Keywords: Trade tensions


Hengli reshapes Singapore unit after US sanctions over Iran oil

The United States Treasury has imposed sanctions on Hengli Petrochemical, one of China’s largest independent oil refiners, accusing the company of purchasing billions of dollars worth of Iranian crude oil. The sanctions also target dozens of shipping companies and vessels allegedly involved in......

China condemns EU sanctions on Chinese entities over Russia links

China has strongly criticized the decision by the European Union to include Chinese companies in its latest sanctions package targeting Russia, escalating diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Brussels. The dispute follows the EU’s 20th round of sanctions, which focuses on restricting entities......

China rare earth exports to Japan hit nine month low

China’s exports of rare earth magnets and materials to Japan dropped sharply in March, reaching their lowest level in nine months and underscoring growing strain in a critical global supply chain. The decline follows export restrictions imposed by Beijing earlier this year amid escalating diplomatic......

Trump warns China of steep tariffs over potential military support to Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that China could face heavy trade penalties if it provides military assistance to Iran amid the ongoing regional conflict. Speaking in a televised interview, Trump stated that Washington could impose tariffs of up to 50% on Chinese goods if Beijing were found to......

German exporters remain optimistic despite geopolitical tensions

German exporters are maintaining a generally positive outlook for international sales despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, according to a recent assessment by Allianz Trade. A large proportion of companies in Germany expect export revenues to grow in the coming year, reflecting resilience in one of......

Canada’s services sector contracts amid global uncertainty and rising costs

Canada’s services sector has continued to weaken, reflecting the impact of global uncertainty and rising operational costs. According to recent data, business activity declined for a fifth consecutive month, although the pace of contraction showed slight signs of easing. The slowdown has been......

Euro zone posts unexpected trade deficit as US exports plunge

The euro zone recorded a trade deficit of 1.9 billion euros in January 2026, sharply missing expectations for a surplus and highlighting mounting pressure from transatlantic trade tensions, according to Eurostat data released on March 20. The deficit widened from 1.4 billion euros a year earlier, while......

EU says United States will honor Turnberry trade deal despite tariff dispute

European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said the United States has assured the European Union it will respect the terms of the Turnberry trade agreement, despite new tariff measures that risk undermining the deal’s central provision of a 15 percent tariff ceiling. Speaking in Toronto on Thursday,......

German chancellor Merz deepens China ties and warns US on tariffs

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he will pursue strategic partnerships with China during a visit next week, signaling a shift toward closer economic engagement with Beijing as trade tensions with Washington continue to simmer. Speaking to supporters at his Christian Democratic Union’s Ash......