Articles in this Cluster
25-04-2025
China has shared rare moon rocks collected by its Chang'e-5 mission in 2020 with scientists from six countries, including the US, despite ongoing trade tensions between the two nations. Two US institutions, Brown University and Stony Brook University, were granted access to the lunar samples, which are considered a "shared treasure for all humanity" by the China National Space Administration. The samples are significant because they appear to be a billion years younger than those collected during the Apollo missions, suggesting that volcanic activity on the moon occurred more recently than previously thought. The collaboration is seen as an example of international cooperation in science, with the CNSA chief stating that the agency will maintain an "increasingly active and open stance" in international space exchange and cooperation.
Entities: China, US, Chang'e-5, China National Space Administration (CNSA), Brown University • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
25-04-2025
Tanzania has banned imports from South Africa and Malawi, escalating a regional trade row. The ban comes in response to restrictions on Tanzanian exports, including a South African ban on Tanzanian bananas and a Malawian ban on imports of Tanzanian flour, rice, and other goods. Tanzania's Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe said the move was to protect Tanzanian business interests and that diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue were ongoing. The ban is likely to affect trade flows between the three countries, with Malawi potentially facing difficulties rerouting its exports due to its reliance on Tanzanian ports.
Entities: Tanzania, South Africa, Malawi, Hussein Bashe, Tanzanian • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
25-04-2025
Top US executives from companies like Intel, Skechers, and Procter & Gamble are warning that tariffs imposed by the US are negatively impacting their businesses and the wider economy, citing economic uncertainty and potential price increases for consumers. Several firms have cut or withdrawn their profit forecasts, with Intel's shares dropping over 5% after gloomy forecasts. Meanwhile, US and South Korean trade officials have had positive talks aimed at removing tariffs, with a potential "July package" on the horizon, as a 90-day pause on higher tariffs is set to expire on July 8.
Entities: Intel, Skechers, Procter & Gamble, US, South Korea • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
25-04-2025
China denied US President Donald Trump's assertion that the two countries were involved in active negotiations over tariffs, stating that the US should revoke its unilateral tariffs against China. China's Ministry of Commerce said any claims of progress in trade negotiations were "groundless" and that consultations must be conducted on the basis of mutual respect. The trade war between the US and China has escalated with both countries imposing high tariffs on each other's goods, with the US imposing tariffs as high as 145% on Chinese products and China retaliating with 125% tariffs on US products.
Entities: China, US, Donald Trump, Trump administration, China's Ministry of Commerce • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
25-04-2025
Amazon sellers are raising prices on hundreds of top-selling items due to higher import costs resulting from President Trump's new tariffs on China. About 25% of the price increases come from China-based sellers, while many US-based sellers are looking to move production to countries like Vietnam, Mexico, and India. According to SmartScout, 930 products on Amazon have seen price increases since April 9, with an average jump of 29%. Amazon's CEO Andy Jassy stated that the company will try to keep prices low, but some third-party sellers will need to pass the cost of tariffs to consumers. Many sellers are struggling with razor-thin margins and are being forced to raise prices or eat the extra costs, with some expecting significant losses if the tariffs remain high.
Entities: Amazon, Trump, China, SmartScout, Andy Jassy • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
25-04-2025
Asia-Pacific markets rose on Friday as investors assessed the trade climate between the U.S. and China. Japan's Nikkei 225 gained 1.9% to close at 35,705.74, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index was 0.24% higher at 21,963.09. China's CSI 300 was flat at 3,786.99. South Korea's Kospi climbed 0.95% to 2,546.3. The gains followed a third straight day of rises in Wall Street, driven by tech stocks. China may suspend its 125% tariff on certain U.S. goods, including medical equipment and industrial chemicals. South Korea is also nearing a trade deal with the U.S. and has called for "calm, orderly" talks. In contrast, India markets fell amid rising tensions with Pakistan. Futures linked to the S&P 500 were 0.3% higher, while Nasdaq-100 futures gained 0.4%.
