US President Donald Trump believes a deal on Gaza can be reached within the next week, but progress appears stalled in negotiations mediated by Qatar and Egypt. Hamas has offered to release 10 hostages as part of any halt in hostilities, but insists Israel's "intransigence" is preventing agreement on issues like aid delivery and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed truce prospects with the White House, with a senior official saying it could take another fortnight for a breakthrough. The IDF has opened fire at aid sites in Gaza, sparking criticism over changes to aid distribution that have led to hundreds of deaths.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-11/15-killed-in-gaza-medical-centre-strike/105519720US President Trump's focus on goods trade deficit has been criticized by Draper, executive director of UA's Institute for International Trade. He argues that this approach ignores the services trade and unfairly treats allies like European Union members, who are not receiving favorable treatment. In contrast, Russia is exempt from tariffs due to sanctions over Ukraine, but Draper believes Trump's policies will ultimately harm the US by limiting its connection with emerging economies in Asia and reducing global trade and globalization.
https://channelnewsasia.com/world/usa-donald-trump-tariffs-china-asean-negotiations-analysts-5231726UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to drive joint economic growth, diversification, and prosperity between the two countries. The agreement aims to boost investment flows in sectors like renewable energy, tourism, and logistics, while enhancing private sector collaboration and empowering entrepreneurs. The UAE is Azerbaijan's key trading partner, with bilateral non-oil trade increasing 43% year-on-year to reach $2.4 billion in 2024.
https://www.emirates247.com/business/economy-finance/uae-azerbaijan-presidents-witness-signing-of-comprehensive-economic-partnership-agreement-2025-07-10-1.739803The United Nations warned that the US halt on foreign aid could reverse decades of progress in fighting AIDS, with 31.6 million people on antiretroviral drugs in 2024 and deaths from AIDS-related illnesses halved since 2010. The US was the world's biggest donor until President Donald Trump cut international aid in February, leaving global humanitarian operations struggling to stay afloat. UNAIDS executive director Winnie Byanyima described the funding cuts as a "ticking time bomb" that could lead to over six million new infections and four million AIDS-related deaths in the next four years.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/us-funding-cuts-could-reverse-decades-of-gains-in-aids-fight-un/article_8ae7edc1-92ad-5f16-be72-580e034fccff.htmlUruguay's Foreign Minister Lubetkin emphasized the country's commitment to multilateralism, peace, and human rights during a meeting with ASEAN member states, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. He saw the signing of the agreement as a "turning point" in Uruguay's relations with Asia, highlighting the potential for increased collaboration between ASEAN and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur). Lubetkin noted that regions like ASEAN and Latin America are now recognizing the need for greater collaboration, citing the significant economic bloc represented by ASEAN member countries.
https://en.mercopress.com/2025/07/10/uruguay-signs-tac-with-asean-countries#commentsUS President's threat of 10% tariffs on goods from BRICS countries may be a strategic move to challenge the existing global economic order and promote an alternative model led by these nations, according to Igbal Guliyev, Dean of MGIMO University. The BRICS countries are forming a parallel architecture in finance, technology, and institutions, which could destabilize the US dollar's dominance. In response, China has condemned the tariffs as economic blackmail, while BRICS participants are developing alternatives to SWIFT. This move may mark the beginning of a multipolar trading system, where non-economic factors will increasingly determine the global economy.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/biznes/985022-the-us-will-lose-trade-positions-from-trump-s-tariffs-against-the-bricsUS President has discussed trade facilitation with Singapore on pharmaceuticals, offering a year's notice before applying a 200% tariff on foreign-made products. Pfizer, Amgen and Merck have manufacturing facilities in Singapore, which export over 10% of their value to the US. Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong is set to visit the US this month to understand Washington's priorities.
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3317718/singapore-prioritising-pharmaceutical-supply-chains-us-tariff-talks?module=asia_latest&pgtype=sectionCanada is committed to supporting multilateralism and trade in South-east Asia, with a focus on maintaining its presence as a reliable partner amidst global geo-strategic tensions. This stance was emphasized by Anand, who highlighted the importance of open doors for trade. Canada's efforts come amid rising ship piracy and robberies in the region, with an 83% increase reported in January to June.
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/asean/canada-seeks-south-east-asia-trade-deal-blunt-trump-tariffsCanada is seeking to finalize a free trade deal with Southeast Asian nations, including those in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), amid US tariffs imposed on it. Foreign Minister Anita Anand stated that Canada aims to diversify its trade relations beyond the Group of Seven nations and work with ASEAN on various sectors such as energy, food security, digital economy, and artificial intelligence.
https://channelnewsasia.com/world/canada-seeks-pact-southeast-asian-countries-diversify-trade-5231396