Articles in this Cluster
13-04-2025
US President Donald Trump's administration has exempted smartphones, computers, and some other electronic devices from new tariffs, including the 125% levies imposed on Chinese imports. The exemptions, backdated to April 5, were made after concerns from US tech companies that gadget prices could skyrocket. The move is seen as a "game-changer scenario" for tech investors, with big tech firms such as Apple and Microsoft expected to benefit. The White House indicated that the exemptions were made to give companies more time to move production to the US.
Entities: Donald Trump, US, China, White House, Apple • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
13-04-2025
China's Commerce Ministry is urging US President Donald Trump to "completely abolish" the reciprocal tariffs imposed on China, including a 145% duty on imports. The ministry called the recent US tariff exemptions on some tech products a "small step" and encouraged the US to "heed the rational voices" of the international community. The US had exempted certain tech devices, including iPhones and computers, from the tariffs, which was seen as a win for tech giants like Apple.
Entities: China, Donald Trump, US, Commerce Ministry, Apple • Tone: urgent • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
13-04-2025
The US Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, stated that the Trump administration's decision to exempt electronic devices from tariffs is temporary and that these products will face separate levies in the coming months. President Donald Trump later clarified on social media that the products were not exempt from tariffs but would be subject to different tariffs. Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized the tariff policy as a "red light, green light" game, causing chaos and uncertainty, while analysts initially welcomed the exemptions as "the best news possible for tech investors." Trump officials defended the tariffs, arguing they will strengthen the US economy, despite concerns of a recession and criticism from economists, including former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, who called it "the worst self-inflicted wound through economic policy" since World War II.
Entities: Donald Trump, Elizabeth Warren, Howard Lutnick, US Commerce Secretary, Trump administration • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
13-04-2025
Donald Trump's ability as a deal-maker is questioned in the article, despite his boasts of being the "king of dealmakers." The article highlights Trump's failed tariff plans and partial climbdown, which caused economic damage worldwide. Trump's advisors and spokespersons attempted to justify his actions as a "cunning plan," but the markets reacted negatively, indicating a lack of confidence in Trump's negotiating power. The article suggests that Trump's tactics involve making extreme demands and then negotiating down, but he often blinks first and makes concessions without getting anything in return. Trump's trade war against China has also backfired, with China posing as the upholder of international trade rules. The article concludes that Trump's deal-making skills are overrated, and his actions are often driven by a desire to appear as a strong negotiator rather than achieving actual results.
Entities: Donald Trump, China, Sky News, US, Donald Trump's advisors • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: analyze
13-04-2025
China has halted exports of critical rare earth metals and magnets, impacting supplies for automakers, aerospace manufacturers, semiconductor companies, and military contractors worldwide. The move is part of China's retaliation against the US for increased tariffs. Shipments have been blocked at many Chinese ports while a new regulatory system is drafted, potentially preventing supplies from reaching certain companies. The suspended exports include heavy rare earth metals, refined entirely in China, and rare earth magnets, 90% of which are produced in China. Industry executives are concerned that the licensing process could drag on, causing production disruptions and supply shortages. The export restrictions have been enforced unevenly among Chinese ports, with some allowing exports of magnets with minimal heavy rare earth content. The move has significant implications for companies worldwide, particularly those with limited inventory stockpiles.
Entities: China, US, The New York Times, rare earth metals, rare earth magnets • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
13-04-2025
Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia amidst a trade war with the US, aiming to strengthen ties and counterbalance the effects of US tariffs on Chinese exports. Xi is expected to cast China as a reliable global partner, contrasting with the unpredictable US under President Trump. The visits come as Southeast Asia navigates a delicate balance between China and the US, with concerns about the potential influx of Chinese goods into their markets due to US tariffs. Xi's tour includes signing agreements, such as a $8.3 billion railway project in Vietnam, and addressing territorial disputes with Malaysia and Vietnam. Southeast Asian leaders must balance their relationships with both China and the US, avoiding the appearance of siding with China while negotiating with the Trump administration.
Entities: Xi Jinping, China, United States, Vietnam, Malaysia • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
13-04-2025
Australian avocado exporters may soon gain access to the Chinese market as trade ties between the two countries improve, with Canberra expected to select avocados as a priority for import negotiations in the coming months.
Entities: Australia, China, Canberra, Australian avocado exporters, South China Morning Post • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
13-04-2025
US law enforcement raided a flooring manufacturer in Georgia, rescuing 60 Chinese nationals who were subjected to "horrific" forced labour. The owner of Wellmade Industries, Zhu Chen, and two others were arrested and face felony charges of labour trafficking. The victims had their travel documents confiscated and were forced to work 12-hour shifts, with some being held in cramped conditions at seven residences.
Entities: US, China, Wellmade Industries, Georgia, Zhu Chen • Tone: urgent • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
13-04-2025
Chinese scientist Li Haibo, a 41-year-old professor at Ningxia University, has died suddenly, sparking concerns over the heavy workload of academics in China. Li was a leading researcher in materials science, specializing in nano materials, electrochemistry, and optoelectronic materials, and was recognized as one of the top 2% of global scientists by Stanford University in 2023. His death has put the health and workload of university researchers under the spotlight.
Entities: Li Haibo, Ningxia University, China, Stanford University, materials science • Tone: negative • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
13-04-2025
The US has a rare opportunity to become a key partner for Indonesia in emerging technology and digital infrastructure, despite Jakarta's close economic ties with China, according to a report by the Centre for a New American Security. However, Washington needs to adopt a more ambitious and strategic form of statecraft to achieve this. Indonesia has become a key front in the US-China rivalry, with both superpowers acknowledging its growing importance, and China's deepening ties with Indonesia may conflict with Jakarta's policy of strategic autonomy.
Entities: US, China, Indonesia, Jakarta, Centre for a New American Security • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: analyze
13-04-2025
The escalating US-China trade war is affecting Hong Kong's property market as mainland Chinese buyers become cautious due to macroeconomic uncertainties and currency depreciation risks. Experts warn that a weaker yuan and slowing economy could deter mainland homebuyers, negatively impacting Hong Kong's housing market.
Entities: Hong Kong, US, China, US-China trade war, South China Morning Post • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
13-04-2025
The US Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, stated that electronic products like smartphones and computers, which were exempted from tariffs by President Donald Trump, will be subject to a new "sectoral tariff" rate, separate from other tariffs on Chinese imports, with details to be released in the US Federal Register this week and potentially taking effect in a month.
Entities: US, Howard Lutnick, Donald Trump, China, US Commerce Secretary • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
13-04-2025
The UK government is considering targeting specific parts of the Chinese state under new foreign influence rules, rather than designating China as a whole as a high-risk country. The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) will require individuals and entities acting on behalf of foreign powers to declare their activities. Ministers are weighing security concerns against economic benefits, and are considering including entities such as China's Ministry of State Security, the United Front Work Department, and the People's Liberation Army on an enhanced tier that requires extra disclosures.
