Berita Desk delivers breaking news, politics, business, sports and lifestyle coverage from Malaysia and Southeast Asia — trusted, timely and independent.
The Philippines is pursuing a reduction in US tariffs imposed over forced-labour concerns, citing robust domestic laws and a newly established inter-agency framework designed to combat labour trafficking and ensure supply chain compliance.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge linking Michigan and Ontario has opened to vehicular traffic following its July 24 inaugural ceremony. The crossing comes after Canada renegotiated financial terms under pressure from the Trump administration's tariff threats.
Canada has inaugurated the Gordie Howe International Bridge in a ceremony excluding US officials, marking a stark diplomatic rift as trade tensions between the neighbours intensify over tariff disputes.
US President Donald Trump has threatened the European Union with significant tariffs, claiming the bloc is unfairly targeting American technology companies with multibillion-dollar fines. He has vowed to reverse the penalties.
Indonesia is actively negotiating with the US Trade Representative's office to secure better tariff terms following Washington's 10% duty on Indonesian exports under its forced labour investigation.
Brazil has rejected new 12.5% US tariffs on its products, characterising a Section 301 trade investigation as arbitrary. Brasília will invoke its Reciprocity Law and escalate the dispute to the WTO.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has committed to ongoing discussions with the United States regarding tariffs linked to forced labour concerns, expressing cautious optimism that Malaysia's 10% duty rate compares favourably against other nations.
Canada and the United States have pledged to intensify trade negotiations following US President Donald Trump's announcement of additional 50% tariffs on select Canadian products, effective August 19.
South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan is visiting Washington this week to meet senior US officials and discuss trade cooperation, amid concerns over potential new American tariffs on Korean exports.
Brazil has threatened swift economic retaliation after the Trump administration imposed a 25% tariff on Brazilian exports, escalating trade tensions ahead of October's presidential election.
Western automakers have significantly reduced reliance on Chinese-manufactured electric vehicles for European markets following the EU's 2024 tariff regime, with production shifting back to the continent.