Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Cuba Reaffirms Anti-Drug Cooperation as Tensions Rise in the Caribbean 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
New Orleans Immigration Crackdown Sparks Fear as Federal Arrests Intensify 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
U.S. Expected to Expand Travel Ban to More Than 30 Countries 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Trump and Lula Discuss Trade, Sanctions, and Security in “Productive” Phone Call 
Australia Progresses AUKUS Review as U.S. Affirms Strong Support 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Israel Receives Body of Deceased Hostage as Rafah Crossing Reopening Hinges on Final Returns 
U.S. Justice Department Orders Intensified Probe Into Antifa and Domestic Extremist Groups 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te held an emergency meeting with senior officials Sunday night to address potential impacts of upcoming U.S. tariffs. The move follows remarks by Trump administration officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, indicating a focus on countries with large trade surpluses with the U.S.—a group he referred to as the “Dirty 15.” Though not officially named, Taiwan, China, South Korea, and the European Union are believed to be included, based on U.S. Census Bureau data.
The tariffs are expected to be announced on April 2. President Lai met with Premier Cho Jung-tai and National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu to evaluate different tariff scenarios, simulate economic impacts, and prepare contingency strategies. According to Lai's spokesperson Karen Kuo, the meeting aimed to safeguard Taiwan’s economic stability and support industries likely to be affected by the tariffs.
Taiwan’s trade surplus with the U.S. surged 83% last year, reaching a record $111.4 billion in exports, largely driven by demand for high-tech goods like semiconductors, a sector where Taiwan leads globally.
President Lai urged swift, strategic responses to minimize risks and protect national interests. The Taiwanese government emphasized readiness to assist vulnerable sectors and maintain financial stability amid escalating trade tensions.
Trump stated on Sunday that the new tariffs would apply broadly to all nations, not just the top surplus holders. In response to the looming announcement, Taiwan’s benchmark stock index dropped over 2% on Monday morning, reflecting investor concerns about potential economic fallout.
As trade tensions rise, Taiwan remains focused on navigating U.S. policy shifts while safeguarding its technology-driven economy and global trade position.
