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 United States imposed a fresh wave of tariffs late on Thursday against 60 countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, India, and European Union member states, just hours before a temporary 10% blanket levy was set to expire.
The 21 APEC member economies, including the U.S. and China, issued the "Chengdu statement" on AI, supporting open-source development while emphasizing security, data protection, and intellectual property rights, signaling a move towards increased state oversight in the sector.
The Trump administration has imposed new 10% and 12.5% tariffs on imports from 60 economies, including India, effective Friday. The move, under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, aims to compel trading partners to strengthen enforcement against forced labor goods, with India receiving the lower 10% rate after recent policy changes.
South Korea and Taiwan now account for over half of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, a dramatic shift from a year ago when China and India dominated. This change is driven by an AI-fueled surge in semiconductor exports and corporate earnings in both economies, leading to significant stock market rallies.
US President Donald Trump threatened to destroy Iranian infrastructure, including bridges or power plants in or near Tehran, for any attack on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, amid escalating US strikes on Iran and the strait's closure impacting global oil trade.
New Eurostat data shows corporate debt exceeding 85% of GDP in seven EU states, including Luxembourg (251.1%), Denmark (115.4%), and Sweden (108.6%). While many high figures are due to international financial hubs, France and Sweden's real estate sector show genuine macroeconomic vulnerabilities.
A flexibilização das regras de venda de armas nos EUA, proposta pelo governo Trump, preocupa especialistas brasileiros, que alertam para o maior acesso de facções criminosas no Brasil a armamento pesado, facilitando o tráfico de peças desmontadas.
Former Italian PM Giuseppe Conte urged the EU to immediately appoint a special representative for negotiations with Russia, criticizing the ongoing "mad arms race" and "anti-Russian hysteria." He argued diplomacy is more effective than rearmament for peace and security, highlighting economic damage to EU countries and rising energy prices as real citizen concerns. Conte also stated conditions are not right for Ukraine's EU accession and opposed sending weapons to Kyiv.
Vietnam's new Population Law, effective July 1, introduces subsidies and extended maternity/paternity leave to encourage more births. Despite these measures, the country faces a declining fertility rate and a rapidly aging population, raising concerns about economic growth and social support systems.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin stated Russia's interest in strengthening technological partnerships and launching joint projects with friendly nations, including Eurasian Economic Union members, following his visit to the Innoprom exhibition in Yekaterinburg.
India has challenged the US's proposed tariffs linked to forced labor, arguing the US approach is inconsistent and that such issues should be resolved via bilateral trade negotiations. India's representative questioned exemptions and the basis for tariffs, stating they would increase costs for all parties involved.
Indian travel creator Sharanya Iyer documented her solo trip through Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, sparking debate on whether tourism legitimizes the regime. Iyer questioned the economic impact of boycotts on ordinary citizens, emphasizing the complexity beyond headlines and human rights issues.
Global foreign direct investment (FDI) grew 6% to $1.6 trillion in 2025, driven by large projects in AI, semiconductors, and energy, UNCTAD reported. Developed economies saw an 11% increase, while developing nations experienced only 2%. The outlook for 2026 remains uncertain due to global trade issues and geopolitical tensions.
As the US approaches its 250th anniversary, its relationship with China is defined by rivalry, yet deep financial entanglement persists. Despite US restrictions and China's diversification from the dollar, experts note the underlying financial infrastructure remains profoundly interconnected.
UK mobile coverage lags behind EU and G7 countries, ranking 57th globally for network performance. Despite cheap costs, poor signal quality and slow speeds affect over a third of customers, impacting modern economy infrastructure and daily use.
PM Narendra Modi extended wishes for the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra, urging pilgrims to follow five resolves: cleanliness, safety, environmental conservation, supporting local economy, and national service. The second batch of pilgrims departed Jammu under heavy security, with the Yatra set to conclude on August 28.
Russian G20 sherpa Denis Agafonov highly values the Global South's contribution to the G20, noting their increasingly confident voice and role in driving economic growth, following a sherpa meeting in Washington.
The UBS Global Wealth Report 2026 reveals Britain experienced the largest decline in household wealth among high-income economies since 2020, with average wealth per adult falling 23.2%. This decline is attributed to high inflation, the energy crisis, weak housing growth, and a lagging stock market, amidst an ongoing cost-of-living crisis and political pressure.
US President Donald Trump threatened a 100% tariff on imports from any country that imposes a digital services tax on American companies. He specifically targeted European nations discussing such measures, stating the new tax would supersede previously negotiated trade deals.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Azerbaijan and Armenia next week to strengthen the EU's strategic engagement with both countries. Discussions will focus on energy supplies, regional infrastructure, and economic cooperation, particularly the Middle Corridor trade route.
Asian economies are expected to exercise caution in buying Iranian oil despite a 60-day sanctions waiver, weighing compliance, financial risks, and potential US-Tehran hostilities. This comes as global markets seek cheaper energy, but refiners view the waiver as too short for complex legal requirements.
Goldman Sachs predicts China's rapid aging will boost pharmaceutical and biotech sectors, citing companies like Zai Lab and WuXi XDC Cayman. Conversely, carmakers and tech hardware manufacturers may face challenges due to demographic shifts.
Ten years after Brexit, columnist Larry Elliott restates his leftwing case for leaving the EU, arguing Europe isn't working economically and Brexit offers an opportunity for Britain to pursue a different economic model.