Entities: Asia-Pacific, Tokyo, U.S., China, Japan • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
25-04-2025
China's President Xi Jinping chaired a Politburo meeting, where it was announced that the country will implement targeted measures to support struggling businesses amid escalating trade tensions with the US. The measures include financial support, timely reduction of interest rates, and a decrease in the reserve requirement ratio. Authorities also emphasized the need to boost services consumption, increase the income of middle and lower-income groups, and further tech development, including artificial intelligence integration. The move is seen as a flexible response to mitigate the impact of tariffs, rather than a large-scale stimulus.
Entities: China, U.S., Xi Jinping, Politburo, Artificial Intelligence • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
25-04-2025
European Central Bank (ECB) members have stated that their job of curbing inflation is nearly complete, but new risks have emerged due to tariffs imposed by the US, which could impact growth and inflation. ECB President Christine Lagarde said the "disinflationary process is so much on track that we are nearing completion," but the impact of tariffs will depend on Europe's countermeasures. The Netherlands Bank President Klaas Knot noted that in the short term, tariffs will likely lead to lower growth and inflation, but in the medium term, the outlook is uncertain due to potential retaliation and disruption of global value chains. ECB policymakers maintained a dovish tone, expecting interest rates to continue falling, but emphasized the need to monitor data closely due to high uncertainty.
Entities: European Central Bank, ECB, Christine Lagarde, US, Netherlands Bank • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
25-04-2025
Emerging markets, particularly in Southeast Asia, are caught between the U.S. and China amid an escalating trade war. Instead of choosing between the two, they are focusing on intra-regional trade and diversifying their trade and investment partners. UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan noted that South-South trade is growing faster than North-North trade. Economists expect emerging economies to use different approaches to mitigate the impact of U.S. tariffs, including fiscal and monetary policy tools, and benefiting from the "China+1" strategy as companies shift production away from China. Southeast Asian nations like Malaysia, Vietnam, and Cambodia are well-positioned to attract export manufacturing due to their labor cost competitiveness.
Entities: Emerging markets, Southeast Asia, U.S., China, UN Trade and Development • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: analyze
25-04-2025
South Korea has called for "calm" and "orderly" discussions with the US on trade issues, as it seeks to work out a deal by July 8 to avoid tariffs. South Korean Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok and Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Ahn Dukgeun met with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington, proposing mutually beneficial solutions and communicating concerns about tariffs. Ahn suggested measures such as cooperation on US shipbuilding industry reconstruction and reciprocal tariff exemptions. Both sides agreed to continue working-level meetings and high-level discussions, with South Korea facing existing tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobile exports to the US.
Entities: South Korea, US, Choi Sang-mok, Ahn Dukgeun, Scott Bessent • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
25-04-2025
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to fast-track deep-sea mining in US and international waters, aiming to counter China's growing influence over seabed mineral resources. The order directs the administration to expedite mining permits and establish a process for issuing permits on the US outer continental shelf. Deep-sea mining involves removing minerals such as nickel, copper, and rare earth elements from the seabed, which could be used in electric vehicle batteries, wind turbines, and solar panels. Critics argue that the practice could lead to ecosystem destruction and species extinction, and that the order contradicts global efforts to adopt regulation, with the International Seabed Authority seeking to resolve deep-sea mining's murky future by 2025.
Entities: Donald Trump, US, China, International Seabed Authority, US outer continental shelf • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
25-04-2025
U.S. consumers are reacting to Trump's tariffs by making some big purchases, like cars, ahead of expected price hikes, but delaying others. Car sales have surged, with some dealers reporting a "buying frenzy." However, consumer spending is slowing in other categories, with some companies, including Chipotle and PepsiCo, reporting slower sales. About 35% of consumers said they plan to delay major purchases due to tariffs, while only 7% said they would make a purchase sooner to avoid higher prices later. The Federal Reserve's Beige Book report noted that consumer spending, excluding autos, was lower overall, and that uncertainty around international trade policy was pervasive. Some retailers, like Walmart, have seen more volatile sales patterns, but not a widespread rush to stock up on goods.
