
European Parliament Approves Deal to Ease US Trade Tensions
The European Parliament approved a deal to remove EU import duties and ease access for US goods, averting further tariff conflicts and setting tariffs on EU imports to the US.

The European Parliament approved a deal to remove EU import duties and ease access for US goods, averting further tariff conflicts and setting tariffs on EU imports to the US.

Turkish authorities will raise transit fees for vessels passing through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles by 15% starting July 1, bringing the rate to $6.7 per ton. This annual revision follows a previous increase and aims to fund maritime services.

South Korea's Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo met with officials to discuss countermeasures against proposed US tariffs on dozens of countries, including South Korea, over alleged failure to enforce import bans on products made through forced labor.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated he expects a "respectful but firm" dialogue with US President Donald Trump at the G7 summit regarding tariffs, emphasizing that duties between G7 countries are not beneficial and that France's digital tax is part of its legislation.
Donald Trump warned France it faces 100% US tariffs on wine and champagne if it proceeds with a digital tax on American tech firms. The ultimatum was delivered before a G7 meeting with Emmanuel Macron, contradicting reports of a settled dispute.

President Trump threatened to impose 100% tariffs on French wines and champagnes in response to France's 3% digital services tax on tech giants. He urged President Macron to abolish the tax to avoid the tariffs.

미국 대통령 트럼프가 프랑스의 디지털 서비스세(DST)에 대해 100% 관세 부과를 경고하며 G7 정상회의를 앞두고 프랑스와의 무역 갈등을 시사했다. DST는 프랑스가 아마존, 메타, 애플 등 빅테크 기업에 부과하는 세금으로, 트럼프는 이를 미국 기업에 대한 차별로 규정했다.
US President Donald Trump has threatened France with 100% tariffs on all French wines and champagne if it does not scrap its 3% digital services tax on American tech companies. The warning was issued directly to French President Emmanuel Macron ahead of the G7 summit.

Millions of people are eligible for discounted social tariffs on water, phone, and broadband bills, but many are unaware of the available help. These tariffs, designed for those struggling to pay, require customers to contact their supplier and provide benefit details. While water suppliers in England and Wales offer these, gas and electricity providers have alternative support schemes.

Tariffs, once a dominant business concern, are now a "non-issue" for most companies. Despite new proposed tariffs related to forced labor, businesses are focused on economic growth, AI, and worker retention, expecting any new tariffs to be challenged and overturned.

A potential meeting between Indian PM Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump at the G7 summit offers a chance to mend strained relations following a year of disputes over tariffs, Pakistan, and the Iran war. The meeting comes after US forces attacked three Indian vessels, killing three sailors, an incident analysts believe will not escalate.

A ship carrying nearly 100 tonnes of food and essential goods arrived in Cuba from Colombia on Friday. This aid comes as the US continues its energy embargo, with recent sanctions targeting Cuba's state-owned oil company and officials, exacerbating power outages and hindering humanitarian aid distribution.
OpenAI has banned two clusters of ChatGPT accounts originating from China that were used for covert influence campaigns targeting US tech and policy debates. The campaigns aimed to manipulate discussions on AI data centers and US tariffs, but generated little authentic engagement.

USTR chief Jamieson Greer criticized a Washington Post editorial on proposed tariffs related to forced labor, stating the piece was driven by 'antipathy' toward President Trump and advocated for a 'laissez-faire approach to modern slavery.'

USTR chief Jamieson Greer criticized a Washington Post editorial on proposed tariffs for forced labor, calling it driven by 'antipathy' toward President Trump and advocating for a 'laissez-faire approach to modern slavery.'

USTR Chief Katherine Tai criticized a Washington Post editorial, calling it biased against Trump and misrepresenting the US's use of Section 301 tariffs to combat forced labor in supply chains.

President Lee requested favorable consideration from the EU regarding steel tariffs and TRQ acquisition, emphasizing the impact on Korean industries. Discussions also covered semiconductor and defense cooperation, and carbon border adjustment mechanisms.

OpenAI reported that Chinese propagandists attempted to use its ChatGPT chatbot to generate opposition to Donald Trump's tariffs and influence debates on data centers and AI. The campaign, active in late 2025 and early 2026, had minimal impact but highlights AI's role in digital influence.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo agreed to strengthen cooperation in semiconductors and support investment in strategic industries. Discussions with EU leaders also covered security pact negotiations and concerns over EU steel tariffs and carbon border adjustment measures.

A US-China Business Council survey reveals that US export controls and sanctions are negatively impacting American companies, with nearly half affected and many losing sales to Chinese competitors. Tit-for-tat tariffs also hit over 72% of surveyed firms.

UK ministers are considering dropping some planned steel tariffs after manufacturers warned of significantly increased costs. The government aims to balance protecting domestic producers with ensuring secure supply, while also addressing similar EU measures.

The US and China are testing their post-summit detente through proposed trade and investment boards. Key issues like tariffs, drone security (DJI), and rare earths could challenge this stability if clarity is lacking.

A judge has ordered the immediate refund of duties, citing "growing inequity" between large and small businesses. Customs and Border Patrol plans to refund tariffs later, having processed $23 billion of an estimated $166 billion collected.

Millions of UK households owe billions in utility bills, with many unaware of available support like social tariffs and repayment plans. A watchdog report highlights low awareness among eligible customers for water, energy, and broadband, urging regulators to improve identification and promotion of aid.