Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
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.