Entities: Trump, United States, Federal Reserve, Chipotle, PepsiCo • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
25-04-2025
China has quietly rolled back retaliatory tariffs of 125% on some US-made semiconductors, according to import agencies in the southern technology hub of Shenzhen. The exemptions apply to integrated circuits, excluding memory chips, and have been waived to zero. Chinese authorities have not confirmed the exemptions publicly, but several import agencies, including Zhengnenliang Supply Chain, Shenzhen HJET Supply Chain, and Taihang Semiconductor, have received notices from local customs authorities informing them of the change.
Entities: China, US, Shenzhen, Zhengnenliang Supply Chain, Shenzhen HJET Supply Chain • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
25-04-2025
Construction of the Goldin Finance 117 Tower, the world's tallest abandoned skyscraper, is set to resume in China after a decade-long hiatus. The 597-meter-tall tower in Tianjin was topped out in 2015 but remained unfinished due to financial difficulties. A new construction permit has been issued with a contract value of almost $78 million, and the project is expected to be completed by 2027. The tower was originally planned to be China's tallest skyscraper and feature offices and a five-star hotel. The resumption of construction is seen as a move to stabilize China's real estate market and boost confidence, with the government encouraging local governments to revive struggling projects. The development is part of a larger complex that includes villas, commercial buildings, and entertainment centers, but the project's economic viability remains uncertain due to sluggish property sales and office occupancy rates.
Entities: Goldin Finance 117 Tower, China, Tianjin, CNN, Goldin Finance • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
25-04-2025
China has waived its 125% retaliatory tariffs on certain US semiconductor imports, citing industry sources, in a potential sign of a trade war thaw, with at least eight IC-related tariff codes exempted, although tariffs on memory chips remain in place.
Entities: China, US, South China Morning Post, US semiconductor, trade war • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
25-04-2025
China's People's Liberation Army has identified US Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and Japan's Atago-class destroyers as "enemy vessels" in a display at a navy open day, stating that its YJ-18A anti-ship missile can strike these warships. The move coincided with a US destroyer transiting the Taiwan Strait.
Entities: China, US, Japan, People's Liberation Army, Arleigh Burke-class destroyers • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
25-04-2025
China's top graft-buster has warned that "no one is untouchable" in the ongoing corruption fight, emphasizing that punishing corruption is crucial for creating a better business environment and maintaining social fairness and justice. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection stated that the anti-corruption campaign will continue, pushing back against calls to ease up, and noting that corruption is a major obstacle to economic and social development.
Entities: China, Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, South China Morning Post • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
25-04-2025
Terry Branstad, Donald Trump's former envoy to China, has stated that the US may lower tariffs on Chinese goods to revive trade talks, but expects Beijing to reciprocate in return for a deal. Branstad believes that Trump wants a deal to happen quickly and predicts some movement within the next year, although he is uncertain if a deal will be reached. The White House is reportedly considering cutting tariffs by more than half on non-strategic Chinese goods.
Entities: Donald Trump, Terry Branstad, China, US, White House • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
25-04-2025
Indonesia remains committed to its electric vehicle battery production goals despite a South Korean consortium led by LG Energy Solution pulling out of a US$7.7 billion project, citing "market conditions". China-backed Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt will replace LG in the project, known as the Grand Package or Project Titan, with Indonesia's energy minister stating that the project's roadmap remains unchanged.
Entities: Indonesia, LG Energy Solution, Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, South Korea, China • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
25-04-2025
China has cancelled a record 12,030 metric tonnes of US pork orders, the largest cancellation since May 2020, amid the ongoing US-China trade war, signalling a further reduction in US agricultural imports. Analysts expect American pig farmers and producers of other agricultural goods to face significant consequences, as China targets US farm goods to exert pressure on the US administration, with many farm states being Republican-leaning.
