Trade war

While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, June 30, 2026

A billboard at a busy junction in Tehran depicts Iran’s slain supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, kissing the slain Islamic revolutionary guards commander, Qasem Soleimani.

EU, China bet on talks to avoid trade war

EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic (left) said following talks with visiting Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao that “the status quo is not an option”.

Regional trade bloc CPTPP welcomes reopening of Strait of Hormuz, steps up expansion efforts

Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, seen from Musandam, Oman, on June 1.

US plans to curb the call centre industry. The Philippines, India are gearing up for a fight

Customer agents at a call centre in Metro Manila on April 24, 2024. There are fears the US could make it harder or less attractive for American firms to outsource customer service work overseas.

News analysis

Another rumble in the trade jungle: Will Trump’s new tariffs survive a court challenge?

About a third of Singapore’s domestic exports to the US could be subject to a 12.5 per cent duty under forced labour tariffs, an allegation that the Republic disputes.

New Trump tariff of 12.5% would cover one-third of Singapore exports to the US: MTI

The new tariffs will replace a 10 per cent global levy under Section 122 when it expires in late July.

ST Explains: What does Trump’s new tariff on ‘forced labour’ mean for Singapore trade?

The proposed forced-labour tariff drew immediate criticism from major economies such as the EU and China, and experts expect lawsuits once it goes into effect.

Singapore could face 12.5% US tariff after forced labour trade probe

ST20260518-202682200463-Lim Yaohui-pixgeneric/ People near the Jubilee Bridge with the Central Business District (CBD) skyline on May 18, 2026. Can be used for stories on family, money, property, land, tourist, tourism, commercial, office, invest, budget, income, finance, financial, CBD, URA, population, and economy. (ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI)

US to cut tariffs on agricultural equipment as costs bite

Duty rate on machinery like harvesters, alongside certain other equipment, will be reduced from 25 per cent to 15 per cent.

Carney seeks new US-Canada partnership as world undergoes ‘rupture’

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney speaking at the Economic Club in New York on May 28.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.