Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot production has been disrupted due to China's rare earth export controls. CEO Elon Musk mentioned that China wants assurances the magnets Tesla is trying to buy won't be used for military purposes, citing a "magnet issue".
https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3307556/teslas-optimus-humanoid-robot-hit-chinas-rare-earth-export-controls?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionShinsegae Group chairman Chung Yong-jin has been appointed as a bridge of communication between the Trump administration and South Korea, following requests from US officials. Donald Trump Jr., son of President-elect Trump, is scheduled to visit Korea on April 28 for two nights, marking his first trip since his father's inauguration in January. The visit comes amid economic uncertainty due to the US's imposition of a 25% tariff on Korean goods, which has been temporarily put off for 90 days.
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-04-23/business/industry/Trump-Jr-to-visit-Korea-next-week/2292183US President Donald Trump's efforts to broker a Russia-Ukraine peace deal are at risk unless there is clear progress soon, according to warnings from the US. Since taking office in January, Trump has pressed Ukraine to agree to a ceasefire while easing measures taken by the Biden administration to punish Russia for its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Trump aims to secure a ceasefire by May, citing concerns over the conflict's impact on tens of thousands of lives and the risk of direct confrontation with nuclear-armed Russia.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/why-top-us-diplomat-will-skip-ukraine-peace-talks-in-london-8232814The US has imposed sanctions on Iranian liquefied petroleum gas magnate Seyed Asadoollah Emamjomeh and his corporate network, which is accused of shipping hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of Iranian LPG and crude oil to foreign markets. The move comes as indirect nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington are ongoing in Muscat and Rome. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that Emamjomeh's actions aimed to evade sanctions and generate revenue for Iran, while US President Donald Trump has maintained a policy of "maximum pressure" against the Iranian regime since his return to office in January.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/iran-slams-us-sanctions-as-hostile-ahead-of-new-round-of-talks-208399US trade negotiations with Japan showed signs of progress, despite remaining far apart on some issues. The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, stated that the president's trade team is working quickly to reach agreements. Preliminary deals are expected with Japan and India, but these would be more like road maps for further negotiation rather than finalized agreements.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/04/23/economy/trade-war-cools/The article discusses the basics of trade, including supply and demand, exports, imports, and tariffs. It explains how countries can specialize in certain industries due to limited resources and competition, and how pricing and competition influence what goods are exported and imported. The article also touches on trade restrictions, such as tariffs, which can impact winners and losers differently. Additionally, it mentions the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its role as a trade referee for member countries like the US, which is part of the USMCA agreement with Canada and Mexico.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/business/trade-101-refamiliarize-yourself-with-economics-coursework/article_763c5e57-f5e5-4edd-9aa1-f67183fb99d2.htmlUS Vice President JD Vance has scrapped a planned meeting between top diplomats from the US, UK, France and Ukraine to push forward a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. The proposal, which would "freeze territorial lines at some level close to where they are today," requires both sides to give up territory they currently hold.
https://www.boston25news.com/news/world/london-talks-ending/HJGS6GT3ENAZNNTMKYOH6WQ7BM/Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged China and the UK to safeguard the multilateral trading order amid unilateral bullying, while also calling for joint defense of international trade with the EU. In a phone call with British counterpart David Lammy, Wang emphasized the need for dialogue on economic and trade issues. He also told Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger that China and the EU should work together to build an open world economy and jointly defend the multilateral trading system.
https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2025/04/23/china-fm-wang-yi-calls-on-uk-eu-to-help-defend-global-tradeChina and Russia have deepened their strategic partnership by collaborating on various initiatives, including joint military exercises and economic projects. The two nations have also united in condemning US-led sanctions against Russia, with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirming their commitment to counteracting unilateral bullying in international relations.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202504/1332739.shtml