21.04.2025 – WEEKLY BRIEFING

Reymonta
7–11 minutes
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  • ‘This is so hard’: The Chinese small businesses brought to a standstill by Trump’s tariffs – 15.04.2025

The ongoing trade war between the United States and China, intensified by President Donald Trump’s imposition of 145% tariffs on Chinese goods, has severely impacted Chinese exporters, particularly small and medium-sized manufacturers like Sorbo Technology, whose products now sit unsold in warehouses. Despite hopes for a resolution, many firms at the Canton Fair in Guangzhou report halted production and lost American clients, with some seeking alternative markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Russia. China, maintaining retaliatory tariffs of 125%, faces challenges in shifting toward domestic consumption amid a sluggish economy and falling property values, as exports remain vital to its growth. The broader economic strain is evident among workers facing reduced pay and employment prospects, while both economies risk long-term damage, with economists warning of potential recessionary effects in the US.

  • Giorgia Meloni whispers soothing words to Trump on ‘western nationalism’ – 17.04.2025

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy party, visited the White House and emphasized her alignment with President Donald Trump’s political worldview, particularly under the banner of “Western nationalism.” Despite trade tensions, Meloni aimed to present Italy as a strategic partner in defending shared civilizational values, including opposition to “woke” ideologies. The meeting underscored her unique rapport with Trump, contrasting with his previously strained relations with other world leaders. However, tensions arose when questioned about Trump’s past remarks blaming Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy for the war, prompting Meloni to carefully navigate the issue by reaffirming Italy’s commitment to NATO without directly confronting Trump’s controversial stance. Trump, in turn, downplayed his earlier accusations against Zelenskyy while continuing to avoid criticism of Russian President Putin. The encounter reflected the shifting geopolitical dynamics in the West, with Meloni playing a delicate balancing act between maintaining transatlantic solidarity and aligning with Trump’s nationalist agenda.

  • The dollar’s sell-off raises concerns that investors are losing trust in the U.S. – 18.04.2025

Since mid-January, the U.S. dollar has experienced a sharp 9% decline against a basket of currencies, reaching a three-year low and prompting concerns about waning investor confidence in the U.S. economy, especially amid President Donald Trump’s unpredictable trade policies. Traditionally seen as a stable reserve currency due to its global dominance in trade and finance, the dollar’s weakening—despite rising tariffs that would typically strengthen it—has puzzled economists and signaled possible erosion of its “exorbitant privilege.” This decline coincides with instability in U.S. stock and bond markets and raises the risk of higher borrowing costs for the U.S. government and consumers. While some analysts attribute the drop to the dollar’s long-standing overvaluation, others warn that sustained loss of confidence could lead to structural shifts, such as increased use of alternative currencies like China’s yuan or even cryptocurrencies. Although no viable replacement currently matches the dollar’s scale, experts caution that mounting U.S. debt, inflation concerns, and political volatility could further undermine its reserve status in the long term.

  • TikTok trend for ‘Dubai chocolate’ causes international shortage of pistachios – 19.04.2025

A pistachio-filled chocolate bar popularized on TikTok has sparked a global confectionery trend with significant economic repercussions, particularly for the agricultural sectors of the U.S. and Iran. The product, dubbed “Dubai chocolate” and made by the Emirati brand Fix, combines milk chocolate, kataifi pastry, and pistachio cream, and gained viral attention through a video at the end of 2023 that has since amassed over 120 million views. This surge in popularity has contributed to a global shortage of pistachio kernels, intensifying existing supply issues caused by a poor U.S. harvest and increased Iranian exports to the UAE—up 40% in six months. The price of pistachios has risen from $7.65 to $10.30 per pound within a year, straining supply chains for major chocolate producers like Lindt and Läderach, who are struggling to meet unexpected international demand. The trend illustrates TikTok’s growing influence on global markets and consumer behavior, highlighting how digital media can catalyze rapid shifts in product popularity and commodity prices.

  • US Supreme Court temporarily blocks deportations of Venezuelan migrants under wartime law – 19.04.2025

On April 19, the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deporting a group of Venezuelan migrants accused of gang affiliation under the rarely invoked 1798 Alien Enemies Act, typically used only during wartime. This emergency intervention followed claims by the migrants’ lawyers, particularly the ACLU, that their clients faced imminent removal without adequate legal review, violating a prior Supreme Court ruling mandating due process. The administration had begun deporting alleged gang members to El Salvador, including some mistakenly removed, sparking criticism. While the Supreme Court’s unsigned order halted further deportations pending review, conservative Justices Thomas and Alito dissented. The case raises constitutional questions regarding executive power and judicial oversight, as the administration insists on its authority to act against suspected members of the Venezuelan-based Tren de Aragua gang, labeled a terrorist group. The Court’s stay came after reports of migrants being transported for deportation, which the ACLU argued contravened habeas corpus protections. The government has been invited to respond to the legal challenge, and the broader issue now centers on whether detainees are receiving sufficient opportunity to contest their removal as required under U.S. law.

