Japan–US Trade Talks: A Step Toward Reconciliation or the Onset of a New Economic Clash?


Recent developments in Japan–US trade relations have placed both nations at a critical juncture. According to the Japanese government, its chief tariff negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, held in-depth discussions with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. These talks come just days before the expiration of the temporary 24% retaliatory tariff, scheduled to end on July 9, with both countries racing against time to strike a mutually acceptable deal.

This situation raises several important questions: Can both sides strike a balance between their respective trade interests? Or will the United States—particularly under the direction of former President Donald Trump—continue to pressure Japan under the "America First" banner?

Trump's recent demand that Japan increase its imports of American rice challenges not only Japan’s agricultural policy but also threatens the livelihood of its local farming

OPEC+ Boosts Oil Production: A Strategic Move Amid Global Economic Recovery and Energy Politics



In a significant policy shift, OPEC+ has announced an increase of 548,000 barrels per day (bpd) in oil production for August 2025. This decision comes at a time when global energy inventories are tightening, and the world economy appears to be regaining momentum. While the move may appear to be a response to supply-demand imbalances, it also carries deep political, economic, and strategic implications.



Global Energy Demand and OPEC+’s Role

OPEC+ has long positioned itself as a stabilizer of the global oil market, yet its decisions are often influenced more by economic interests and political pressures than by market fundamentals alone. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the alliance drastically reduced output to support prices. Now, as economies reopen and energy demand surges, OPEC+ is seeking to reclaim market share and

China’s EV Rivalry Puts Thailand’s Local Production Strategy at Risk



Thailand has been positioning itself as Southeast Asia’s electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing hub, setting ambitious targets to make 30% of its auto production electric by 2030. With generous government incentives and clear rules — such as the “import one, build one” policy — the country attracted billions in investment, particularly from Chinese EV companies.

However, China’s internal EV price war is now testing the limits of Thailand’s strategy. While large Chinese brands like BYD have dominated Thailand’s EV market, holding almost 50% share, smaller players like Neta have failed to deliver on local production commitments.

Neta, a Chinese EV startup that entered Thailand in 2022, was unable to meet the government's requirement to start domestic production on time. As a result, Thai authorities revoked its tax incentives. The situation worsened

Trump’s Tariff Letters: A New Front in Global Trade Tensions?

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that he has signed tariff-related letters to 12 countries, which are set to be sent out on Monday, July 7, 2025. This move has raised eyebrows across international markets and diplomatic circles, sparking questions about whether this is yet another chapter in Trump's aggressive "America First" trade policy — or the beginning of a new wave of global trade friction.

Trump’s Trade Strategy: Protectionism Reloaded

Trump has consistently championed a protectionist trade agenda, grounded in the idea that the U.S. has been taken advantage of in global trade. His administration previously imposed heavy tariffs on countries like China, Mexico, and the EU, arguing that such measures were necessary to protect

TikTok and the U.S.: A New Turn in a Political Tug of War?





Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently stated that the United States and TikTok are “pretty much” at a deal. This statement comes at a time when the debate over banning TikTok in the U.S. had intensified due to national security concerns. Trump's remarks signal a possible new direction — one that seeks compromise instead of confrontation.



Background

TikTok, owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, has long been under scrutiny by the U.S. government. Lawmakers and intelligence officials have repeatedly raised alarms, claiming the app could be used to share data from American users with the Chinese government — posing a threat to national security. These fears have led to multiple legislative and executive attempts to ban or force the sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations.


Trump's Latest Stance

Trump’s recent softening tone

LNG Prices Drop in Asia — A Commentary on Weak Demand and Surging Supply



The global energy market has always danced to the rhythm of demand and supply, and recent developments in Asia’s LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) sector are a prime example of this delicate balance. Spot LNG prices across the Asian market have seen a notable decline, driven by two powerful forces: weak regional demand and an increase in global supply.


Weak Demand — Asia’s Shifting Energy Appetite

One of the key reasons for the drop in prices is the muted demand from major Asian economies. Countries like China, South Korea, and India have already stockpiled substantial LNG reserves over the past few months. With inventories running high and industrial activity slowing in some regions, the urgency to buy more gas has significantly reduced.

In China, the world’s largest LNG importer, domestic output and

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