As old energy routes buckle under the pressure of war and geopolitical disruption, governments and companies are converging on the Caspian region as the corridor that could keep Eurasia's energy flowing.
One year after the Turnberry trade deal, EU-US trade increased despite tariffs. The EU is meeting investment pledges, while both sides negotiate exemptions. The US is preparing new tariffs on forced labor and overcapacity, potentially continuing trade tensions.
President Trump has signed proclamations imposing new 50% tariffs on various Canadian goods, excluding energy, potash, fish, and critical minerals, using a Great Depression-era law. This move risks a trade war, with Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney expressing readiness to negotiate.
Azerbaijan and Germany are deepening ties beyond energy, with bilateral trade reaching €1.7 billion in 2025. Over 250 German companies operate in Azerbaijan, driven by Europe's push to diversify supply chains from Russia and Azerbaijan's strategic role in the Middle Corridor.
The European Commission imposed a record €550 million fine on Chinese e-commerce giant AliExpress for failing to prevent the sale of illegal and harmful products, including counterfeits and unsafe toys, on its platform under the Digital Services Act. AliExpress announced it will appeal the decision.
The Iranian rial reached a record low of 1.941 million against the US dollar in Tehran's free market, marking a 43.7% loss year-to-date. This depreciation is driven by escalating military and political tensions, including US and Israeli airstrikes and a naval blockade, fueling concerns over accelerating inflation, which hit 88.6% last month.
TSMC, the world's largest contract chipmaker, reported record quarterly profits and raised its revenue outlook, driven by robust demand for AI chips. The Taiwan-based company also announced an additional $100 billion investment to expand its advanced chip manufacturing capacity in the US.