  • US says nuclear talks with Iran made ‘very good progress’ as the next round is set – 19.04.2025

Iran and the United States are set to meet again next week, following “constructive” talks in Rome that included face-to-face discussions between President Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The talks are part of ongoing efforts to address Iran’s nuclear program, which has seen rapid advancements. A senior U.S. official confirmed that progress has been made in both direct and indirect discussions, with technical-level talks scheduled before the next meeting in Oman on April 26. The talks are seen as a significant diplomatic moment, as they are taking place after decades of hostility between the two nations, exacerbated by the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal under President Trump. Despite tensions in the Middle East and Iran’s threats to pursue an atomic weapon, both sides have agreed to continue negotiations, with the potential for a deal aimed at ensuring Iran remains free of nuclear weapons while retaining its ability to develop peaceful nuclear energy. The U.S. has also sought verification from the International Atomic Energy Agency should an agreement be reached.

  • ‘Powerful’ waves continue to pummel east coast as Easter beach death toll rises to five – 19.04.2025

Wild surf conditions along Australia’s east coast led to the deaths of five individuals during the Easter long weekend, with hazardous waves caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam. In New South Wales (NSW), four people drowned, and another remained missing. The fatalities included two men who were swept off rocks at Kianinny Bay, a 58-year-old fisherman who fell from the break wall in Wollongong, and another man who drowned in Sydney Harbour. A search continued for a swimmer at Little Bay Beach. The hazardous surf, with waves reaching up to 5.5 meters, persisted into Saturday afternoon, prompting safety warnings from authorities. Life Saving NSW manager Brent Manieri urged the public to heed warnings and swim only at patrolled beaches, emphasizing that the drownings could have been prevented with better awareness of conditions.

  • Hong Kong’s oldest pro-democracy party is shutting down as Beijing leaves no room for dissent – 19.04.2025

Hong Kong’s oldest and largest pro-democracy party, the Democratic Party, has begun the process of disbanding amid mounting pressure from Beijing, reflecting the near-total erosion of space for opposition politics in the city. Once a prominent and moderate voice advocating for universal suffrage and civic rights, the party has faced increasing restrictions since the 2019 protests, national security law implementation, and electoral reforms that exclude opposition candidates. Party leaders cited warnings from Chinese officials as a reason for dissolving, while critics say the move highlights Hong Kong’s shift toward authoritarian rule. The decision follows the dissolution of nearly 100 other civil society groups and the imprisonment or exile of many pro-democracy figures. Despite official claims that freedoms remain protected, analysts argue that political dissent and civil liberties have been severely curtailed.

  • Putin declares brief ‘Easter truce’ but Ukraine says Russian attacks continue – 20.04.2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of a brief Easter ceasefire in the ongoing war with Ukraine was met with skepticism by Ukrainian officials, who accused Russia of continuing military operations despite the declared truce. The ceasefire was set to last from Saturday evening to midnight on Monday, intended to test Kyiv’s sincerity in pursuing peace. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported continued Russian assaults and shelling across several frontlines, including 387 instances of shelling and 19 assaults shortly after the ceasefire began. Ukrainian officials criticized the gesture as insincere, urging instead for a full 30-day ceasefire proposal, which Russia has not accepted. The announcement came amid stalled US-led peace negotiations and intensified fighting in contested regions such as Kursk, Belgorod, and eastern Ukraine. Additionally, both sides engaged in one of the largest prisoner exchanges of the war, with over 500 troops swapped. Despite claims of de-escalation, the Ukrainian government emphasized ongoing Russian aggression and warned that Russia’s truce declaration may have been a strategic maneuver rather than a genuine effort toward peace.

  • Pope Francis has died, the Vatican camerlengo, announces – 21.04.2025

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a figure known for his humility and advocacy for the poor, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Ferrell from the Domus Santa Marta chapel, where Francis had resided, marking the end of a papacy that spanned 12 years. While widely respected for his compassionate leadership and progressive stance on issues such as climate change and economic inequality, his critiques of capitalism and push for reform within the Church often alienated conservative circles. Francis had long suffered from chronic lung disease and was hospitalized on February 14, 2025, at Gemelli Hospital due to a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia, leading to a 38-day stay — his longest during his papacy. Despite his declining health, he made a final public appearance on Easter Sunday, just one day before his death, blessing crowds in St. Peter’s Square and briefly touring in the popemobile to warm applause.

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