View: Russia is not isolated, despite Western sanctions, analyst says
The Ashgabat forum in Turkmenistan brought together Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Iranian President M...
Donald Trump’s tariff threats on Canada, Mexico, and China unsettle U.S. firms, raising costs and supply risks. Many affected companies are led by Democratic-leaning executives, fuelling political tensions.
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of sweeping 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico and 10% duties on China, with potential action against the EU. The move, framed as a crackdown on trade imbalances and national security risks, has left industries on edge, with business leaders calling for de-escalation.
While the tariffs are temporarily paused for 30 days for Mexico, uncertainty looms over businesses heavily reliant on international trade. Key sectors facing disruption include technology, retail, energy, finance, and manufacturing.

Trump’s tariffs disproportionately impact industries led by Democratic donors, particularly technology and retail:
✅ Tim Cook (Apple) – Apple relies on China for production, making tariffs a major threat.
✅ Satya Nadella (Microsoft) – A proponent of free trade, opposed Trump’s tariffs on Chinese imports.
✅ Doug McMillon (Walmart), Brian Cornell (Target) – Large retailers relying on imported goods will see higher costs.
✅ Jamie Dimon (JPMorgan) – Wall Street is wary of trade instability affecting global markets.
🟥 Right-Leaning CEOs (Republican Supporters) – Hurt, but Less So
✅ Elon Musk (Tesla) – Has expressed past support for Trump but opposes tariffs due to China’s key role in Tesla’s market.
✅ Darren Woods (Exxon), Mike Wirth (Chevron) – Oil industry could take a hit, but domestic fracking firms may gain.
✅ David Calhoun (Boeing), James Taiclet (Lockheed Martin) – If the EU retaliates, the defense sector could be affected.
🔹 Technology & Retail (Democratic-leaning sectors) are most vulnerable as they rely heavily on global supply chains.
🔹 Energy & Defense (Republican-leaning industries) will feel the impact but have domestic alternatives.
🔹 The month-long pause on Mexico tariffs temporarily eases pressure on automakers and energy firms, but China tariffs still threaten tech and retail.
With potential EU tariffs looming, Trump’s trade war is widening economic and political divides, intensifying uncertainty for U.S. businesses.
Japan has lifted a tsunami advisory issued after an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 hit the country's northeastern region on Friday (12 December), the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said. The JMA had earlier put the earthquake's preliminary magnitude at 6.7.
The United States issued new sanctions targeting Venezuela on Thursday, imposing curbs on three nephews of President Nicolas Maduro's wife, as well as six crude oil tankers and shipping companies linked to them, as Washington ramps up pressure on Caracas.
Iran is preparing to host a multilateral regional meeting next week in a bid to mediate between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Iran's President Massoud Pezeshkian has begun a two day visit to Kazakhstan, with officials from both sides describing the trip as an opportunity to advance cooperation in trade, transport, industry, mining and cultural exchanges.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their tensions through dialogue and engagement, as it pledged to work with the international community to help improve relations between the two countries.
The Ashgabat forum in Turkmenistan brought together Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, raising questions about whether Russia remains connected to regional partners despite Western sanctions.
A bulk carrier struck during a Russian attack on Ukraine’s southern coast on Friday is owned by a Turkish company, a source familiar with the incident told Reuters.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has begun a multi-nation diplomatic tour of the Middle East, showing Beijing’s deepening engagement in a region undergoing conflicts, shifting alliances and major geopolitical realignments.
Pakistan and China are conducting a joint counterterrorism exercise, Warrior IX, to strengthen military cooperation. The drill comes at a time of renewed regional instability, with analysts saying it underscores both countries’ determination to deepen security ties.
A former estate of drug lord Pablo Escobar, now a wildlife park in Colombia, has marked Christmas by setting animals festive feeding challenges designed to boost their mental and physical health.
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