Companies, including those with Canadian exporters and private equity funds, are cautious about re-engaging in trade with the US due to Trump's erratic policy and uncertainty. Mike Chisholm, a consultancy owner, notes that smart business people won't rush into another arrangement reliant on a US partner. Canada, heavily dependent on US markets for 75% of its exports, was one of the first countries hit by Trump's tariffs, which he claims target fentanyl entering the US, despite data showing less than 1% come from across the Canadian border.
https://globalnews.ca/news/11166162/canadian-businesses-tariffs-2/Canada's exports to the US dropped by 6.6% in March due to retaliatory tariffs imposed after President Trump's 25% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum. However, exports to other countries increased, partly offsetting the decline. The trade deficit widened to C$1.56 billion, with imports from the US falling 2.9%. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to meet with Trump to discuss a comprehensive trade deal that could reduce tariffs. Economists warn that the impact of tariffs on growth and investment intentions are already being felt, leading to speculation of a potential interest rate cut by the Bank of Canada in June.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40361318/canadas-trade-deficit-narrows-more-than-expected-in-marchCanadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, marking their first face-to-face meeting after a tumultuous relationship between the two countries. The meeting comes as tensions remain high over tariffs imposed by the US, including 25% charges on Canadian steel and aluminum, vehicles, and nonexempt auto parts. Canada has retaliated with its own tariffs in response. Carney's Liberal Party won the parliamentary elections last month, replacing Justin Trudeau, who was ousted after the party's victory speech warned of Trump's attempts to "break" Canada.
https://www.scrippsnews.com/politics/the-president/canadian-prime-minister-mark-carney-to-meet-president-trump-amid-tariff-tensionsEuropean authorities have failed to acknowledge the human rights abuses in modern-day Chechnya, where individuals can vanish without a trace for criticizing the Kremlin or local authorities. Despite ongoing tensions with Ukraine, several European countries continue to deport Chechen asylum seekers back to Chechnya, where they face torture, humiliation, and death. A recent case involving 64-year-old Maryat Batalova, who was denied asylum in Estonia due to a perceived lack of threat at home, drew attention from independent Russian-language media outlets such as Vot Tak and The Insider.
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/05/06/would-you-send-a-refugee-at-risk-of-torture-home-thats-what-europe-does-to-chechens-a88975China and the European Union have agreed to lift all restrictions on mutual exchanges, marking 50 years of diplomatic relations. As part of this agreement, Beijing has extended an invitation for top EU leaders to visit at a suitable time. China aims to present itself as a reliable partner in global trade, particularly after US tariffs disrupted the landscape.
https://channelnewsasia.com/watch/china-and-eu-agree-fully-lift-restrictions-mutual-exchanges-5112051China is strengthening its economic ties with Africa as US President Trump's "America first" agenda has damaged US credibility on the continent. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi promised to share modernization opportunities with African countries during a meeting in Rio de Janeiro, following studies that show China is viewed more positively in Africa than any other continent.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3309235/china-african-charm-offensive-rally-opposition-bullying-us?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionIsrael has imposed a blockade on Gaza since March, restricting food, water, shelter, and medication from entering the territory, where 90% of the population relies on humanitarian aid to survive. The blockade, which began after Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023, has lasted longer than any previous Israeli halt in aid to Gaza. Thousands of trucks wait at the border, while community kitchens close down and bakeries run out of fuel, leaving families waiting hours for small portions of rice. Palestinians have resorted to scavenging warehouses and stores for supplies, with a rise in looting incidents reported by aid groups, including some attributed to armed groups.
https://apnews.com/article/gaza-aid-hunger-israel-hamas-b7429c043bc9d01717713eab21bae546Germany's next Chancellor will face significant challenges, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and the impact of the US' confrontational trade policy under the Trump administration. The country is also grappling with the rise of a far-right, anti-immigrant party, which could influence domestic policies. Germany, as the largest economy in the EU, holds considerable diplomatic weight, making its next leader's decisions crucial for European and global affairs.
https://globalnews.ca/news/11166012/germany-friedrich-merz-loses-chancellor-bid/Hamas's Basem Naim has called for international pressure to end Israel's "crimes of hunger, thirst, and killings" in Gaza, amid a severe humanitarian crisis. The Israeli military plans to displace most of the Gaza Strip's population as part of its expanded operations, which have already led to widespread displacement since the start of the war. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the plan will lead to more civilian casualties and destruction. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has described the plan as "unacceptable" and a violation of humanitarian law. At least 2,459 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel resumed its campaign on March 18, bringing the overall death toll to 52,567.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/hamas-says-no-point-in-further-gaza-truce-talks/article_11688ea7-9aef-5675-b0a1-4e26f04482a0.html