President Trump's trade policies have led to a surge in imports, with the biggest jump since 1972, causing the economy to shrink 0.3% at an annual rate, its first decline in two years. The tariffs imposed by Trump on China, steel, aluminum, and autos have resulted in delayed border crossings and complex duties calculations, affecting manufacturers' operations. Companies are receiving fewer orders and production is falling, with one company stating it may be overpaying duties due to the tariffs. This has led to a 7% drop in the S&P 500 stock index since Trump's inauguration.
https://apnews.com/article/trump-economy-biden-tariffs-a268e2c155019a462eaa951aa20c7fcdUS President Donald Trump has ordered all US companies to stop buying Iranian oil or petrochemical products, threatening secondary sanctions against any country or person involved in such transactions. He stated that this includes not allowing them to do business with the United States in any way.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/donald-trump-threatens-countries-purchasing-iranian-oil-with-sanctions-8307485President Trump's tariffs have led to widespread confusion and rising prices as the "de minimis" threshold is eliminated. Shoppers are feeling the impact, with examples like Victoria Alario noticing an over $100 duty charge on a clothing purchase from Meshki. The backlash marks a new flashpoint in Trump's escalating trade war, which aims to revitalize American manufacturing and reduce the national debt.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/yourmoney/consumer/article-14669517/trump-import-tariffs-hike-prices-goods.htmlChina's Commerce Ministry is evaluating a US proposal to discuss tariffs with Washington, potentially easing trade tensions that have affected global markets. Oil prices were boosted by US President Donald Trump's threat of secondary sanctions on Iranian oil buyers, following the postponement of talks over Iran's nuclear program. Saudi Arabia, part of the OPEC+ group, has expressed reluctance to prop up oil prices with further supply cuts, and several member countries are set to suggest accelerating output hikes in June for a second consecutive month.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40360620/oil-gains-as-china-opens-door-for-trade-talks-with-usUS President Donald Trump plans to impose secondary sanctions on countries or companies purchasing Iranian oil amid stalled nuclear talks with Iran.
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/esg/trump-moves-to-cut-off-irans-oil-sales-as-nuclear-talks-stallA flotilla of ships has set sail from Turkey to challenge Israel's blockade on Gaza and deliver aid, following a two-month ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war that ended with intense military operations and a significant increase in civilian casualties. The mission comes after a previous "Freedom Flotilla" was violently intercepted by Israeli forces in 2010, resulting in the deaths of 10 people. Since the latest conflict began, at least 2,326 people have been killed in Gaza, bringing the total death toll to over 52,000, according to Hamas's health ministry.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/05/02/activists-say-israeli-drones-strike-gaza-bound-aid-ship-in-international-waters/175341The agreement includes non-discriminatory clauses for other partners and does not force Ukraine to sell goods or resources at unfavorable prices. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will bring cutting-edge American and European technologies to Ukraine, helping the country recover and modernize.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-economy/3988515-shmyhal-in-parliament-on-us-deal-all-natural-resources-remain-under-ukraines-control.htmlUkraine's appeal calls on foreign governments and international organizations to accelerate air defense system provision to counter Russian terror, while also urging increased investment in Ukraine's defense industry, potentially using frozen Russian assets. The "Coalition of the Willing" initiative is seen as crucial in preventing further aggression by Russia and strengthening European security.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3988211-parliament-calls-on-foreign-states-to-accelerate-delivery-of-air-defense-systems-to-ukraine.htmlUkraine has agreed with the US to create a bilateral investment fund, where Kiev will contribute 50% of revenues from new rents and licenses for mining in new areas. The fund's management will have equal votes between Ukraine and the US. The agreement does not require direct debt repayment from Ukraine to the US. For the first 10 years, the fund's income will be reinvested in Ukraine, focusing on mineral development and infrastructure projects.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/biznes/968194-trump-s-claim-that-ukraine-s-mineral-reserves-could-be-worth-trillions-of-dollars-may-not-be-true