Entities: China, US, US pork orders, South China Morning Post, US-China trade war • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
25-04-2025
Multinationals such as Toyota and Nissan are making significant investments in China despite the trade war with the US and rising tariffs, bucking the trend of foreign firms adopting a wait-and-see approach. Toyota signed a $2 billion deal to manufacture electric vehicles in Shanghai, one of the largest foreign investments in China since the trade war began.
Entities: Toyota, Nissan, China, US, Shanghai • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
25-04-2025
Shanghai has launched a plan to lead China's commercial space sector development, aiming to boost the industry's annual output to 100 billion yuan by 2027. The plan includes building 100 rockets, 1,000 satellites, and a million application terminals a year, with subsidies of up to 300 million yuan for companies developing commercial space products. The city hopes to challenge American space giants like SpaceX and Blue Origin, leveraging its position as the home base of Commercial Aircraft Corp of China and capitalizing on synergies between commercial space and civil aviation.
Entities: Shanghai, China, Commercial Aircraft Corp of China, SpaceX, Blue Origin • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
25-04-2025
Switzerland's Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis has called for a coalition of countries to counter the US tariff war, stating that Trump's reciprocal tariffs have created uncertainty worldwide. Cassis made the comments during a visit to China, where he met with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and emphasized the need for a multilateral world. He noted that Switzerland is heavily impacted by Trump's tariffs due to its small and open economy, but stressed that the country maintains important partnerships with the EU, US, and China.
Entities: Ignazio Cassis, China, US, Switzerland, Trump • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
25-04-2025
US President Donald Trump has hardened his stance on tariffs towards China, stating that the US will not roll back tariffs unless China offers "something substantial" in return, such as opening up its economy. Trump also expressed doubt over another 90-day pause in tariffs on imports from other countries, calling it "unlikely".
Entities: Donald Trump, China, US, South China Morning Post, tariffs • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
25-04-2025
The South China Morning Post highlights seven news stories, including China's development of a computer system to land its J-36 stealth fighter on aircraft carriers, US-China trade talks with analysts saying Trump's tariff comments may put China in control, and Chinese universities dominating global research on chips despite US export restrictions.
Entities: Trump, China, Hong Kong, Mandarin Oriental, South China Morning Post • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
25-04-2025
Reed Bank, a contested area in the South China Sea believed to be rich in gas and oil, may become a future hotspot for conflicts between China and the Philippines, particularly if Manila proceeds with unilateral resource exploration for its energy security. However, factors such as Manila's limited development capacity, the upcoming Philippine midterm election, Washington's geopolitical distractions, and cautious risk assessment by multinational companies may delay the emergence of Reed Bank as a flashpoint. The area is estimated to hold significant oil and gas reserves, but exploration has been stalled due to tensions between China and the Philippines.
Entities: Reed Bank, South China Sea, China, Philippines, Manila • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: analyze
25-04-2025
Hong Kong business leaders are bracing for a poor Labour Day "golden week" holiday due to a combination of factors, including a quiet Easter break, a strengthened Hong Kong dollar, and ongoing US-China trade tensions. Some residents are expected to take a five-day break to travel outside the city, while a weaker yuan may deter mainland Chinese visitors. The retail sector is expected to be particularly affected, with some businesses already reporting a 5% drop in sales during the Easter break compared to the previous year.
Entities: Hong Kong, Labour Day, South China Morning Post, Hong Kong dollar, US • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: analyze
25-04-2025
Chinese President Xi Jinping has announced a plan to counter the country's economic problems and the impact of the US trade war. The plan includes increasing unemployment insurance payouts, developing the service industry, and boosting consumption. China will also "strengthen bottom-line thinking" and prepare emergency plans to mitigate the effects of the tariffs imposed by the US. The move comes as reports suggest that China may drop tariffs on some US products, including semiconductors. The US and China have given different accounts on the status of negotiations on ending the trade war, with Trump claiming that the two sides are talking, while China's foreign ministry denies any negotiations are taking place.
Entities: Xi Jinping, China, US, US trade war, Trump • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
