Indonesia–U.S. Tariff Talks Near Completion as Both Sides Push for Year-End Deal 
Russian Drone Attack Hits Turkish Cargo Ship Carrying Sunflower Oil to Egypt, Ukraine Says 
Air Force One Delivery Delayed to 2028 as Boeing Faces Rising Costs 
Asian Stocks Slip Ahead of Fed Decision as China Deflation Concerns Deepen 
Democrats Face Uphill Battle in Midterm Elections Despite Recent Victories, Reuters/Ipsos Poll Shows 
Japan Weighs New Tax Breaks to Boost Corporate Investment Amid Spending Debate 
Tunisia Protests Grow as Opposition Unites Against President Kais Saied’s Rule 
Ireland Limits Planned Trade Ban on Israeli Settlements to Goods Only 
Russia Stocks End Flat as Energy and Retail Shares Show Mixed Performance 
Hong Kong Cuts Base Rate as HKMA Follows U.S. Federal Reserve Move 
U.S. Special Forces Intercept Ship Carrying Military Components Bound for Iran 
Gold Prices Slip Slightly in Asia as Silver Nears Record Highs on Dovish Fed Outlook 
Trump Claims Pardon for Tina Peters Despite No Legal Authority 
Asian Stocks Rally as Tech Rebounds, China Lags on Nvidia Competition Concerns 
U.S. Dollar Slides for Third Straight Week as Rate Cut Expectations Boost Euro and Pound 
Fed Near Neutral Signals Caution Ahead, Shifting Focus to Fixed Income in 2026 
Belarus Frees 123 Political Prisoners in U.S.-Brokered Deal Over Sanctions 
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he may reduce fentanyl-related trade tariffs on China as part of upcoming discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump stated, “I expect to be lowering that because I believe they’re going to help us with the fentanyl situation.” While he did not elaborate on the specific measures, Trump emphasized that fentanyl control will be a key topic during the meeting.
According to reports, the leaders are expected to discuss easing tariffs if China intensifies its crackdown on the export of chemicals used to produce fentanyl, a synthetic opioid contributing to the ongoing U.S. drug crisis. Trump is reportedly considering cutting the existing 20% fentanyl-related tariff in half if China cooperates, potentially reducing overall U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods to around 45% from 55%.
The meeting between Trump and Xi is scheduled to take place in South Korea on Thursday, marking a crucial step toward reducing trade tensions between the two largest global economies. Trump’s Asia tour, which includes meetings with regional leaders such as Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, focuses on addressing economic partnerships and regional security concerns.
Earlier this year, Trump imposed a 20% tariff on China, accusing Beijing of enabling the export of illegal fentanyl shipments to the U.S. He also extended similar penalties to Canada. The proposed tariff reduction comes amid broader trade friction, following Trump’s recent threat to increase tariffs on Chinese rare earth exports to 100%.
Trump’s latest remarks signal a potential shift toward cooperation, as the U.S. seeks China’s assistance in curbing the flow of fentanyl and stabilizing trade relations. The outcome of his meeting with Xi could shape the next phase of U.S.-China economic diplomacy and opioid enforcement efforts.
