MONEY MASTER

Trade tensions are back — and this time, the EU is rallying support. The  European Union is stepping up diplomacy  with other U.S. trade targets like  Canada and Japan , aiming to form a united front against  President Trump’s proposed 30% tariffs  on EU exports. Key Dates: The EU  extended suspension  of its countermeasures  until Aug 1  to leave room for last-minute negotiations. If no deal is reached,  retaliatory tariffs on US goods worth €21B–€72B  are ready to roll. What Leaders Are Saying Ursula von der Leyen  (EU Commission): Prefers a “negotiated solution” but is “fully prepared” with countermeasures. Emmanuel Macron  (France): Urges faster rollout of the  anti-coercion tool  if talks collapse. Friedrich Merz  (Germany): Warns that 30% tariffs could hit German exporters “to the core.” Why It Matters for Investors Goldman Sachs estimates  EU GDP could fall 1.2% by 2026  if these tariffs are...

The latest U.S. trade data underscores a structural shift in global sourcing strategies:  China’s share of U.S. imports has dropped to 7.1% in May 2025 , the lowest level since 2001. This continues a longer-term downtrend that began during Donald Trump’s first presidential term and has accelerated with the return of tariff-heavy trade policy. Just eight months ago, in September 2024, China accounted for nearly  15%  of U.S. imports. The halving of this figure signals a  profound reorientation of supply chains , with geopolitical risk and tariff exposure driving buyers to look beyond China. Vietnam Emerges as a Key Beneficiary Vietnam’s export momentum to the U.S. has surged, with the country now accounting for  nearly 6%  of U.S. imports—up from just over 3% in 2023. While part of this growth reflects  transshipments from China , it also points to Vietnam’s  rising manufacturing capability , particularly in electronics, garments, and consumer good...

With just a week to go before the U.S. reintroduces its sweeping tariff measures,  Malaysia's trade diplomacy appears to be gaining traction . According to Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan,  recent talks with U.S. counterparts have been constructive , especially regarding sectors critical to both nations' economies. This development offers a  glimmer of relief for markets , particularly for Malaysia’s export-heavy sectors like  semiconductors and electronics —industries at the heart of the ongoing negotiations. Malaysia’s Diplomatic Playbook: Collaboration, Not Retaliation Speaking at the  Invest ASEAN–Malaysia Conference 2025 , Minister Amir emphasized that Malaysia is pursuing a  non-retaliatory, collaborative approach  with the U.S., aiming to “navigate a path forward” that creates mutual economic benefits. “Malaysia’s trade stance is not one of confrontation,” Amir noted. “We’re working to enhance trade relationships, not fracture ...

President Trump has launched the most sweeping U.S. trade policy shift in decades, announcing a universal 10% tariff on all imports and targeted reciprocal levies—marking a new phase in protectionist economic strategy. What Was Announced A  universal 10% tariff  now applies to  all imported goods , regardless of origin. Reciprocal tariffs  are layered on top for nations deemed to have unfair trade practices: China: 34% European Union: 20% Additional 25% tariffs  are planned or in effect on: Cars not made in the U.S.  (effective Thursday) Some car parts  (by May 3) Steel, aluminum, computer chips, pharmaceuticals, and lumber  (varied timelines) Secondary tariffs  apply to nations purchasing oil from Venezuela. “If you want your tariff rate to be zero, then you build your product right here in America.” — Donald Trump, Rose Garden speech Strategic Context Trump’s move reflects a long-promised break from the globalization era. The new tariff arc...