Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s Pause on New Wind-Energy Permits 
U.S. Stock Futures Hold Steady Ahead of Key Fed Decision 
Trump Envoys Reportedly Press Zelenskiy for Swift Response to Controversial U.S.-Backed Peace Proposal 
Trump’s Approval of AI Chip Sales to China Triggers Bipartisan National Security Concerns 
Australia Pushes Forward on AUKUS Submarine Program Amid Workforce and Production Challenges 
Oil Prices Hold Near Two-Week Highs as Markets Await Fed Rate Cut and Monitor Geopolitical Risks 
Canada’s Ambassador Kirsten Hillman to Conclude Her Tenure in 2026 
Honduras Election Tension Grows as Asfura Holds Narrow Lead in Preliminary Count 
Global Currencies Steady Ahead of Key Central Bank Decisions 
U.S. Military Bill Seeks to End Dependence on China for Display Technology by 2030 
Trump Set to Begin Final Interviews for Next Federal Reserve Chair 
Ukraine, European Leaders Prepare “Refined” Peace Plan as U.S. Pressures Kyiv for Deal 
Senate Set for Vote on GOP Healthcare Plan as Debate Over ACA Subsidies Intensifies 
U.S. State Department Reverts to Times New Roman in Push for “Professionalism” 
Canada Stocks Steady as Markets Await Fed and BoC Decisions 
U.S. Open to Special Trade Terms for South Africa Under Possible AGOA Extension 
A landmark U.S.-Indonesia trade agreement announced in July is now in jeopardy, as U.S. officials say Indonesia is stepping back from critical commitments made during negotiations. According to a U.S. official speaking on condition of anonymity, Jakarta is now questioning several elements of the deal, raising concerns in Washington about the future of the agreement.
The original deal, unveiled on July 15 and touted by President Donald Trump as a major victory for American industries, included Indonesia’s pledge to remove tariffs on more than 99% of U.S. goods and eliminate non-tariff barriers that have long hindered American companies. In return, the United States agreed to scale back proposed tariffs on Indonesian exports to 19% from 32%.
However, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer was recently informed by Indonesian officials that the country cannot commit to certain binding provisions and is seeking to reframe its obligations. U.S. officials fear that altering these terms would result in a weaker agreement than those recently finalized with Malaysia and Cambodia. Both countries had cooperated closely with the U.S., with Malaysia notably removing thousands of tariff lines to facilitate smoother trade flows.
A report by the Financial Times indicated that Indonesia may be retreating from commitments to dismantle non-tariff barriers on key U.S. industrial and agricultural exports, as well as its promises to address digital trade challenges—an increasingly vital area in global commerce.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed these concerns last week, describing Indonesia as “recalcitrant” regarding the deal, though he offered no further details. With negotiations at a sensitive stage, no official comment has yet been released by the U.S. Trade Representative’s office.
As both nations navigate this setback, the future of the trade pact remains uncertain, raising questions about potential impacts on U.S. exporters, regional trade dynamics, and ongoing economic cooperation between Washington and Jakarta.
