Economist Razeen Sally, who advised former Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe from 2015-17, is urging India to finalize a stronger bilateral free trade agreement with Sri Lanka during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit. The current government, led by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, is seen as more sympathetic to India than previous governments led by the Rajapaksas. Sally believes that closer economic ties between the two nations can benefit both countries and overcome protectionist blockages, without upsetting other powers like China and the US. He emphasizes that it's not India's responsibility to provide aid to Sri Lanka in perpetuity, but rather to promote economic integration through government-to-government and business-to-business relationships with states like Tamil Nadu, which have significant economic potential.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/india-should-use-the-window-of-opportunity-to-finalise-a-stronger-fta-with-sri-lanka-says-economist/article69403665.eceFrench industry minister Marc Ferracci stated Europe will respond to US tariffs proportionally, while British finance minister Rachel Reeves cautioned against rushing to counter them to avoid undermining a potential trade deal. European Central Bank head Christine Lagarde warned that US President Trump's tariffs would have negative effects globally, but ECB policymaker Francois Villeroy de Galhau believes they won't disrupt the ongoing decline in European inflation.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40355717/european-stocks-drop-ahead-of-trumps-tariff-announcementItalian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has urged caution against a trade war between Europe and the US, warning of "heavy" consequences for Italy's economy. She emphasized the need to avoid a conflict that would harm both sides. In contrast, President Trump's executive order allowing TikTok to continue operating in the US has been met with little resistance, despite over 130 lawsuits filed against him since taking office.
https://thestar.com/news/world/united-states/the-latest-business-leaders-warn-trump-tariffs-will-raise-prices-for-us-consumers/article_02a0e499-2710-511f-904a-e446b90a76c7.htmlNATO foreign ministers will meet with counterparts from Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand to discuss expanding defense-industrial cooperation amid growing international security challenges. Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized that threats from countries like China, Iran, and North Korea are not limited to Ukraine but pose risks across the alliance and globally.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/04/03/world/politics/nato-summit-asian-partners/Canadian Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has announced support for "targeted, reciprocal" tariffs on American goods if his party wins the general election. He plans to meet with President Donald Trump to create a new trade deal replacing the USMCA agreement. David Adams, president of Global Automakers of Canada, warned that tariffs hurt consumers and workers by increasing costs and driving up inflation. In response to Trump's announcement, European leaders expressed disappointment and concern, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the tariffs "wrong" and warned they would harm American and European pocketbooks. Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris said he regrets the new tariffs and is committed to working with Washington to end the tariff war.
https://www.foxnews.com/world/canadas-pm-carney-vows-fight-trumps-tariffs-other-world-leaders-weigh-impactThe ringgit fell slightly against the US dollar after US President Donald Trump announced global reciprocal tariffs, with Malaysia facing a 24% tariff by April 9. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd's chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid warned that this could harm trade and global economic growth, suggesting the World Trade Organisation as a platform for mediation. The ringgit traded lower against major currencies such as the Japanese yen, euro, and British pound, but gained against some ASEAN currencies like the Thai baht and Singapore dollar.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2025/04/03/ringgit-feels-the-heat-as-trumps-tariffs-boost-us-dollar/171704US Senator Rubio will arrive hours after President Trump implements sweeping tariffs, part of a plan to remake global trade and break decades of free trade efforts. Most European allies are expected to respond strongly, sparking fears of a global trade war. Denmark is particularly concerned due to its strategic location in the Arctic and potential US interest in its territory Greenland. The country's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen has expressed disapproval of Trump's tone towards Denmark, while Rubio hopes to meet him in Brussels.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1297406-rubio-heads-to-europe-as-transatlantic-tensions-soarThe US is considering a bill that would provide funding to countries with official relations with Taiwan, aiming to counter China's influence. The legislation aligns with Secretary Marco Rubio's goal of ensuring US dollars abroad benefit Americans. Countries must have been coerced by China and lack the ability to respond without US support to be eligible for funds. This move comes after at least 10 countries cut ties with Taiwan due to Chinese threats, including Gambia, the Dominican Republic, and El Salvador.
https://www.deseret.com/politics/2025/04/02/curtis-support-taiwan-allies-targeted-by-china/Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has stated that the country has a "strong plan" to address the impact of US President Donald Trump's new trade tariffs, which include a 36 percent levy on Thai goods. The government aims to negotiate a reduction in these tariffs, following their announcement by Washington, which have caused significant disruptions globally.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/04/03/thai-pm-vows-strong-plan-to-tackle-us-tariffs-seeks-negotiation/171729