Chancellor Rachel Reeves will meet US officials at the International Monetary Fund's spring meetings in Washington later this month to continue negotiations on an economic deal. She warned that US tariffs would have a significant impact, but also emphasized the UK's support for a more balanced global economic system that recognizes the benefits of free trade. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been meeting with workers in Lincolnshire, while Chinese President Xi Jinping is touring south-east Asia to promote free trade and stability in the region.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14620205/Trumps-trade-deal-Britain-sealed-weeks.htmlBritain's trade deal with Donald Trump could be finalized in as little as three weeks, according to White House officials. Sir Keir Starmer is pushing for a deal to lower the 10% tariffs on British goods imposed by Mr. Trump, while also seeking to ease trade barriers through deeper cooperation with the EU on its carbon border adjustment mechanism. The UK's Prime Minister is proposing alignment with EU carbon levies as part of his "reset" of post-Brexit relations with Brussels, but faces a tricky balancing act between improving relations with Brussels and mitigating the impact of Mr. Trump's tariffs.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14621361/Britain-sign-trade-deal-Donald-Trump-three-weeks-Keir-Starmer-warned-signing-EU-carbon-levies-drag-UK-tariffs-war.htmlUS officials are set to meet with European leaders to discuss the conflict in Ukraine, amid efforts to coordinate actions with Russia and address rising tensions with Iran. The meeting comes three years after the war began, as President Donald Trump seeks a ceasefire agreement between Kiev and Moscow. Trump's frustration with both sides is growing, having expressed concerns over lack of progress and warned of military action against Iranian nuclear sites. His diplomatic gestures to Russian President Vladimir Putin have also raised unease in Europe, particularly towards Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/964896-rubio-witkoff-in-paris-us-europe-seek-diplomatic-breakthroughUS President Donald Trump's global tariffs are causing concern over their economic impact. Fed Chair Jerome Powell warned of higher inflation and potential price increases, while China has responded with duties of up to 145% on US goods. The World Bank's Ajay Banga echoed Powell's concerns about uncertainty and volatility in the markets. China saw a 5.4% growth in the first quarter but Heron Lim from Moody's Analytics predicts it will be felt in the second quarter as tariffs impede Chinese exports. Trump remains optimistic about his strategy, while Japan's envoy is hopeful for a "win-win" outcome in talks with the US.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2025/04/17/no-winner-in-a-tariff-war-global-alarm-grows-over-trumps-trade-strategy-as-powell-warns-of-persistent-inflation/173350South Korea and Japan rely on the US nuclear umbrella for protection against China, Russia, and North Korea, with Seoul preparing for various scenarios as talks with the Trump administration stall. The US has demanded billions of dollars more from South Korea in exchange for its military presence, but Seoul is resisting, citing cost-sharing as not up for review. Japan views defence spending as separate from tariffs, while analysts say Trump's approach to alliance relationships is transactional and aimed at extracting economic payoffs. A new five-year Special Measures Agreement signed with the Biden administration has been met with skepticism, with some South Korean officials warning that it risks alienating Washington if Seoul refuses to negotiate further. The US has a significant military presence in both countries, with Japan bearing the largest overseas deployment of US troops globally.
https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2025/04/17/trump-includes-us-troop-costs-in-tariff-talks-with-asian-alliesThe World Trade Organization (WTO) has sounded an alarm over US President Trump's tariffs, warning that they could reverse global trade this year. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell stated that while inflation and employment are currently in balance, future conditions may force policymakers to choose between the two. The US market fell following Powell's remarks, with the Nasdaq Composite down 3.4 percent. The Trump administration has defended its tariff policy as part of a broader economic platform aimed at stimulating growth and boosting manufacturing jobs.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/fed-chair-powell-warns-trump-tariffs-may-fuel-inflation-force-bank-into-tough-trade-off-13880579.htmlUS Vice President JD Vance will visit India from April 21 to 24, strengthening bilateral ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his meeting on April 21. The visit is expected to include discussions on relevant issues, including a potential trade agreement between the two countries. Vance's delegation will also meet with senior members of the US administration and engage in official visits to Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra before returning to Washington, DC.
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/will-discuss-all-relevant-issues-foreign-ministry-mea-on-jd-vance-india-visit-us-trade-tariff-talks-8188480#pfrom=home-ndtv_mainnavigationChina's Foreign Ministry stated it will ignore US tariffs if the country continues to play the "tariff numbers game". The White House recently released a fact sheet outlining China's total duties, including a 125% tariff and 20% tariff on goods related to the fentanyl crisis. In response, Beijing raised its own levies on US goods without seeking talks, citing a need for mutual respect and equality. China has also filed a complaint with the World Trade Organisation over US tariffs, accusing Washington of violating global trade rules. The US has appointed a new trade negotiator, Li Chenggang, to engage in potential talks with China, while President Trump insists Beijing should make the first move to resolve the escalating tariff war.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-says-it-will-ignore-us-tariff-numbers-game/article69459319.eceJapan is holding ministerial tariff talks with the US, with former President Donald Trump set to join the discussions. The talks come as Japan's Ocean Network Express Holdings, Ltd., a major Japanese container transportation and shipping company, has been struggling due to increased tariffs imposed on its imports from the US, such as those on steel and aluminum.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250417/p2g/00m/0in/002000c