in place if necessary. In contrast, US President Donald Trump views the tariff roll-out on Wednesday as "Liberation Day" for American consumers.
https://africanews.com/2025/04/01/european-commission-president-says-eu-has-strong-plan-against-new-us-tariffs/