NewsFeed

March 26, 2025

Trump Threatens 25% Tariffs on Imported Cars

US President Donald Trump's administration plans to impose additional tariffs on car imports, with the potential for a 25% duty, as part of its efforts to boost domestic industries such as autos, pharmaceuticals, timber, semiconductors, and metals. European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic met with US counterparts in Washington, where EU officials were briefed on the visit, but negotiations are unlikely until further US tariffs are imposed. The European Commission has proposed counter-measures of up to $28 billion on US imports in response to Trump's metals tariffs, which are set to be announced soon.

https://channelnewsasia.com/world/washington-told-eu-brace-more-tariffs-any-talks-envoys-say-5028126

March 26, 2025

Trump Threatens Tariffs Amid Global Trade Uncertainty

US President Trump stated that tariffs imposed by other countries would influence US tariffs, amid intensifying trade tensions and uncertainty. Recent Bank surveys found consumers are becoming more cautious, leading to increased precautionary savings and changes in spending plans for major purchases. Businesses are also feeling the impact, with many revising down sales outlooks, scaling back investment plans, and reducing hiring intentions due to trade uncertainty.

https://globalnews.ca/news/11099467/canadians-cut-spending-tariff-fears-bank-of-canada/

March 26, 2025

Trump Threatens Tariffs on EU Champagne and Spirits

US President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff on auto imports, with levies set to start on April 3, targeting Germany and France, home to major companies like Volkswagen and Mercedes. The European Union plans to retaliate, while Japan and Canada weigh their options. Trump warned that if the EU and Canada collaborate, he'll impose larger tariffs. In early March, a 20% tariff was imposed on Chinese products, leading Beijing's retaliation with tariffs on US agricultural goods. A 25% US tariff on steel and aluminum from around the world came into effect in mid-March to protect the declining US steel industry. Canada retaliated with $29.8 billion worth of US goods, including computers and sports equipment. The European Commission delayed its planned tariffs on US goods by two weeks to allow for dialogue. Trump has also threatened 200% tariffs on EU champagne and spirits, as well as sweeping "reciprocal tariffs" set to take effect on April 2, which could hit allies and adversaries alike.

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/steel-champagne-now-cars-what-donald-trump-has-tariffed-what-may-follow-8026807

March 26, 2025

Trump Threatens Tariffs Over EU Trade Dispute

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose more tariffs on the European Union and Canada if they retaliate against US trade policies. The move comes amid escalating tensions between the two countries over trade disputes, with Trump calling it a "direct attack" on the US economy. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has stated that his country will not take retaliatory action, citing concerns about the impact on the global economy and the potential for further escalation.

https://www.livemint.com/economy/trump-floats-more-tariffs-on-eu-canada-if-they-work-against-us-11743090394629.html

March 26, 2025

Trump, Zelensky Agree on Black Sea Ceasefire

Ukrainian President has announced ceasefire agreements in the Black Sea and against energy infrastructure, set to take effect immediately. The US has reached separate agreements with Ukraine and Russia to ensure safe shipping in the Black Sea and ban strikes on energy facilities. Ukrainian President will push for more weapons and sanctions from US President Donald Trump if Moscow violates the agreement.

https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/959827-zelensky-explained-why-he-agreed-to-a-ceasefire-with-russia

March 26, 2025

UK, Netherlands Cut Foreign Aid Amid PEPFAR Threats

The US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is facing potential cuts, with several countries reducing their international development spending. The UK and Netherlands plan to cut foreign aid by $2.6 billion and $3.2 billion respectively, following Germany and France's previous reductions last year. Global health leaders warn that further funding cuts could undo decades of progress in treating and preventing HIV, as noted by Debra ten Brink of the Burnet Institute in Australia.

https://www.firstpost.com/world/nearly-3-million-could-die-by-end-of-decade-due-to-foreign-aid-cuts-study-13875007.html

March 26, 2025

UK's Digital Tax May Be Revised to Avoid Tariffs

The UK's digital services tax (DST) is not set in stone and could be revised to avoid US tariffs, according to Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds. This comes as the UK seeks a trade deal with the US before April 2, when President Donald Trump will unveil reciprocal tariffs that have been criticized by the US for unfairly targeting British tech giants.

https://www.politico.eu/article/tech-tax-was-never-set-in-stone-says-britains-trade-chief/

March 26, 2025

UN Condemns Pakistan's Crackdown on BYC Activists

The UN expressed concern over Pakistan's police actions against Baloch Youth Congress (BYC) members, citing excessive force as a response to peaceful protests. The UN experts condemned the use of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and violent crackdowns on freedom of assembly, particularly in relation to the March 11 terrorist attack on a passenger train. They urged Pakistani authorities to release arrested human rights defenders, including Mahrang Baloch and Sammi Deen Baloch, and refrain from abusing counter-terrorism measures against them.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1295734-pakistan-rejects-criticism-of-un-hr-experts

March 26, 2025

UN Warns of War After Machar's Arrest

The United Nations has warned of the risk of war in South Sudan after Vice President Riek Machar was arrested, along with his wife Angelina Teny, who is under house arrest. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has urged all stakeholders to act responsibly to maintain peace and national unity in the country.

https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2025-03-27-ruto-sends-envoy-to-ease-tensions-in-south-sudan