Malaysia Secures Tariff Deal with Trump Administration
7.31.25
Malaysia is set to secure a tariff deal with the US Administration after discussions between Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and US President Donald Trump, with negotiations focusing on lowering tariffs from 25% to 15% or lower. The deal may include concessions on halal certification and rare earths exports, as well as recognition of US halal certification for pharmaceuticals. Trump's attendance at the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October has been confirmed, following a visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in July.
The US and China are on the cusp of a trade deal, according to Treasury Secretary Douglas Murray. London Mayor Sadiq Khan is being advised by Zohran Mamdani to stay out of foreign policy. Meta has introduced "personal superintelligence" in AI development, amid an intensifying AI race. Democrats have sued the Trump administration over access policies at ICE facilities. In a separate incident, GOP Senator Mike Braun sent a warning to Cincinnati after a mob attack amid FBI and DOJ investigations.
Philippines Sees Export Growth in US and Hong Kong
7.31.25
The Philippines is intensifying its support for exporters through targeted market insights and international trade missions. The US remains the country's largest export destination, with shipments valued at $1.21 billion, a 35.2% increase from last year. Exports to Hong Kong also rose by 13.8% to $1.07 billion, while those to Japan increased by 30% to $974.80 million.
Russia's Middle East Presence Boosts Indian Interests
7.31.25
India's dependence on Russia is not explicitly stated in this article. However, it can be inferred that India may benefit from Russia's support in the Middle East due to its strategic location and military presence. The article mentions Russia's naval base in Tartous and airbase at Khmeimim, which suggests a significant military presence in the region. Additionally, Russia has reportedly sent oil shipments to Syria, indicating potential economic benefits for India through its partnership with Russia.
US President Donald Trump has expressed openness to meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, despite Pyongyang's insistence on denuclearization demands. The White House confirmed the possibility of a meeting, citing Trump's desire for a peaceful resolution to the nuclear standoff between the two nations. However, no specific date or location have been announced.
US President Donald Trump has successfully negotiated trade deals with several countries, including the UK, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Pakistan. The agreements include tariff reductions, investments in various sectors, and cooperation on energy, minerals, IT, and cryptocurrency. The deals aim to improve market access, attract investment, and strengthen bilateral relations, while also addressing long-standing disputes over borders and trade policies.
South Korea's shipbuilding industry played a crucial role in securing a US-Korea tariff agreement, according to Professor Kim Dae-jong. The deal, worth $150 billion, includes South Korean shipbuilders rebuilding the US navy fleet and easing tensions with a top-10 trading partner. In return, the US will accept South Korean products without tariffs, while South Korea will not open its rice and beef markets further. President Trump announced the agreement on July 30, following a meeting with South Korean Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol, who credited the "Make America Shipbuilding Great Again" package as key to the deal.
US Companies Scramble for Tariff Exemptions Before Deadline
7.31.25
US trading partners are scrambling to reach deals with the US ahead of a deadline for imposing new tariffs, which will take effect on August 1. The Trump administration has announced plans to impose tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, sparking concerns about trade tensions and potential disruptions to global supply chains. Companies such as Apple and Intel have already begun negotiating with the US government to avoid the tariffs, while others like Samsung and LG are exploring alternative suppliers in countries not subject to the tariffs. The deadline for reaching deals is rapidly approaching, with many companies racing against time to secure exemptions or find ways to mitigate the impact of the new tariffs.
US Slaps Sanctions on Indian and Iranian Companies
7.31.25
The US has sanctioned six Indian companies for allegedly importing Iranian petrochemicals, freezing their assets and blocking access to dollar-based transactions. The sanctions aim to curb Iran's oil sales, with exports declining to 1.2 million barrels per day due to previous US sanctions. The targeted companies include Alchemical Solutions Pvt Ltd, Global Industrial Chemicals Ltd, Jupiter Dye Chem Pvt Ltd, Ramniklal S Gosalia & Company, Persistent Petrochem Pvt Ltd, and Kanchan Polymers, which have been accused of importing millions of dollars worth of Iranian products between 2024 and 2025.