Author: Editorial Desk

President Donald Trump has announced a 90-day suspension of elevated tariffs for most countries while sharply increasing tariffs on Chinese imports to 125%. The announcement, made on April 9, comes amid growing global economic uncertainty and rising pressure from international partners, domestic lawmakers, and financial markets. The temporary pause halts the newly introduced ‘reciprocal tariffs,’ which had only taken effect the previous day. The decision aims to ease fears of economic disruption triggered by the sweeping trade measures. Despite the pause, a 10% baseline tariff will still apply to most imports, and the existing 25% duties on steel, aluminum, and…

During the current global trade disruptions and shifting geopolitical dynamics, France is calling for an acceleration of economic cooperation by trade ties with Philippines. French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, Laurent Saint-Martin, emphasised the importance of reinforcing bilateral trade as protectionist policies—especially those under the Trump administration—reshape the global market. Speaking during his official visit to Manila on April 10 and 11, Saint-Martin highlighted the urgency for like-minded nations to strengthen economic ties. “The current international context and situation should make us accelerate… We were below the potential. So what we have to do is to work,” he said, encouraging…

Vietnam and India are poised to deepen cooperation in the textile and garment sector as both countries prepare for potential challenges from the United States’ new reciprocal tariff policy, said Bùi Trung Thướng, Trade Counselor at the Vietnam Trade Office in India. Vietnam, the world’s third-largest textile and garment exporter, with exports valued at $44 billion in 2024, heavily relies on imported materials—65% of which come from China. India, by contrast, is a leading supplier of raw materials like cotton and cotton yarn and has a long-established textile industry supported by a wide array of natural and synthetic fibers. India’s…

Pattaya tourism sector is facing mounting challenges during Thailand’s traditional low season, intensified by global economic uncertainties and sharp fluctuations in the Thai baht. Despite steady international arrivals, local businesses — including hotels, tour operators, and retailers — are under pressure as the strengthening baht raises operational costs and dampens tourist spending. In April 2025, the baht fluctuated significantly, briefly dipping to 34.98 per US dollar before rebounding to 34.55. The shift was influenced by global investor sentiment moving toward safe-haven assets amid concerns of economic instability, including the potential for a US-led trade war. As a result, Thai bond…

Singapore has reaffirmed its interest in partnering with Bangladesh to strengthen its logistics sector and overall trade competitiveness, leveraging its global leadership in modern port management and trade facilitation. This intent was conveyed during a visit by a 12-member business delegation from Singapore, led by Derek Loh, the non-resident High Commissioner of Singapore to Bangladesh. The delegation met with leaders of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) on April 10 to explore avenues for deepening bilateral economic cooperation. During discussions, Derek Loh underscored the significance of reforming and automating Bangladesh’s revenue sector to improve trade efficiency. He noted…

World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has warned that escalating trade tensions between the United States and China could trigger a dramatic collapse in global trade, potentially reducing bilateral merchandise trade between the two economic superpowers by up to 80%. Speaking on Wednesday, Okonjo-Iweala highlighted preliminary WTO projections suggesting that continued tit-for-tat trade measures could unleash widespread economic disruption. “The escalating trade tensions between the United States and China pose a significant risk of a sharp contraction in bilateral trade. This situation is dire and could have lasting repercussions on global economic stability,” she said. The WTO’s assessment…

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has expressed confidence in Turkey’s ability to withstand the growing global trade tensions triggered by new U.S. tariffs, emphasising the country’s economic resilience and strategic global position. In a televised address to parliament on April 9, Erdoğan warned of a deepening crisis in the global trade system, describing the current turmoil as a storm that will impact nations worldwide. “The global system is cracking at its core… It would not be an exaggeration to say that a hurricane is coming that will affect everyone,” he said. His comments follow the recent announcement by U.S. President Donald…

Apple has shipped five planeloads of iPhones and other products from India to the United States to overcome new import tariffs introduced by the U.S. government. The shipments, completed over three days in late March, were timed to beat the April 5 deadline when a new 10% reciprocal tariff came into effect under the Trump administration’s trade policy. The new tariff targets imports from key manufacturing countries, including China and India. Apple’s accelerated shipping initiative was designed to shield its U.S. operations from immediate financial strain and preserve retail pricing stability. By stockpiling inventory in its U.S. warehouses ahead of…

Malaysia will send officials to the United States to begin talks on newly imposed trade tariffs, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced on Tuesday. The decision follows the imposition of a 24% levy on Malaysian exports by US President Donald Trump, a move that has affected multiple ASEAN member states. Speaking at an investment conference in Kuala Lumpur, Anwar acknowledged that while it may be difficult to alter the underlying rationale behind the US decision, there remains room to influence how the policy is implemented. “We do not believe in megaphone diplomacy,” Anwar said. “As part of our soft diplomacy of…

The Egyptian government has unveiled a comprehensive strategy for export boost to $145 billion by 2030, focusing on improving product quality, expanding into global markets, and encouraging investment in advanced sectors. The plan includes diversifying exports, providing incentives for exporters, and promoting industries such as renewable energy, advanced technology, and pharmaceuticals. For reinforcing product standards and market access, the General Organization for Control of Exports and Imports issued Resolution No. 243 of 2025. This resolution, supported by several legal frameworks, including import-export laws and presidential decrees, outlines the updated criteria for factory registration for exporting goods to Egypt. The strategy…