Asian manufacturing hit by tariff worries
Factory activity across much of Asia weakened in June due to ongoing uncertainty over U.S. tariffs, though slight improvements in China, Japan, and So...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 9th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. 7th ADA University Policy Forum kicks off in Baku
Today, Baku hosts the 7th ADA University Policy Forum titled "Facing the New World Order", jointly organized by ADA University and the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center). The high-level forum brings together over 80 international experts and think tank representatives from 44 countries to discuss pressing global challenges and the evolving geopolitical landscape.
2. Asian markets tumble as new US tariffs take effect
Asian stock markets fell sharply on Wednesday following the implementation of a new set of U.S. tariffs, including a staggering 104% levy on Chinese imports. The tariffs, which came into effect just after midnight Eastern Time, have further deepened uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies.
Investors around the globe have reacted strongly, with market volatility reflecting fears that these measures could spark a prolonged trade war and potentially trigger a global economic slowdown. In the United States, the S&P 500 shed 1.6% on Tuesday, erasing an earlier 4.1% gain and settling nearly 19% below its February record high. Similarly, the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by 0.8%, while the Nasdaq composite fell by 2.1%, raising concerns about the U.S. entering bear market territory if the downward trend continues.
3. US to 'take back' Panama Canal from Chinese influence, visiting Pentagon chief says
The United States will "take back" the Panama Canal from Chinese influence, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday during a visit to the Central American nation.
After talks with Panama's government, Hegseth vowed to deepen security cooperation with Panamanian security forces and said China would not be allowed to "weaponize" the canal by using Chinese firms' commercial relationships for espionage.
"Together, we will take back the Panama Canal from China's influence," Hegseth said, speaking at a pier renovated with U.S. assistance in Panama City.
4. Mexico reports first human death from H5N1 bird flu
Mexico has reported its first human death from H5N1 avian influenza, a three-year-old girl from the northern state of Coahuila, according to the state's health minister.
Coahuila Health Minister Eliud Aguirre confirmed that the child passed away early Tuesday morning due to multiple organ failure caused by the infection. "We are monitoring all individuals who had close contact with the patient and conducting tests to determine if they are infected. So far, no one has tested positive," Aguirre added.
5. U.S.-Russia delegations to meet in Istanbul to discuss embassy operations
American and Russian diplomats will meet again in Istanbul on April 10 to focus exclusively on stabilising embassy operations between the two countries, the U.S. State Department announced on Tuesday.
Spokesperson Tammy Bruce made clear that the talks will not address political or security matters, stressing that “Ukraine is not, absolutely not on the agenda.”
“These talks are solely focused on our embassy operations,” Bruce told reporters. “They are not about normalising the broader relationship, which remains tied to peace in Ukraine.”
The discussions will take place at the Russian consulate in Istanbul, according to diplomatic sources.
6.Uzbek President Mirziyoyev advances ties with Arab states during 150th IPU Assembly
During the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held productive discussions with the heads of parliaments from several Arab nations.
The high-level meeting saw the participation of leaders, including the Chairman of the Arab Parliament and the speakers of the parliaments of Bahrain, Egypt, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
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.
China has ramped up efforts to protect communities impacted by flood control measures, introducing stronger compensation policies and direct aid from the central government.
Severe rain in Venezuela has caused rivers to overflow and triggered landslides, sweeping away homes and collapsing a highway bridge, with five states affected and no casualties reported so far.
A malfunction in the radar transmission system at the Area Control Center in Milan suspended more than 300 flights at the weekend, across northwest Italy since Saturday evening according to Italy's air traffic controller Enav (National Agency for Flight Assistance).
Thousands of protesters rallied in Bangkok on Saturday, demanding Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra resign as political and economic tensions mount.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s president has pledged to pursue justice for victims of the conflict in the east despite a peace deal with Rwanda, calling the accord a hopeful yet fragile step toward regional stability.
Factory activity across much of Asia weakened in June due to ongoing uncertainty over U.S. tariffs, though slight improvements in China, Japan, and South Korea offered cautious optimism ahead of key trade talks.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Monday approved the disbursement of an additional $500 million to Ukraine, following the completion of its eighth review under the country’s $15.5 billion Extended Fund Facility.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday publicly criticized AT&T for technical issues that disrupted a national conference call with faith leaders, urging the company’s leadership to address the situation and suggesting his administration may turn to a different carrier in future communications.
France, Spain, Kenya, and several other nations announced on Monday a joint pledge to tax premium-class airline passengers and private jet users, in a move aimed at raising billions of dollars for climate action and sustainable development.
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