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Chinese companies have committed roughly  US$80 billion  to overseas clean technology projects in the past year, according to a new report by Australian research group  Climate Energy Finance (CEF) . The surge reflects China’s push to find new markets as domestic clean-energy supply continues to outstrip demand. China’s expanding footprint comes despite pressure from US President Donald Trump’s tariff measures, with many countries deepening cooperation with Beijing on clean energy as supply chains shift. Since early 2023, China’s cumulative overseas direct investment in green technology has risen to  more than US$180 billion , the report said. China’s Supply Glut Drives Overseas Push China dominates the global supply chain in: solar panels batteries critical minerals and processing With overcapacity at home, Chinese manufacturers are increasingly investing abroad to create new markets. “China’s got a supply glut when it comes to green technology… so they need oversea...

Key Takeaway:  Despite facing US tariffs as high as  145% , China is on track for a record  US$1.2 trillion (RM5.05 trillion) trade surplus  by aggressively redirecting exports to new markets, sparking global alarm over cheap goods and competitive threats. President  Xi Jinping’s export machine  is proving resilient, defying Washington’s steep tariffs and reshaping global trade flows. With the US market increasingly restricted, Chinese exporters have pivoted quickly, driving record shipments to  India, Africa, Southeast Asia, and even Latin America . Indian imports from China hit an  all-time high in August , while exports to Africa are heading for a yearly record. Shipments to Southeast Asia have also surpassed their pandemic-era peak. The strategy is allowing Beijing to maintain growth even as the US tries to isolate it through trade barriers. The surge has unsettled governments worldwide.  Mexico  is the only country to respond forcef...

  Key Takeaway: Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon made it clear: Intel’s chip-making tech isn’t ready for prime time. Until Intel upgrades its production, Qualcomm will keep relying on Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM) and Samsung — reinforcing TSMC’s dominant position in advanced semiconductors. What Happened Speaking to Bloomberg, Amon said: “Intel is not an option today.” Qualcomm would reconsider if Intel improves efficiency and manufacturing processes. For now, Qualcomm continues sourcing from  TSMC and Samsung , which remain industry leaders in cutting-edge chip production. Why It Matters Intel has been trying to re-enter the foundry race with its IDM 2.0 strategy, aiming to win back major customers. But losing out on Qualcomm — one of the biggest mobile chip designers — underscores its uphill battle against TSMC and Samsung. TSMC (TSM.US):  Maintains a lock on advanced nodes (N5/N3, moving to N2). Almost every AI, smartphone, and HPC chip depends on its ecosystem. Samsung: ...

 Key Takeaway Oil prices edged higher Monday after Opec+ agreed to  raise production at a slower pace starting October . The move offers short-term support for crude after last week’s losses, but rising supply and weaker demand outlooks keep pressure on the market. Market Snapshot Brent crude:  +0.5% to  $65.84 /barrel WTI crude:  +0.5% to  $62.17 /barrel Both benchmarks lost over  3% last week , with Friday’s U.S. jobs data denting demand expectations. Opec+ Decision Opec+ (Saudi Arabia, Russia, and allies) will  raise output by 137,000 bpd from October . This is much smaller than the  555,000 bpd hikes in August and September  and  411,000 bpd in June and July . Saudi Arabia is pushing to  regain market share , but the slower pace reflects concerns over a potential oil glut in winter. Market Drivers Supply relief:  Smaller-than-expected increase eased market fears, providing a modest price rebound. Geopolitical risk: ...

  Key Takeaways TSMC , the world’s leading chip foundry, will begin marketing its proprietary  trade secret registry system  to suppliers and partners in Europe and the US. The system, developed in 2013, is already adopted by  20 Taiwanese firms , including  ASE Technology Holding Co. It integrates with HR and IT platforms, using  AI analytics  to monitor projects, manage joint R&D, and identify key talent. TSMC currently has  over 610,000 trade secrets logged  into the system. The move aims to  strengthen supplier innovation culture  while reinforcing TSMC’s competitive advantage. Despite strong cybersecurity measures, TSMC recently faced a theft case, underscoring the risks tied to safeguarding proprietary technologies. Strategic Implications TSMC’s decision to commercialise its trade secret management platform reflects a broader push to safeguard intellectual property while fostering innovation. By encouraging suppliers and e...

Targeted Tracking to Enforce Export Controls US authorities have reportedly deployed location-tracking devices in select shipments of advanced AI chips to detect and prevent illegal diversions to China, according to Reuters. The covert measures apply only to shipments under investigation and focus on high-risk exports restricted under US trade rules. Industry sources told Reuters that trackers have been found hidden in server shipments from  Dell Technologies  and  Super Micro Computer , containing chips made by  Nvidia  and  AMD . These devices are reportedly placed both externally on packaging and internally within server components. High-Stakes Enforcement Amid Relaxed Sales Terms The program reflects Washington’s intensified enforcement of semiconductor export restrictions to China, even as the Trump administration has allowed limited AI chip sales under new revenue-sharing arrangements. In one 2024 case, Dell servers carrying Nvidia chips were equipped...

