AnewZ Morning Brief - 26th July, 2025
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 26th of July, covering the latest developments you need to kno...
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) trade ministers’ meeting in South Korea took on new urgency as countries sought dialogue with the United States before a 90-day suspension on tariffs ends in July.
What is typically a routine gathering of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) trade ministers turned into a high-stakes event this week, as regional economies moved quickly to engage the United States in tariff negotiations before a looming July 9 deadline.
Held on South Korea’s Jeju Island, the meeting was the first multilateral setting for U.S. and Asian trade officials since President Trump introduced and then temporarily suspended new “reciprocal” tariffs. These tariffs were aimed at countries with significant trade surpluses with the U.S., with some of the highest rates directed at key partners in Asia such as South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand.
The main focus of the event was Jamieson Greer, the U.S. Trade Representative and one of the lead negotiators behind the recent temporary truce with China. Greer’s packed schedule included bilateral meetings with ministers eager to protect their countries’ trade interests. South Korea’s Trade Minister, Cheong Inkyo, noted that many nations had initially planned to send vice ministers but upgraded their delegations to secure direct talks with the U.S. official.
David Boling, a trade expert at Eurasia Group, said securing time with Greer was a top priority for most attendees. "All those trade ministers who came in, their number one goal was to get face time with Jamieson Greer," he said.
President Trump first imposed tariffs on a broad list of imports last month, arguing that certain countries had long benefitted from trade imbalances with the U.S. The decision was soon followed by a temporary 90-day suspension to allow for negotiations, though a baseline 10% tariff remained in effect.
While several Asian nations have since sent delegations to Washington, only the UK - whose trade with the U.S. favors American exports - has finalized a deal to avoid the tariffs.
At the Jeju meeting, Greer and Minister Cheong discussed ongoing progress and South Korea’s political constraints ahead of its June 3 election. The country is navigating a sensitive domestic situation following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
In addition to government talks, Greer met with the vice chairman of HD Hyundai to explore potential U.S.-Korea collaboration in the shipbuilding sector.
The world’s biggest dance music festival faces an unexpected setback as a fire destroys its main stage, prompting a last-minute response from organisers determined to keep the party alive in Boom, Belgium.
Australian researchers have created a groundbreaking “biological AI” platform that could revolutionise drug discovery by rapidly evolving molecules within mammalian cells.
Australian researchers have pioneered a low-cost and scalable plasma-based method to produce ammonia gas directly from air, offering a green alternative to the traditional fossil fuel-dependent Haber-Bosch process.
A series of earthquakes have struck Guatemala on Tuesday afternoon, leading authorities to advise residents to evacuate from buildings as a precaution against possible aftershocks.
The U.S. economy faces a 40% risk of recession in the second half of 2025, JP Morgan analysts said on Wednesday, citing rising tariffs and stagflation concerns.
Volkswagen cut its 2025 forecast after U.S. tariffs slashed €1.3 billion from profits, but strong EV demand and European sales offer signs of recovery.
The IMF has approved a $625 million loan program for Chad to support economic growth and social spending amid regional and economic challenges.
Volkswagen cut its 2025 forecast after U.S. tariffs slashed €1.3 billion from profits, but strong EV demand and European sales offer signs of recovery.
Saudi Arabia announced $6.4 billion of investments in Syria on Thursday, reflecting the kingdom's deepening ties with interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa's government as it seeks to rebuild Syria after a 14-year civil war.
The Central Bank of Azerbaijan has reduced the refinancing rate from 7.25% to 7%, the interest rate corridor floor from 6.25% to 6%, and the ceiling from 8.25% to 8%.
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