Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have expressed uncertainty about the implementation of tariffs on April 2, as President Trump's plans seem to shift frequently. The administration initially promised tariffs on Canada and Mexico but later paused and exempted certain goods. Now, it is unclear which parts of the tariffs will go into effect next week, with some industries, such as pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, facing potential tariffs that may be delayed or not implemented at all.
https://www.politico.eu/article/trump-officials-allies-grow-anxious-about-april-2-tariffs/Fitch warns that emerging market economies such as India, Brazil, and others are at risk of being hit by reciprocal tariffs under President Donald Trump's plan, which aims to match tariffs imposed by other countries. The US has a higher tariff rate on exports to these countries compared to imports from the US. For example, India imposes notably higher tariffs on US exports than the US does on Indian imports.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/business/india-among-some-other-emerging-economies-at-risk-of-trump-tariffs-fitch-says/Britain's government is seeking a last-minute trade deal with the US to avoid or reduce tariffs set to be announced by President Donald Trump, following unsuccessful attempts under the previous Conservative government.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/03/29/world/americas-emea/uk-dreams-of-us-trade-deal-before-trump-tariffs/2082575Britain is seeking a trade deal with the US ahead of April 2, dubbed "Liberation Day" by Trump, to avoid tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts. The UK government wants an "economic prosperity deal" that would allow it to escape some tariffs, but it's unlikely to be a full-scale free trade deal. To achieve this, London may consider scrapping its tax on tech giants, currently worth £800 million annually, in exchange for tariff exemptions from the US.
https://www.rawstory.com/trump-uk-tariffs/The Agreement on Cooperation and Investment (ACI) has been supported by prominent European trade figures, including former EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström and Ignacio García Bercero, who led the EU side of US trade negotiations during the Obama era. The ACI could potentially target individuals connected to government, including those close to President Trump, such as Elon Musk.
https://www.tbsnews.net/worldbiz/europe/what-can-eu-do-against-trumps-trade-war-1104491Pakistan's special assistant briefed Secretary-General Guterres on the country's priorities during its non-permanent Security Council term, emphasizing support for the UN's central role in addressing global challenges like peace and security, development, and climate change. Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to UN Charter principles, including peacekeeping efforts, and urged the international community to address India's occupation of Jammu and Kashmir and Israel's violence against Palestinians. The special assistant also highlighted cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan and called for UN support in countering this menace.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40355363/fatemi-spotlights-plight-of-under-occupation-kashmiris-palestinians-during-meeting-with-un-chiefUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to reorganize the US Agency for International Development (USAID), citing its "stray[ing] from its original mission long ago." The move has sparked concern among humanitarian aid experts, who warn that it will hinder a US response to recent earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand. Former USAID official Jeremy Konyndyk called the decision an "abdication of decades of US leadership," while former disaster response chief Sarah Charles said the cuts have "kneecapped" the agency's ability to send disaster teams, potentially allowing China and other countries to fill the gap.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/03/29/while-shuttering-usaid-trump-insists-will-send-help-to-myanmar/171272US President Donald Trump stated he is open to negotiating deals with countries seeking to avoid US tariffs, but these agreements must come after the administration announces reciprocal tariffs on April 2. He mentioned Britain as one of the countries that have approached the US to make deals, and expressed willingness to consider such agreements if they can secure something in return.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/donald-trump-says-he-is-willing-to-make-deals-on-tariffs-8036589US President Donald Trump has expressed willingness to cut deals on reciprocal tariffs, potentially targeting the pharmaceutical industry. This move comes as part of efforts to ease trade tensions with other countries. The announcement was made in a recent statement by Trump, who is open to negotiations that could benefit both the US and its trading partners.
https://www.livemint.com/news/us-news/donald-trump-says-he-is-willing-to-cut-deals-on-reciprocal-tariffs-may-soon-target-pharmaceutical-industry-11743210429173.html