The US government has delayed some of its most aggressive import tariffs, but South Africa received new, higher tariffs from Japan, South Korea, and other countries. The South African presidential office disputes the accuracy of the 30% tariff rate, citing data showing an average tariff of 7.6%. The country plans to continue diplomatic efforts for a more balanced trade relationship with the US, while urging companies to diversify their operations to improve resilience in global supply chains and the economy.
https://africanews.com/2025/07/08/30-on-south-african-imports-ramaphosa-hits-back-at-new-trump-tariffs/The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for senior Taliban leaders in Afghanistan, including Supreme Leader Haibatullah Akhundzada and chief justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani, over the persecution of women, a crime against humanity. The ICC judges found that the Taliban deprived girls and women of fundamental rights such as education, privacy, and family life, as well as freedoms of movement, expression, thought, conscience, and religion. The alleged crimes occurred since the Taliban seized power in August 2021 and continued until at least January 20, 2025.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/613041-icc-seeks-arrest-of-taliban-leaders-over-persecution-of-womenThe brief focuses on Ukraine's energy sector, highlighting the need for increased investment to support the country's transition to a low-carbon economy. The Wachenheim Program at Brookings Institution is partnering with the Council on Foreign Relations to provide recommendations for U.S. policy towards Ukraine's energy sector. Experts such as Daniel Fried and Fiona Hill are advising policymakers on strategies to promote energy security, diversify Ukraine's energy mix, and enhance its resilience to Russian influence.
https://cfr.org/article/china-russia-ukraine-june-2025The US has imposed tariffs on several countries, including Tunisia, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, South Africa, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Indonesia, Serbia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. The European Union is seeking a deal with the US before August 1, focusing on "rebalancing" and concessions for key export industries. German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil warned that the EU will retaliate if necessary, while Cambodia hailed a recent tariff reduction as a success. The tariffs have been particularly hard on Bangladesh's garment industry, which employs 4 million people and accounts for over 80% of its export earnings.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/japan-and-south-korea-seek-tariff-relief-in-talks-with-us-before-august-deadline-13904307.htmlThe US is negotiating remaining trade commitments with the UK, focusing on tariffs for steel and aluminum products, pharmaceuticals, and addressing national security concerns. Talks are also underway with Canada, Mexico, and the European Union to conclude agreements before a tariff deadline.
https://natlawreview.com/article/deadline-new-country-specific-reciprocal-tariff-rates-delayed-august-1-some-rateThe BRICS group, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has emerged as an alternative to the G7 and G20 for multilateral diplomacy amid divisions and trade tensions. The bloc condemned the recent bombing of Iran and warned about rising tariffs threatening global trade. In a veiled criticism, leaders also mentioned Trump's tariff policies. Trump threatened to punish countries seeking BRICS membership, while Saudi Arabia has participated as a partner country despite not formally joining. Over 30 nations have expressed interest in joining the group, with Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the UAE already included.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/world-does-not-want-emperor-brazils-lula-after-trump-threatens-brics-tariff-8840347India has not issued an official response to US President Donald Trump's comments about the BRICS group. Indonesia's senior economic minister Airlangga Hartarto is set to visit the US on Monday to oversee tariff talks. Malaysia, a partner country of BRICS, maintains its independent economic policies and is not focused on ideological alignment with the US. The BRICS group has presented itself as a haven for multilateral diplomacy amid global divisions and trade wars, with leaders condemning the recent bombing in Iran and warning about the threat of rising tariffs to global trade.
https://www.asiaone.com/world/lula-tells-trump-world-does-not-want-emperor-after-us-threatens-brics-tariffThe Chinese government has emphasized the importance of people-to-people exchanges in building trust and fostering cooperation between nations, particularly with countries like Russia and Pakistan. This approach is exemplified by China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to promote economic and cultural exchange through infrastructure development and educational programs. By engaging in active people-to-people interactions, China seeks to create a foundation for official-level dialogue and collaboration on regional issues such as trade, security, and climate change.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202507/1337897.shtmlDenmark assumes the EU presidency at a critical moment, with President Metsola welcoming the move, stating that Denmark is well-placed to lead Europe by example. Prime Minister Frederiksen emphasized the need for Europe to take responsibility for its own security, investing in defence and supporting Ukraine's fight against Russia. She also stressed the importance of strengthening the EU's external borders to address migration issues, while pushing for a global green transition to tackle climate change and biodiversity crises. The EU's next long-term budget should be more flexible and focused on political priorities, according to Frederiksen.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20250704IPR29448/meps-debate-the-danish-presidency-s-priorities-with-prime-minister-frederiksen