Beijing Steps In as Washington Raises Barriers China has approved  183 new Brazilian coffee companies  to export to its market, offering a lifeline to Brazil’s coffee industry just days before the U.S. imposes a  50% tariff  on Brazilian coffee and other products. The move, announced by the Chinese embassy in Brazil, took effect on  July 30  and provides export permits valid for five years. Shift in Trade Flows Likely The U.S. buys roughly  8 million bags  of Brazilian coffee annually, making the tariff a major disruption for global coffee trade flows. In contrast, China imported just under  56,000 bags  in June, compared to  440,000 bags  shipped to the U.S. during the same month, according to data from industry group Cecafe. Analysts say Beijing’s decision could accelerate diversification of Brazil’s coffee export destinations. Strategic Timing Amid Trade Tensions China is Brazil’s  largest overall trade partner , while ...

Effective Date and Scope The U.S. will implement  higher tariffs on dozens of nations effective Aug. 7 , following an executive order signed by President Trump. The move ends the temporary pause granted in April to allow for negotiations and gives U.S. Customs time to update the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Tariff Structure Major Economies:  15% tariffs on the European Union, Japan and South Korea. Small Deficit Nations:  15% tariffs also applied to countries where the U.S. runs a small trade gap. Trade Surplus Nations:  10% tariffs imposed on partners where the U.S. runs a surplus. Southeast Asia:  Indonesia and the Philippines face 19%; Vietnam at 20%. China-Linked Goods:  Items containing Chinese content may face  higher unspecified levies . Market Implications The across-the-board hike signals a  broad-based protectionist shift , with potential ripple effects on  global supply chains and emerging-market exports . Southeast Asian exporters ...

A bitter brew may be ahead for American coffee lovers — and potentially investors — as President Trump announces a  50% tariff on Brazilian imports , effective Aug 1. The shock move threatens not only Brazil–U.S. trade but also  global commodity flows  in  coffee ,  orange juice , and  ethanol . Coffee: America's Morning Habit Just Got Pricier Brazil supplies 33% of U.S. coffee demand  (8.14 million bags in 2024). With a 50% tariff, U.S. roasters are unlikely to absorb the cost. Arabica futures jumped 1.3%  Thursday on tariff fears. Analysts say the U.S. will turn to Colombia, Honduras, Peru — but these origins  lack Brazil’s volume and pricing power . “Brazil will sell elsewhere. U.S. buyers will pay more,” said broker Michael Nugent. Orange Juice: Supply Squeeze Worsens Over 50% of U.S. OJ imports come from Brazil. Domestic OJ production is at an  88-year low , hit by disease, hurricanes, and frost. OJ futures surged 6%  Thursday,...

In a world where global trade is increasingly uncertain — tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and fragmented supply chains —  ASEAN and China are moving in the opposite direction: toward deeper economic integration.  The upcoming signing of the  ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 (ACFTA 3.0)  is a significant development that investors shouldn't overlook. Let’s unpack what this means and where the  investment opportunities  lie. What Is ACFTA 3.0? The original ASEAN-China Free Trade Area was established in 2010. It covers one of the  largest consumer markets globally , spanning over  2 billion people . With the  ACFTA 3.0 upgrade scheduled for later this year , the agreement will enhance: Tariff elimination Supply chain integration Investment flows Digital and green economy collaboration The timing is crucial, as countries in the region brace for volatility triggered by US trade actions and slowing global growth. Who Stands to Gain? Here are a few s...

Singapore is set to open discussions with the US on  pharmaceutical supply chain issues , as the city-state responds to rising global trade tensions under President Donald Trump's administration. Pharmaceuticals in Focus Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong  emphasized that pharma supply chains are “very complex and long,” making uninterrupted trade vital. Talks with the US Commerce Department will explore how to  maintain smooth trade flows  between both nations. Trump hinted that  pharma firms could get a one-year grace period  before any proposed  200% tariff  on foreign-made drugs is implemented. Singapore’s pharma industry at a glance: Home to major players like  Pfizer, Amgen, and Merck . Pharmaceuticals account for  over 10% of Singapore’s exports to the US . What About Semiconductors? Once pharma discussions conclude,  semiconductors  are expected to be next on the agenda. Singapore produces  around 10% of the world’...

