AnewZ Morning Brief - April 8th, 2025

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 8th, covering the latest developments you need to know.

1. Trump threatens new 50% tariffs on China

Donald Trump has threatened China with an extra 50% tariff on goods imported into the US if it does not withdraw its 34% counter-tariff, as global markets continue to fall.

Beijing retaliated on Sunday, following last week's decision by Trump to slap a 34% tax on Chinese imports as part of his "Liberation Day" that set a minimum 10% levy on nearly all of America's trading partners.

In a social media post on Monday, Trump gave China until Tuesday to scrap its countermeasure or face the 50% tax.

2. Global market meltdown swings to ‘madness’

The market chaos unleashed by Donald Trump’s trade war continued for a third day as stocks, bonds and commodities all swung wildly, buffeted by both fears of a recession and speculation the financial damage will drive the Republican president to change course. After the darkening global outlook hammered markets in Asia and Europe, extending a slide that erased roughly $10 trillion from equity markets worldwide, the S&P 500 opened sharply lower, only to briefly spike as rumors raced across trading floors that Trump was poised to delay his tariffs.

But prices sank again as those hopes faded—and by late morning Trump was making more threats as China ramps up its retaliatory tariffs. 

3. China vows to fight 'till the end' after Trump's latest tariffs threat

China has responded strongly after US president Donald Trump threatened to hit Beijing with an extra 50% tariff if it doesn't withdraw its retaliatory levy on Tuesday

Beijing's commerce ministry said it would never accept the "blackmail nature of the US" and vowed to "fight till the end"

4. Acting mines minister and Turkmen ambassador visit TAPI pipeline site, stress accelerated progress.

Afghanistan and Turkmenistan officials visited the TAPI pipeline site in Herat, reaffirming commitment to the key regional energy project. The pipeline will deliver Turkmen gas to India via Afghanistan and Pakistan, with efforts now focused on accelerating construction.

The visit comes as work continues on one of the region’s most ambitious energy projects—the TAPI pipeline, which aims to transport natural gas from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan to Pakistan and India. The pipeline is expected to deliver 33 billion cubic meters of gas each year, spanning a total of 1,814 kilometers.

5. Trump confirms direct U.S.-Iran talks on nuclear issue

President Donald Trump has announced that the United States and Iran have started direct talks on Tehran’s nuclear programme. The announcement came during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office.

Trump told reporters the talks had already begun and a “very big meeting” would take place on Saturday. He added, “Everybody agrees that doing a deal would be preferable.”

6. Trump and Netanyahu hold wide-ranging talks

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a joint press conference in Washington on Monday, covering topics from Gaza and hostages to tariffs and China.

Standing beside Netanyahu at the White House, Trump said he “would like to see the war stop” in Gaza and expressed hope for a resolution “not in the too-distant future.” He noted that efforts were underway to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, but added that the process remained “long and difficult.”

7. PACE Spring session opens with focus on Georgia’s democratic standing

PACE's Spring session opens in Strasbourg with Georgia’s delegation under scrutiny. A key decision on April 10 may determine whether Georgia retains full representation—or joins Azerbaijan with restricted rights in the Assembly.

PACE Spring session kicks off in Strasbourg, and the question of Georgian delegation’s credentials promises to be one of the key topics this week. 

Now all sights are set on April 10, when the Parliamentary Assembly will review its relations with Georgia.

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