free trade

IMF head Kristalina Georgieva says a global recession is unlikely. This is despite trade tensions sparked by US tariffs. However, these trade disruptions will cost significantly. The IMF expects markdowns to global growth. Georgieva urges countries to adjust fiscal policy. She also wants central bank independence. China should boost domestic consumption. The US must address surging public debt.

China's Xi Jinping is currently visiting Southeast Asia. He is advocating for free trade in his visit. He is portraying China as stable. He met with Vietnamese leaders in Hanoi. They discussed strengthening ties. Agreements were signed on supply chains and railway projects. Xi will also visit Malaysia and Cambodia. Discussions on a free trade agreement with ASEAN are expected.

Xi Jinping is advocating for free trade in Southeast Asia, portraying China as a source of stability. Welcomed in Vietnam and later in Malaysia, Xi emphasized opposing unilateral actions and maintaining global supply chains. Agreements were signed with Vietnam, including railway projects and increased agricultural exports. He will end his tour with a stop in Cambodia.

Xi Jinping is currently touring Southeast Asia, advocating for free trade and positioning China as a source of stability. During his visit to Vietnam, he emphasized the need to uphold the global free trade system. He is expected to discuss a free trade agreement between China and ASEAN in Malaysia, despite ongoing tensions over South China Sea claims.

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India expressed reservations about the US reciprocal tariffs, despite a temporary pause, suggesting they could ultimately benefit Indian industries by accelerating free trade agreements with the EU. The company also launched the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line amidst an ongoing tax dispute regarding alleged customs duty fraud related to imported car parts.

The Indian Vegetable Oil Producers' Association (IVPA) urges the government to curb the surge in duty-free edible oil imports from Nepal under SAFTA, which reached 1,80,000 tonnes in January-March 2025, surpassing 2024's total. IVPA suspects third-country routing and highlights the negative impact on domestic processors and farmers, who are receiving prices below the minimum support price.

President Donald Trump has reignited a global trade war with new tariffs on US imports. Beginning April 5, all imports will carry a 10% tariff, with higher rates to follow. China retaliates with a 34% tariff on American goods. Critics warn of price hikes and global repercussions, while economists like Milton Friedman had argued against such protectionist measures.

Japan's trade negotiator is set to visit the US to persuade President Trump to eliminate tariffs. Minister Akazawa will meet with US officials to build trust and request the removal of these measures. While a 90-day pause on some duties was announced, baseline tariffs and those on key exports remain, prompting concern and international discussions.

President Xi Jinping, during his visit to Vietnam, urged for a united front against "unilateral bullying," seemingly targeting US tariffs. He emphasized the need to protect global free trade and supply chains amidst escalating trade tensions between China and the US. Vietnam, balancing relations with both nations, faces a delicate situation due to its role in global manufacturing.

Elon Musk suggests zero tariffs between the US and Europe. This contrasts with President Trump's tariffs. Musk says Europe is overregulated. He wants more freedom of movement between regions. Tesla faces EU tariffs and sales slump. Ursula von der Leyen says EU will defend its interests. Economists warn of recession due to Trump's trade policies.

The Bank of Canada has paused its interest rate cuts at 2.75 percent, ending a series of seven consecutive reductions. This decision is influenced by escalating global trade tensions, particularly those involving the US. Heightened uncertainty surrounding tariffs and trade policies has clouded the economic outlook, prompting a cautious approach.

Shein and Temu, popular Chinese e-commerce giants, are poised to increase prices in the US market starting April 25, due to new trade policies. Former President Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods and the elimination of duty-free exemptions for low-value imports are the primary drivers.

In response to the joint statement issued by China and Vietnam, the ministry said it "strongly condemns and firmly refutes the Chinese Communist Party's authoritarian regime for continuing to spread rhetoric that internationally undermines Taiwan's sovereignty." It said that Taiwan's stance on defending national sovereignty remains firm and unchanged. The ministry further said that the CCP has never ruled Taiwan.

During his Southeast Asia tour, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged collaboration with Malaysia and regional neighbors amidst global economic uncertainties. He criticized protectionism, advocating for stronger China-ASEAN ties and a free trade agreement. Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim echoed these sentiments, praising China's stability. Agreements were signed on trade, industrial parks, and agricultural exports.

Hongkong Post has suspended shipping services to the United States in response to increased tariffs imposed by President Trump, which they deem "bullying." The postal authority will no longer collect US tariffs and will halt surface mail immediately, with air mail services ceasing on April 27.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney asserts that eliminating internal trade barriers would greatly benefit Canada's economy, outweighing any potential harm from US President Trump's trade policies. During a debate before the April 28 election, Carney identified Trump as a significant risk and defended retaliatory tariffs.

Participants from states like Maharashtra, Haryana, Karnataka, Delhi and Gujarat will showcase innovations in architecture, construction, engineering, building materials and allied sectors.

India is optimistic about finalizing the free trade agreement with the European Union by the end of this year. Comprehensive negotiations led by Prime Minister Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen aim for a balanced and mutually beneficial deal, addressing market access and trade barriers.