China's Shenghe Resources says suspension of US rare earth shipments won't significantly impact production due to diversified supply chain. The company's US partner, MP Materials, has stopped shipping critical minerals to China after Beijing slapped 125% tariffs on US imports in retaliation for US tariffs on Chinese goods. Rare earths are used to make magnets for electric vehicles and electronics.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/chinese-rare-earth-processor-shenghe-sees-little-impact-from-halt-to-us-feedstock-imports-2?utm_source=most-popular-businessAid groups are sounding the alarm over the dire situation in Gaza, where thousands of children are malnourished and most people are struggling to access basic necessities due to dwindling supplies. Dr. Hanan Balkhy, head of the World Health Organization's eastern Mediterranean office, has urged US Ambassador Mike Huckabee to pressure Israel to lift its blockade, allowing much-needed aid to enter. The conflict began in October 2023, resulting in over 51,000 Palestinian deaths, mostly women and children, and widespread destruction of Gaza's infrastructure, leaving around 90% of the population displaced.
https://stltoday.com/news/nation-world/article_57357a79-c386-4d72-a92f-ba54e30f35f5.htmlThe International Monetary Fund (IMF) is set to lower its economic growth outlook due to US President Donald Trump's trade war with the world, which has led to a decrease in manufacturing and services activity across Japan, Europe, and the US. Business surveys from major economies will provide the first coordinated glimpse into the impact of Trump's global tariffs, now partly on hold since April 2.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/04/20/economy/shock-trump-tariffs-world-economy/Iran and the US have agreed to resume indirect talks over a nuclear deal, with senior negotiators set to meet in Oman next Saturday. The talks aim to seal a fair and binding agreement that would ensure Iran is free of nuclear weapons and sanctions while allowing it to develop peaceful nuclear energy. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the delegations met at an Omani ambassador's residence, with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian negotiator Mohammad Javad Araghchi passing messages between them. The talks come after a year of tensions since US President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord, which Iran had complied with for a year before scaling back its compliance. Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said the talks are "gaining momentum" and that even unlikely outcomes are possible.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/us-iran-report-progress-in-nuclear-talks-will-meet-again/article_06a793c8-3a3f-5631-a8af-6791a3e4b77a.htmlJapan's Prime Minister has pledged to assess the country's automobile regulations to facilitate negotiations with the US, amid concerns over the negative impact of the US-China tariff escalation. The Prime Minister expressed a commitment to cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the European Union. A recent meeting between Japan's Minister for Economic Revitalisation Akazawa Ryosei and US President Trump discussed US tariff measures, with President Trump prioritizing consultations with Japan.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/not-appropriate-to-discuss-security-trade-together-with-us-japanese-pm-1/The US is likely to lose a trade war with China if it continues down the current path under President Donald Trump's leadership. The administration's actions are strengthening China's geopolitical position, emboldening Beijing militarily, and diminishing the US' global standing and economy. Recently, Trump increased tariffs on all goods from China to 145 percent.
https://www.theatlantic.com/economy/archive/2025/04/china-trump-trade-war/682524/U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg announced plans for a team from President Donald Trump's administration to travel to London for ceasefire negotiations with Russia. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron met with Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff in Paris as part of efforts to secure peace and security guarantees for Ukraine.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3984157-ukrainian-delegation-to-attend-ceasefire-talks-in-london-leshchenko.htmlThe US and Iran held the second round of nuclear talks in Italy, hosted by Oman's Embassy in Rome. Iranian Foreign Minister and US President's Special Envoy to the Middle East, Araghchi, expressed seriousness and determination for the talks despite doubts about the other side's intentions. The discussions focus on Tehran's civilian nuclear program and the potential termination of American sanctions against Iran.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/oman-confirms-progress-in-iran-us-nuclear-talks-next-round-to-be-held-in-muscat/Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that experts from Iran and the US will meet in Oman to discuss details of a possible nuclear deal. The talks come after a second round of negotiations in Rome, where Araghchi met with US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff for several hours. Araghchi expressed optimism about the talks, stating they were held in a constructive environment and that Iran is moving forward. In contrast, President Donald Trump has been pushing for a rapid deal while threatening military action against Iran.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1303250-2nd-round-of-negotiations-concludes-iran-us-move-to-expert-level-talks-over-nuclear-programme