Articles in this Cluster
02-05-2025
Asia-Pacific stocks traded mostly higher, led by Hong Kong (Hang Seng +1.74%, Hang Seng Tech +3.45%), as sentiment improved on China evaluating potential trade talks with the U.S. Gains tracked Wall Street, where strong Microsoft and Meta earnings buoyed AI optimism (Dow +0.21%, S&P 500 +0.63%, Nasdaq +1.52%). Japan’s Nikkei rose 0.87%, South Korea’s Kospi +0.19% (Kosdaq +0.76%), Australia’s ASX 200 +0.94%, and India’s Nifty 50 +0.46% (Sensex flat). Taiwan’s Taiex jumped 2%+, with TSMC and Foxconn rallying. Asian currencies strengthened broadly—offshore yuan hit its strongest since early April; Taiwan dollar reached levels last seen Oct 2024; rupee, won, AUD, yen, and Southeast Asian units also firmed. Commodities gained with copper up on China-U.S. talks hopes; iron ore edged higher. Bitcoin approached $100,000. Macro: Japan’s jobless rate ticked up to 2.5%; South Korea’s April inflation steady at 2.1%, slightly above forecast. China markets were closed for Labor Day.
Entities: Hang Seng Index, Microsoft, Meta, TSMC, Foxconn • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
02-05-2025
China said it is evaluating recent U.S. overtures to start trade talks, but insists Washington must first remove unilateral tariffs to show “sincerity.” The U.S. has imposed 145% tariffs on Chinese goods this year, with China retaliating at 125%, while both sides grant selective exemptions. Markets reacted positively to the prospect of talks. Analysts expect any negotiations to be complex and slow, with both governments reluctant to make major concessions and potentially favoring a gradual de-escalation. Some U.S. officials signal openness to a multistep deal, and both countries have quietly eased certain duties, but Beijing maintains that full tariff rollback is a prerequisite for meaningful negotiations.
Entities: China, United States, tariffs, trade talks, Beijing • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
02-05-2025
China signaled a potential shift on trade, saying it is evaluating US proposals to start talks amid an escalating tariff war. Beijing reiterated that negotiations require “genuine sincerity” from Washington, including reversing unilateral tariff hikes. The US recently raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%, prompting China to lift its own to 125%. The tariffs are weighing on China’s manufacturing sector, with factory activity contracting and imports to the US expected to drop sharply, especially from China. Both sides have publicly disputed who is initiating talks, with Beijing insisting all tariffs be removed as a precondition, while US officials claim China is eager to negotiate.
Entities: China, United States, tariffs, Beijing, Washington • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
02-05-2025
China used the 2025 Shanghai auto show to showcase its rapid rise as a global EV leader, with domestic brands—especially BYD, Xiaomi, Nio, and CATL—dominating headlines over traditional Western carmakers. BYD unveiled the Denza Z sportscar and touted ultra-fast-charging batteries, while CATL claimed an even faster five-minute charge delivering roughly 320 miles of range. Chinese firms are also pushing advanced driver-assistance systems across affordable models, despite tighter marketing rules after a fatal Xiaomi crash. Intense competition at home has spurred innovation and a price war, producing feature-rich vehicles at strikingly low prices (often around $20,000–$28,000). China now controls over 60% of the global EV market; BYD has surpassed both Tesla in EV sales and Volkswagen in China’s overall passenger market. Although US tariffs and trade tensions limit direct access to America, Chinese automakers are targeting other global markets, positioning China’s EV edge as both an economic and soft-power advantage—while facing internal challenges like overcapacity and profitability.
Entities: China, BYD, CATL, Xiaomi, Nio • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
02-05-2025
More than 200 people were arrested in Istanbul as Turkish authorities blocked access to Taksim Square during May Day, where protests also targeted the jailing of opposition mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. Globally, May Day rallies highlighted worker rights amid economic uncertainty and criticism of Donald Trump’s policies. Large marches took place across Asia and the US, with demands ranging from higher wages and job protections to gender equality, healthcare, Gaza ceasefire, and an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine. In the US, organizers focused on immigrant rights and opposition to Trump-era measures. Leaders in Taiwan and the Philippines warned of impacts from new US tariffs, while Indonesia’s president pledged to fight poverty as unions demanded wage hikes and stronger labor protections.
