The US has imposed tariffs of 10-12.5% on goods from several countries, including China, Japan, and the EU, citing forced labor practices. Experts view these actions as a pretext for President Trump's 'America-first' trade agenda, with another Section 301 investigation ongoing.
The US has imposed tariffs on several countries, including China and EU members, with rates up to 12.5%, citing human rights abuses and distortive trade practices. This action is part of President Trump's "America-first" agenda, alongside an ongoing Section 301 investigation into excess industrial capacity.
Chinese tech companies are rapidly expanding their international presence, driven by a global surge in AI spending and domestic competition. This growth is evident in rising physical tech exports and increased revenue from cloud-based software and foundation models, with firms like MiniMax seeing significant international earnings.
India has approved a $13.2 billion semiconductor program, Semicon 2.0, building on a previous $9 billion mission to develop a full chip ecosystem. The nation aims to become a major manufacturing hub by 2030, despite facing significant challenges in large-scale fabrication.
US Undersecretary Jacob Helberg discusses Washington's strategy to reduce dependence on China for rare earths and AI technology by rallying allies and securing alternative supply chains, citing past Chinese export controls that impacted allies like Japan and Europe.
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to reduce dependence on China for defense-related critical minerals, directing military contractors to shift supply chains away from Beijing-linked sources by January 2027, citing national security in an era of great power competition.
CuspAI, a Cambridge-based AI startup, secured $450m (£330m) in Series B funding from investors including Jeff Bezos and the UK government, valuing it at $2.6bn. The company aims to develop AI-powered software to discover new materials, reducing research times and reliance on rare metals for chipmakers and other industries.
Experts and environmental groups criticize the UK's carbon capture and storage (CCS) plans, arguing they are costly, ineffective against methane emissions, and primarily support new fossil fuel infrastructure rather than hard-to-abate industries.
Analysts suggest China may favor a "gray zone" strategy against Taiwan, using economic pressure, cyber warfare, and information operations to isolate the island rather than a direct amphibious invasion. This approach could involve blockades, disrupting supply chains, and targeting digital infrastructure.
South Korea aims to boost economic cooperation with Mongolia, focusing on supply chains, renewable energy, and AI. Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol met his Mongolian counterpart, Jadamba Enkhbayar, to discuss expanding strategic ties and a new cancer center project.
Following the Strait of Hormuz reopening, Iran and Oman proposed a permanent fee system for ships. This highlights global supply chain reliance on key waterways, where international law generally grants free transit passage, though specific service fees are permissible. Major straits like Hormuz, Bosphorus, Malacca, and canals like Suez and Panama have varying fee structures, from free passage to significant tolls.
India, Australia, and Canada have signed the Australia–Canada–India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership MOU to boost collaboration in critical and emerging technologies. The agreement focuses on green energy, resilient supply chains, and critical minerals, supporting net-zero goals and AI adoption. Additionally, India and Australia finalized arrangements for Australian uranium exports to India for peaceful nuclear purposes.
A US government hearing on proposed tariffs for goods linked to forced labor revealed divisions on their effectiveness. China Labor Watch founder Qiang Li advocated for higher tariffs on China, citing poor worker conditions.
China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao urged the Netherlands to create a fair business environment for Chinese companies and resolve disputes involving relevant enterprises during a meeting with Dutch trade minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma. Both sides aim for a "clean break" from previous frictions, particularly concerning Nexperia.
Nato member states launched new defence initiatives at the Ankara summit to enhance weapons development and supply chains, addressing security challenges from Russia and China. A multinational project involving 12 nations will focus on acquiring, storing, and managing defence-critical raw materials.
A report highlights India's semiconductor strategy, which mirrors successful Asian models. While the strategy is sound, execution faces hurdles like reliance on imported equipment and a shortage of manufacturing talent. India aims to boost chip consumption and production, focusing on OSAT and mature nodes.
Tens of millions globally face acute hunger due to the fallout from the US-Iran conflict, despite a ceasefire. Disruption to the Strait of Hormuz has driven up energy, fertilizer, and food prices, exacerbating crises in vulnerable regions like Nigeria, Gaza, Sudan, Afghanistan, and Yemen, with impacts expected to last until 2027.
Morgan Stanley forecasts the global robotaxi market to hit $1 trillion by 2040, driven by falling manufacturing costs in China. Chinese players are expected to lead regionally, alongside Tesla and Waymo.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi arrived in New Delhi for a three-day visit to attend the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit. The visit aims to strengthen the Special Strategic and Global Partnership, focusing on economic security, supply chains, technology, defense, and investment.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi arrived in New Delhi for a three-day official visit, set to meet PM Narendra Modi to discuss economic security, supply chains, and regional issues. The visit aims to strengthen cooperation between the two nations.
The US has decided not to renew the USMCA trade agreement in its current form, citing trade deficits and shortcomings. The deal remains in force for 10 years but will be reviewed annually, leading to potential complex negotiations.
India and Japan are set to sign an agreement to enhance LNG supply security and strengthen economic ties during PM Modi and PM Takaichi's summit in India. Discussions will cover critical minerals, AI, semiconductors, and regional geopolitics, with Japan planning significant investments.
A US congressional hearing urged faster innovation to counter China's tech growth, with lawmakers criticizing Trump administration policies and highlighting concerns over R&D spending and scientist emigration. Calls were made for legislation supporting AI, robotics, quantum computing, and semiconductors.
UNCTAD reports that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, while positive, will not end the global economic shock. The impact on transport and food systems will persist longer than on energy markets, affecting 61 vulnerable economies.