In a significant move aimed at curbing technology leakage to China, the US is preparing to  restrict shipments of advanced AI chips  to Malaysia and Thailand, escalating trade and security scrutiny in Southeast Asia. The planned measure, spearheaded by the  Commerce Department , is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to tighten controls over semiconductor flows amid suspicions of  smuggling and indirect transfers to China . Key Points: The draft rule would  limit the export of Nvidia’s AI chips  and similar products to Malaysia and Thailand. These two countries have become  key hubs for global semiconductor assembly and data infrastructure , especially with the rise of AI cloud computing. The regulation will  rescind certain global curbs from the previous AI diffusion rule , but will  retain China-focused chip restrictions  alongside measures for 40+ other countries deemed high-risk. Companies from the US and allied co...

Uncertainty over new US tariffs has prompted some Malaysian exporters to temporarily halt shipments , particularly in sectors like  furniture, petroleum products, and electronics parts . The confusion stems from a lack of clarity on the  exact tariff rates and administrative procedures , leaving both exporters and US importers in limbo. Shipments Stalled Furniture exporters  say US buyers asked them to  hold off  until the financial impact is clearer. Petroleum product exporters  echoed the same, awaiting customer guidance. Exporters fear goods will be stranded at US ports if tariffs aren't properly processed or paid. “The situation is chaotic. Even US importers don’t know what to pay,” one exporter said. Key Export Numbers: Manufactured goods = 85%  of Malaysia’s total exports (RM1.6 trillion in 2025). US exports grew from  RM98.8b (2018–2020)  to  RM159.9b (2021–2023) . Electrical & Electronics (E&E)  products make up 60% ...

Apple (AAPL)  skyrocketed 15.3%  on Wednesday — its  biggest single-day gain since 1998  — following President Trump’s  tariff pause . But despite the market celebration, analysts caution:  Apple’s China risk still looms large . What Sparked the Rally? Trump  paused 25% reciprocal tariffs  for most countries for 90 days, holding a  10% baseline rate . However,  China is excluded  — with  tariffs on Chinese goods raised to 125% , effective immediately. Relief over avoided tariffs — for now — fueled a broader  tech stock surge . Why Apple Still Faces Big Risks: 85%–90% of iPhones are made in China  (Wedbush, CFRA estimates). Shifting production  is complex and costly, even with  some existing operations in India and Vietnam . Higher China tariffs could force Apple to  raise prices or take margin hits . “China remains the biggest X variable related to Apple and the broader supply chain,”  said Daniel ...

Markets were rattled after President Trump unveiled sweeping import tariffs far exceeding expectations. Equity futures and the U.S. dollar fell sharply as investors brace for potential volatility and a breakdown in global trade order. What Happened On "Liberation Day," President Trump announced: A  universal 10% tariff  on  all imports  to the U.S. Reciprocal tariffs  on key trading partners: China: 34% Vietnam: 46% European Union: 20% Taiwan: 32% An additional  25% tariff on automobile imports , effective after midnight. “Trump is blowing up the postwar system that made the U.S. and the world more prosperous.” — Nigel Green, CEO, deVere Group Market Reaction Initial market optimism turned quickly as the full scale of tariffs became clear. Equity Futures: S&P 500 E-mini Futures : -3.4% Nasdaq 100 Futures : -4.2% Dow Futures : -2.2% (down 892 points) Currency Markets: Dollar Index (DXY) : -0.5% to 103.74 after early gains Flat against  CAD  and...

 As the world watches,  President Trump’s highly anticipated April 2 tariff announcement —coined “ Tariff Liberation Day ”—is expected to  unveil a new era of U.S. trade policy , one that could bring sweeping changes to global commerce, supply chains, and markets. But according to trade experts and insiders, this rollout may be  more of a strategic opening salvo than an all-at-once shockwave . What Will Be Announced? Initial Tariff Measures, Not the Full Picture: Wednesday is likely to  signal the beginning of a broader campaign , not a final, all-encompassing plan. Expect a  phased approach , with room for reviews, exemptions, and negotiations. "Country-Based" and “Reciprocal” Tariffs: Tariffs will likely be targeted at  countries with large trade imbalances or significant non-tariff barriers . The White House has been analyzing patterns of “ trade-distorting behavior ” as justification. "Dirty Dozen" and Surprises: While some attention has focused on...

Key Developments: Trump’s tariffs take effect:  25% duties on imports from  Mexico and Canada , while  China faces a 20% tariff increase  on top of existing levies. China retaliates  with  10%-15% tariffs  on US goods and  export restrictions  on 25 US firms. Canada and Mexico vow countermeasures , with  C$30 billion in immediate retaliatory tariffs  from Ottawa. Market turmoil ensues , as global stocks slide and investors flee to safe-haven assets. US recession fears rise , with businesses warning of  supply chain disruptions  and  higher consumer prices . North America: Trade Friction with Allies Canada’s Swift Response Prime Minister Justin Trudeau  condemned the tariffs, calling them a  violation of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) . Canada retaliates with  25% tariffs on C$30 billion (US$20.7 billion) in US goods , targeting: Beer, wine, and bourbon Home appliances Florida orange juice Ontari...