Entities: Istanbul, Taksim Square, Ekrem Imamoglu, Donald Trump, Taiwan • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
02-05-2025
China signaled it may enter trade talks with the United States but insists Washington must first lift its steep tariffs on Chinese goods. Beijing’s stance comes amid weakening Chinese manufacturing and escalating tit-for-tat measures, including Chinese export controls on critical minerals and U.S. tariff hikes to at least 145 percent. Both sides face economic and political pressures, and each prefers different negotiation styles: Trump favors leader-to-leader engagement, while China wants detailed groundwork before any summit. Mutual carve-outs on select products are being considered, but distrust—fueled by concerns over deal reversals and domestic nationalism—complicates prospects. The scale of the trade imbalance and global pushback against Chinese exports further cloud the path to a durable agreement.
Entities: China, United States, tariffs, Chinese manufacturing, export controls on critical minerals • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: analyze
02-05-2025
China’s Commerce Ministry said it is evaluating U.S. overtures to begin talks on reducing tariffs, noting Washington has recently sent messages expressing interest in negotiations. Beijing demanded “concrete actions,” including removal of unilateral tariffs, as proof of U.S. sincerity, warning it will not accept talks used as leverage. An analyst said the statement does not indicate a change in China’s political stance.
Entities: China’s Commerce Ministry, United States, tariffs, Washington, Beijing • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
02-05-2025
SCMP’s weekly highlights include: Chinese researchers report a major step toward domestic advanced chipmaking by developing an EUV light source platform with competitive performance, challenging assumptions that China couldn’t progress without ASML. Walmart and other US retailers have asked some suppliers in China’s Jiangsu and Zhejiang to resume shipments, hinting at possible de-escalation in US-China trade tensions. Rising India-Pakistan friction could pit Pakistan’s Chinese-made and co-developed arms against India’s French, Russian, and indigenous systems, raising concern of a looming conflict.
Entities: China, EUV light source, ASML, Walmart, US-China trade tensions • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
02-05-2025
Chinese manufacturers that moved production to Vietnam to avoid earlier US tariffs are halting new investments, canceling orders, and scrapping expansion plans amid the threat of a 46% US levy on Vietnamese imports announced by President Trump. In Bac Ninh, a key hub for Chinese-run factories, firms are in a holding pattern during a 90-day pause, with smaller, low-margin producers like textiles seen as especially vulnerable to closures if tariffs proceed. Local suppliers report dwindling business and widespread anxiety, reflecting broader risks to Vietnam’s export sector and the China-to-Vietnam relocation model built on tariff arbitrage.
Entities: Vietnam, Chinese manufacturers, United States tariffs, Donald Trump, Bac Ninh • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
02-05-2025
The EU is preparing simultaneous negotiations with the US and China amid intensifying “hyper-competitive, hyper-transactional” geopolitics. Beijing is courting Europe—lifting sanctions on EU lawmakers and urging coordination against US tariffs—while Washington pressures allies to curb ties with China without offering clear concessions. Brussels aims to secure economic carve-outs from both but risks alienating one by accommodating the other, especially as US-China talks may advance independently and leave Europe sidelined. EU officials describe the strategy as a delicate high-wire balancing act.
Entities: European Union, United States, China, Beijing, Washington • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: analyze
02-05-2025
The U.S. will impose a 17.09% tariff on Mexican tomatoes starting mid-July after withdrawing from a long-standing trade pact, igniting a fight between Florida growers and importers. Florida farmers say the duties protect domestic producers, especially of large round tomatoes, while importers and restaurants warn prices will rise and supply will shrink because about 65% of U.S. tomatoes—especially popular cherry, grape, and vine-ripened varieties—come from Mexico. Consumers could see higher prices and fewer specialty tomatoes, as critics argue Florida’s product is less flavorful and more reliant on artificial ripening compared with Mexican imports.
Entities: U.S., Mexico, Florida growers, importers, restaurants • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
