Singapore is concerned about the impact of proposed US tariffs on its economy, particularly if other countries in Asia and Southeast Asia are also affected. The country's major trading partners, such as Japan and South Korea, would face 25% tariffs, while Southeast Asian nations like Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand would face duties ranging from 25 to 40%. This could create an uneven playing field and hinder regional integration efforts. Singapore Business Federation chief executive Kok Ping Soon notes that the US accounts for only 10% of Singapore's total goods exports, leaving a significant opportunity for growth in neighboring countries. However, businesses are cautious due to persistent uncertainty driven by President Trump's short-term decision-making cycle, which is affecting their ability to plan ahead. To mitigate this, smaller firms require external support to navigate changes in trade compliance and supply chains.
https://channelnewsasia.com/singapore/businesses-trump-tariff-letters-asia-brace-ripple-effects-5228706A gathering in Kuala Lumpur is set to bring together ASEAN foreign ministers with major trade partners including the US, China, Japan, Russia, India, and the European Union. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov will attend, alongside US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on his first trip to Asia. The meeting aims to address rising global trade tensions and growing economic uncertainties, particularly due to unilateral tariff actions.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/07/10/business/top-business/malaysia-urges-stronger-intra-asean-trade/2146456Beijing is urging the EU to rebalance its mentality rather than its economic ties with China ahead of their summit in July. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen plans to demand that China ease market access for European firms and loosen export controls on rare earths, citing a $357 billion trade deficit between the two. Beijing responded by saying it wants the EU to adopt a more objective understanding of China and pursue a pragmatic policy, amid a "turbulent situation".
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/07/09/china-says-eu-must-fix-its-mindset-not-china-trade-policy-ahead-of-key-summit/183361China and Egypt are strengthening their partnership through a collaborative model that focuses on renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies, with potential implications for sustainable growth in the Global South, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. Egyptian economist Moustafa sees this partnership as a mutually beneficial arrangement that enhances economic and security cooperation between the two nations, contributing to new infrastructure development and industry growth in Egypt and beyond.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202507/1337994.shtmlEurope's top human rights court has delivered two rulings against Russia, stating that Moscow violated international law during the conflict in Ukraine. The court's first ruling found Russia responsible for violating international law, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict. Russian military bloggers anticipate a Ukrainian response to last night's attacks, warning of potential long-range drone and cruise missile strikes on central Russia and Moscow over the next four days.
https://www.twz.com/land/largest-russian-long-range-drone-onslaught-of-the-war-rains-down-on-ukraineIndonesia is negotiating a trade deal with the US, aiming for mutually beneficial transactions through government-to-government and business-to-business channels. The country has offered $34 billion in investment and imports to address the US's concerns about trade imbalance. Indonesian companies have already signed memorandums of understanding with American businesses, but the agreements will depend on the companies involved. Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto is currently lobbying in Washington, DC to lower proposed tariffs, while President Prabowo Subianto attended the BRICS Summit in Brazil alongside him.
https://en.tempo.co/read/2026421/indonesia-will-continue-investment-import-push-despite-32-us-tariffSaudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Jeddah, marking the first visit by an Iranian official to the Gulf kingdom since Iran's air war with Israel in June. The meeting was seen as a step towards thawing relations between the two countries, with Araqchi holding "fruitful" conversations with Saudi officials, including Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud and Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40371785/saudi-crown-prince-meets-iranian-foreign-minister-in-jeddahUS President Trump invited five small West African states to a summit, but excluded Nigeria, the largest economy and most populous country in West Africa. This decision comes after worsening diplomatic relations between the US and Nigeria, which culminated in Trump announcing an additional 10% tariff on Nigeria and other BRICS countries. Nigerian President Tinubu had criticized US policies at the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil earlier this week, calling for a reevaluation of global governance structure. The exclusion of Nigeria has been seen as a blow to its global reputation, with former minister Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi warning that it shows how far Nigeria's standing has declined under Trump's administration.
https://africanews.com/2025/07/09/nigeria-snubbed-at-white-house-summit-opposition-blames-tinubu/US President Donald Trump has invited the leaders of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal to a three-day summit at the White House, focusing on trade opportunities rather than aid. The meeting comes as these countries face 10% tariffs on goods exported to the US, prompting them to seek deals to reduce the rate. The summit is also expected to discuss critical minerals, maritime security, migration, and hosting deportees, particularly in light of the threat posed by Islamist insurgencies in neighboring regions.
https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/world/2025-07-09-why-trump-has-invited-five-african-leaders-to-the-white-house