South Korea Exports Hit Record High as Global Trade Momentum Builds 
Trump Delays Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinets for One More Year 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Ahead of Fed Minutes as Markets Eye Policy Divisions 
Asian Currencies Trade Flat as Dollar Weakens in Thin New Year Trading 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Year-End Trading Turns Cautious 
China Manufacturing PMI Rebounds in December, Offering Boost to Economic Growth Outlook 
Federal Reserve Begins Treasury Bill Purchases to Stabilize Reserves and Money Markets 
Asian Stock Markets Start New Year Higher as Tech and AI Shares Drive Gains 
Asian Markets Slip as Precious Metals Cool, Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Sentiment 
Japanese Business Leaders Urge Government Action as Weak Yen Strains Economy 
U.S. Stocks Slip as Gold Rebounds Ahead of Year-End, Markets Eye 2026 Outlook 
Gold Prices Rebound in Europe as Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Outlook Support Bullion 
South Korea Factory Output Misses Forecasts in November Amid Ongoing Economic Uncertainty 
South Korea Inflation Rises to 2.3% in December, Matching Market Expectations 
USDA $12 Billion Farm Aid Program Draws Mixed Reactions from Row Crop Farmers 
Singapore GDP Growth Surges in 2025 but Outlook Remains Cautious Amid Global Trade Risks 
Oil Prices Slip Slightly as Markets Weigh Geopolitical Risks and Supply Glut Concerns 
EU Increases Tariffs on Chinese EVs, Sparking Trade Tensions
The European Union (EU) has announced substantial tariff increases on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), reaching up to 45.3%, marking the end of its largest trade investigation to date. The decision has intensified trade tensions with China, which has retaliated by launching probes into various EU imports.
Tariffs and Impacts on Manufacturers
Following a year-long anti-subsidy investigation, the European Commission confirmed new tariffs ranging from 7.8% on Tesla to 35.3% for SAIC, adding to the standard 10% car import duty. The EU justified these tariffs by citing "unfair subsidies" on Chinese EVs, including preferential financing, reduced raw material costs, and discounted land and batteries. With over 3 million EVs annually manufactured in China—double the EU market demand—Europe has become the primary outlet for Chinese exports, facing competitive pressure on pricing and market share.
Response from China and EU Industry Players
China’s Ministry of Commerce criticized the EU’s decision, calling it "protectionist." The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU expressed disappointment, while European automakers voiced concerns, fearing retaliation on other exports like German gasoline vehicles. German officials, however, support ongoing negotiations, advocating a diplomatic approach to avoid further economic disruptions.
Growing Division in Europe
While the EU generally aims for unity in its China policies, member countries remain divided. Germany, reliant on auto exports, opposes the tariffs, while France and others favor them to protect domestic industries. Despite eight rounds of technical negotiations, a final resolution remains elusive.
