International Relations
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April 4, 2025

Trump's Tariffs Hit Tiny Island Economies Hard

The US has imposed tariffs on several islands with limited trade with the US, such as CuraƧao and Jan Mayen, raising questions about the effectiveness of "reciprocal" tariffs implemented by President Trump.

https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-tarriffs-the-5-most-mind-boggling-liberation-plan/

April 4, 2025

Trump's Tariffs Spark Japan Economic Crisis Fears

US President Donald Trump's tariffs on Japanese goods have been described as a "national crisis" by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who is urging a calm-headed approach to negotiations with Trump. The measures, which include a 24% levy on imports and a 25% tariff on auto imports, are expected to have a significant impact on Japan's heavily export-dependent economy. Japanese firms, including the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), have invested billions of dollars in US manufacturing and employ thousands of people, making them vulnerable to the tariffs. Ishiba has called for measures to mitigate the impact, including financing support for domestic industries and protecting jobs, as the Nikkei 225 index fell by 2.75% on Friday.

https://channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/japan-pm-shigeru-ishiba-united-states-donald-trump-tariffs-national-crisis-5044721

April 4, 2025

Trump's Tariffs Threaten Global Trade Stability

US trade negotiations are unlikely to be successful due to proposed tariffs that could lead to inflation, recession, and increased costs for US families. The tariffs, imposed by Trump, target Japan (24%), South Korea (25%), and Taiwan (32%), potentially alienating allies in Asia and undermining efforts to contain China. Canada and Mexico, the largest US trading partners, face existing 25% tariffs on many goods and additional tariffs on auto imports.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/598306-iphone-prices-may-surge-due-to-trump-tariffs

April 4, 2025

Trump Slaps Tariffs on 60 Countries' Imports

US President Trump has imposed higher tariffs on imports from around 60 countries deemed as "worst" trade violators, including China (34% tariff), European Union (20%), Vietnam (46%), and Sri Lanka (44%). The new policy also affects Turkey, the UK, Kenya, Iceland, Panama, Ethiopia, Lebanon, and Togo, with a 10% tariff. This move has sent shockwaves to the stock market, with the Nasdaq index plummeting over 5.3% and the Dow Jones index falling over 3.3%.

https://en.tempo.co/read/1993422/russia-and-north-korea-exempted-from-trumps-tariffs-white-house-reasoning

April 4, 2025

Trump Threatens Tariffs on Foreign Companies

US President Donald Trump expressed openness to using tariffs as a negotiating tool with other countries, citing trillions of dollars in investment from companies looking to set up production in the US to avoid tariffs. He believes other countries have taken advantage of the US for years and wants to change this. Trump also mentioned that he would be willing to make deals if the other side has something "phenomenal" to offer.

https://www.mlive.com/news/2025/04/trump-says-things-are-going-very-well-after-worst-stock-market-drop-in-years-over-tariffs.html

April 4, 2025

US-China Trade War Escalates Amid Tariffs Fears

The US has imposed tariffs on China, with 10% duties set to take effect on Saturday, sparking fears of a trade war that could lead to recession. China retaliated by announcing 34% tariffs on American imports and imposing export controls on rare earth elements used in medical technology and consumer electronics. The move sent Asian and European stock markets plummeting, with Frankfurt sinking 5% and Paris shedding over 4%. EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic warned that the bloc would respond to US tariffs but vowed a "calm, carefully phased" approach. France and Germany have suggested imposing a tax on US tech companies as retaliation, while Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called for a calm-headed approach to negotiations with US President Donald Trump. The move has led to concerns about the impact on car manufacturers, with Stellantis pausing production at Canadian and Mexican assembly plants and Nissan revising its plans to reduce production in the US.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/598380-china-announces-reciprocal-tariffs-on-us-goods-as-market-rout-deepens

April 4, 2025

US Tariffs Spark Global Trade Tensions Escalate

The imposition of higher tariffs by the US has sparked concerns among its allies and trading partners. The Canadian government is frustrated with potential retaliatory measures on American exports, particularly in agriculture and autos. Mexico has warned that economic hardship could exacerbate border security concerns. The European Union views the move as an escalation of trade tensions, threatening transatlantic relations. China has shifted its trade priorities toward alternative partners, including India, with which it is deepening economic ties. These developments signal a strategic realignment in regional trade dynamics and a potential turning point in global economic equations.

https://www.brecorder.com/news/40355867/trumps-tariff-war

April 4, 2025

Vietnam Faces Tariffs Threat from Trump Administration

Vietnam, a country with a significant trade surplus with the US, is facing high tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. The tariffs, which could lead to a three per cent hit to GDP, will force big brands like Nike and Adidas to absorb or pass on increased costs to customers, potentially forcing them to look elsewhere for manufacturing. This could significantly damage Vietnam's export-based growth model, which relies heavily on exports to the US. Vietnamese workers are worried about job losses, with one worker saying she can't eat or sleep well due to fears of losing her job and providing for her children. The government has requested a "rapid response team" and plans to visit the US for a working visit to negotiate a reduction in tariffs.

https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2025/04/04/039shocking039-us-tariffs-worse-than-feared-for-vietnamese-exporters

April 4, 2025

BIMSTEC Leaders Meet in Bangkok

India's trade with the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is currently $45 billion, but it has significant growth potential with the implementation of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok saw participation from key leaders including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nepalese Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli, and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/amid-trumps-tariff-war-bimstec-fta-can-strengthen-indias-access-to-markets-abroad-13877236.html