As the U.S. tariff war continues to disrupt global trade, many countries are shifting their focus away from Washington. Instead, they are strengthening regional and intercontinental ties, building new alliances, and seeking alternative trade partnerships.
Donald Trump launched his so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs with a bold promise: 90 trade deals in 90 days. It was a show of economic strength meant to draw nations to the negotiating table.
But 120 days on, just eight deals have been made, none with much detail. And rather than lining up to make new deals with the U.S., many countries are quietly moving on.
In East Asia, major export economies are joining forces. After years of stalled talks, South Korea, China, and Japan have reopened economic dialogue, working to boost trade within the region and shield themselves from U.S. tariff fallout.
At the same time, American businesses are stepping back. A recent survey by the US-China Business Council found only 48% of U.S. firms plan to invest in China this year, down from 80% in 2024, a clear sign that confidence is slipping fast.
African countries are also adapting. Rather than waiting for Western deals, governments such as Uganda’s are pushing for greater economic self-sufficiency. And some see a bigger opportunity: to finally build strong regional trade networks within the continent, trading more with neighbours and reducing reliance on outside powers.
South America is stepping into the gap too. With U.S.-China trade strained, China is looking elsewhere for key commodities, and countries such as Brazil and Argentina, major exporters of soybeans and oil, are in prime position to benefit.
Trump did manage to strike a deal with the European Union, lowering tariffs to 15% on most EU goods. It’s a modest win, helping to stabilise relations between two major economies. But Europe isn’t stopping there. The EU is actively expanding its global trade ties, holding talks with India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines, in a clear effort to hedge against future volatility.
Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy hasn’t sparked the wave of deals he promised. Instead, it’s accelerated a shift, with countries across Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe all looking elsewhere for growth, security, and stability. New alliances are forming. And increasingly, the U.S. isn’t part of them.
U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have arrived in Moscow for peace talks on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, two people familiar wi...
An Iranian tanker was hit by U.S. forces on Saturday near Iran's key oil export hub, Kharg Island, in the Gulf...
Spanish authorities are preparing a new site in Ceuta to accommodate hundreds of migrants who remain on the str...
U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will visit Russia then Ukraine over the weekend, Russian state news agency TASS has reported, citing an unnamed source. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also said American envoys will visit the capitals of both countries.
U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have arrived in Moscow for peace talks on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, two people familiar with the matter said. They were met by Russian Presidential Envoy Kirill Dmitriev.
U.S. efforts to squeeze Iran’s economy through an oil blockade and sanctions are becoming increasingly difficult for Tehran to withstand, according to three senior Iranian sources. Washington is escalating pressure in hopes of securing concessions in future negotiations.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 4th of September, covering the latest developments.
Two people have been rescued alive from a tunnel in Nepal, nine days after catastrophic floods devastated the country, as rescuers continue searching for survivors.
A Chinese national was pulled alive from a tunnel in Nepal on Saturday, authorities said, 10 days after a wall of ice, rock and mud tore through a Himalayan valley, killing more than 1,300 people and leaving more than 5,600 missing.
U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have arrived in Moscow for peace talks on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, two people familiar with the matter said. They were met by Russian Presidential Envoy Kirill Dmitriev.
Spanish authorities are preparing a new site in Ceuta to accommodate hundreds of migrants who remain on the streets following large-scale arrivals in July, local media reported Saturday.
At least two people were killed and dozens injured on Friday after an explosion at a military barracks in the Bolivian municipality of Viacha, about 30 km (20 miles) from La Paz, Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano said.
The resolution, sponsored by African countries and led by Togo, passed by 164 votes to one, with six abstentions. The United States was the only country to vote against it.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment