US President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on multiple countries, including Canada, with rates ranging from 10% to 41%. The USMCA agreement is exempt, but transshipped goods may face up to 40% tariffs. Trade talks with Mexico have been extended by 90 days, delaying a planned tariff hike. Tariffs of up to 50% on Mexican steel, aluminum, and copper will remain in place. Economists warn that the duties could fuel inflation, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed disappointment over the imposition of a 35% tariff on Canada. The US has also raised tariffs on India by 25%, Syria by 41%, Laos and Myanmar by 40%, Switzerland by 39%, Iraq and Serbia by 35%, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Libya, and South Africa by 30%.
Several Arab nations including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt have condemned Hamas for its control in Gaza and called for it to surrender its weapons to the Palestinian Authority. The declaration also criticized Israel's attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Gaza, resulting in a devastating humanitarian catastrophe. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot praised the declaration as "historic and unprecedented", while US Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce described it as a "publicity stunt" that could prolong the conflict.
The recent executive order and agreements have significantly altered global trade rules, as stated by Wendy Cutler, a senior vice president at the Asia Society Policy Institute. This shift marks a departure from the post-World War II trade framework, indicating a major change in international trade governance.
Bangladesh Seeks Asean Membership with Malaysian Support
8.1.25
Bangladesh is seeking Malaysia's support to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), but faces an uphill battle due to governance and stability concerns. Interim leader Muhammad Yunus met with Nurul Izzah, daughter of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, to request backing for Bangladesh's Asean membership bid. Dhaka first applied for sectoral dialogue partner status in 2020, a preliminary step towards full membership, but faces skepticism from Malaysia as current Asean chair.
US President Trump's new tariffs on India have sparked a mixed reaction from Asian countries. Bangladesh's Yunus has welcomed the deal, stating that it will bring a "bright future" for his country. However, Indian imports could rise by $14 billion after stopping Russian oil imports, which may impact the nation's economy. China has responded to Trump's decision, questioning why the US should trade with Russia and not others.
Canada Reopens Diplomatic Posts in India After Freeze
8.1.25
Canada has announced new diplomatic postings to India, including Consul General Jeff David, who will replace Diedrah Kelly in Mumbai. This move breaks a diplomatic freeze that began in October 2023, following Canada's withdrawal of 41 diplomats due to India's demand for parity in consular staffing.
The Israeli military agency COGAT has implemented new measures to improve aid distribution in Gaza, allowing 220-270 truckloads of aid to enter the territory daily. However, aid workers say these changes are largely cosmetic and do not address the underlying issues, with delays in approvals and restricted routes causing trucks to remain idle for long periods. Aid workers describe the situation as a "Darwin dystopia" where only the strongest survive, and some have reported violence and desperation among crowds waiting for aid. The UN has refused Israeli offers of armed escorts, citing concerns about appearing to work with a party to the conflict. Palestinians are concerned that the aid will run out before it reaches those who need it most, with one woman saying she almost drowned trying to retrieve aid that fell into the sea during an aid drop.
Czechs Export €49.8M Arms to Israel Amid Gaza Conflict
8.1.25
Czech Amnesty International has criticized the country's €49.8M arms exports to Israel in 2024, citing possible violations of international law amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. The Czech Foreign Ministry defends the shipments as non-lethal and legal, while Amnesty warns that a lack of transparency may indicate complicity in war crimes.
Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Doraiswami, criticized Western hypocrisy for continuing to source energy-related materials from Russia despite condemning India's relationship with President Vladimir Putin. He pointed out that several European countries purchase rare earth and other energy products from Russia, while urging India to avoid doing so. This selective nature of international relationships was highlighted by Doraiswami, who noted that many countries maintain ties with nations problematic for India without being asked to prove their loyalty through such choices.