U.S. expands Iran diplomacy effort with envoy mission to Pakistan - Friday, 24 April
Diplomatic efforts to end the Iran war are intensifying, with the White House confirming that U.S. President Donald Trump will send special envoy S...
President Donald Trump said his administration will notify countries by 9 July of new U.S. tariff rates, as trade talks with key partners enter their final days ahead of a 1 August implementation deadline.
Despite promising to finalise 90 trade deals in 90 days, Trump has so far concluded only a limited agreement with the UK and a preliminary deal with Vietnam. Talks with other major trading partners remain unresolved, though The White House says progress is being made.
European Union
Talks with the 27-member European Union have yet to reach a breakthrough. A proposed 17% U.S. tariff on agricultural exports remains a major sticking point, alongside EU demands for exemptions on pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and auto parts. Brussels has signalled willingness to accept a universal 10% tariff if sector-specific duties are lifted and existing tariffs on steel and autos are reduced.
Japan
Japan continues discussions amid U.S. pressure to import more rice and oil. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Japan’s Ryosei Akazawa held talks last week, but Trump said Japan could still receive a tariff notice, with rates possibly reaching 35%.
India
A long-promised trade deal remains elusive. India faces 26% U.S. tariffs and is resisting calls to open its agriculture and dairy markets. On Friday, New Delhi filed a complaint at the World Trade Organization (WTO) over a separate 25% tariff on auto parts, affecting $2.89 billion in exports.
Indonesia
Indonesia has offered to cut duties and import $500 million in U.S. wheat to avert a 32% tariff. Jakarta has also eased import licensing rules and plans a $34 billion aircraft and investment deal with U.S. firms this week.
South Korea
Despite low tariffs under an existing free-trade agreement, South Korea seeks a deadline extension. Its national security adviser is in Washington for talks, which also cover foreign exchange policy and defence cost-sharing for U.S. troops stationed on the peninsula.
Thailand
Bangkok is offering to increase U.S. imports of energy and aircraft to avoid a 36% tariff. Proposed concessions include market access for U.S. corn and industrial goods, as well as Thai investment projects aimed at creating American jobs.
Switzerland
Facing a possible 31% tariff, Switzerland is offering greater access for U.S. seafood and citrus while seeking assurances on pharmaceuticals, with major Swiss firms like Roche and Novartis heavily invested in the U.S.
Trump has said formal tariff notifications will be issued by 9 July, with rates taking effect on 1 August unless new deals are struck.
The U.S. military has intercepted at least three Iranian-flagged tankers in Asian waters and is redirecting them away from their positions near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, shipping and security sources said on Wednesday, exclusively to Reuters.
Two local trains collided head-on north of Copenhagen on Thursday (23 April), injuring 17 people, five of them critically, according to emergency services.
The U.S. military is redirecting at least three Iranian-flagged tankers after intercepting them in Asian waters near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, shipping and security sources said on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Tehran said U.S. breaches, blockades and threats are undermining “genuine negotiations.”
Diplomatic efforts to end the Iran war are intensifying, with the White House confirming that U.S. President Donald Trump will send special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner to Islamabad for talks with Iran under Pakistani mediation.
The European Union is preparing its 20th round of sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine. The measures are close to being approved, after earlier delays linked to energy concerns in Slovakia and Hungary eased following repairs to the Druzhba oil pipeline.
China has urged the European Union to take its concerns seriously over new cybersecurity and digital regulations, warning they could create difficulties for Chinese companies operating in Europe.
Russia and Ukraine have swapped prisoners of war, according to officials on both sides. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said 193 prisoners, including soldiers and border guards, had been returned from Russia, some injured and facing criminal charges.
Türkiye and the United Kingdom on Thursday signed a wide-ranging strategic partnership agreement to boost bilateral cooperation, especially in defence. The deal, signed in London, signals a “new era” in relations between the two NATO allies.
The U.S. and the European Union are set to sign a memorandum of understanding on Friday to establish a partnership on the procurement and production of critical minerals, the U.S. State Department confirmed late on Thursday.
Russian emergency services have contained a major fire at the Tuapse oil refinery on the Black Sea coast, local officials said on Thursday, ending a four-day effort after a Ukrainian drone strike.
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