US President Donald Trump plans to notify trading partners on Friday about new US tariffs on their exports, with around 10-12 letters sent initially and additional ones over the next few days. The deadline for countries to reach deals is July 9, with tariffs ranging from 60% to 20%.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/07/05/world/politics/trump-tariffs-notify-letter/Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas that Beijing cannot accept Russia losing its war against Ukraine, as this could allow the US to focus on China. This contradicts Beijing's public position of neutrality in the conflict. The admission was made during a four-hour meeting in Brussels, where they discussed issues including cybersecurity and trade imbalances. Wang Yi's comments suggest Beijing might prefer a prolonged war in Ukraine to keep the US focused on its rivalry with China.
https://www.koat.com/article/china-eu-cant-accept-russia-losing-war-against-ukraine/65300571Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had a conversation with US President Donald Trump on Friday to discuss air defences amid escalating Russian attacks in Ukraine. The two leaders agreed to work together to increase Kyiv's capability to defend the sky, including joint defence production and purchases/investments.
https://www.tbsnews.net/worldbiz/europe/trump-zelenskiy-discuss-weapons-and-escalating-russian-strikes-1181186Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy discussed air defences with US President Donald Trump, agreeing to increase Ukraine's capability to "defend the sky" amid escalating Russian strikes in Kyiv. The conversation also covered joint defence production and purchases. Ukraine has been seeking more Patriot missiles and systems from the US to defend its cities against intensifying Russian air strikes.
https://www.asiaone.com/world/trump-zelenskiy-discuss-weapons-and-escalating-russian-strikesTokyo is bracing for a potential trade war as the 90-day tariff pause expires, with Japanese policymakers and citizens feeling "sad and betrayed" by President Donald Trump's hardline tactics. The US has been escalating trade threats, testing the limits of trust between the two allies. Japanese officials are preparing for an eighth round of talks in Washington over the weekend, but critics say Trump's approach is already causing concern. Businessman Ken Kato believes that further concessions would weaken Japan's economy, while Chief Tariff Negotiator Ryosei Akazawa has held talks with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3316978/what-more-can-japan-give-tokyo-braces-trumps-tariffs-talks-hit-deadlock?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionBrazilian diplomat Kenneth Felix Haczynski da Nobrega is set to lead the BRICS summit in Rio, focusing on key areas such as intra-BRICS trade, climate change, artificial intelligence, and combating terrorism. The summit may explore adopting local currencies for voluntary trade transactions among member countries.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/brics-has-no-plan-to-create-an-alternate-currency-says-brazils-ambassador-to-india/article69777243.eceBrazil, India, Russia, China, South Africa, and other BRICS countries are expected to express "serious concern" over US President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs, according to Bloomberg sources. The concerns come as leaders from these nations gather in Rio de Janeiro for the 17th BRICS summit, hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2025/07/05/brazil-brics-countries-critical-tariffs/5561751738524/The BRICS nations are set to condemn trade-distorting tariffs imposed by the US, particularly those targeting India. The move comes in response to President Trump's recent actions, which have been seen as protectionist and detrimental to global trade. The BRICS countries, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, will likely express their disapproval at the upcoming summit. This stance is expected to be a significant departure from the usual diplomatic efforts to maintain economic cooperation among member nations.
https://www.livemint.com/politics/news/brics-set-to-condemn-trade-distorting-tariffs-in-swipe-at-trump-11751732204373.htmlIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Keith Rowley reaffirmed the need for comprehensive reforms in the United Nations Security Council. They agreed to support each other's bids for non-permanent seats on the council, with India supporting Trinidad and Tobago from 2027-28 and Trinidad and Tobago supporting India from 2028-29. The two countries have traditionally warm relations, established in 1962 when Trinidad and Tobago gained independence.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-trinidad-tobago-ink-six-pacts-to-expand-ties/article69775377.ece