Trump Issues Ultimatum to Putin Amid Escalating Ukraine Conflict  

The Scottish Sun,

President Donald Trump has delivered a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging acceptance of a ceasefire to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with Putin in Moscow, presenting what is believed to be a final deadline for a truce, potentially targeting an agreement by April 30. Despite these efforts, skepticism remains as Putin recently returned from military talks in St. Petersburg and continues to escalate military aggression, including a missile strike on Ukraine and the mobilization of 160,000 additional troops. Ukrainian officials and analysts fear Russia is preparing for a new offensive, aiming to retain seized territories before any peace deal. International support for Ukraine continues, with UK Defence Secretary John Healey advocating for increased military aid. However, European proposals for post-war troop deployments remain uncertain due to differing member state views. Ukraine persists with countermeasures on the frontlines and reports the capture of Chinese fighters aiding Russia. Despite diplomatic efforts, tangible progress toward peace remains elusive as Russia resists cooperation and intensifies hostilities.

China Retaliates with 125% Tariffs on U.S. Goods Amid Trade War Escalation  

Barron’s,

In response to President Trump’s recent tariff hike to 145%, China has increased tariffs on U.S. goods from 84% to 125%, intensifying the ongoing trade war between the two nations. Despite this escalation, China’s finance ministry indicated it would not raise tariffs further, citing economic impracticalities and a lack of market acceptance for U.S. products. The ministry warned that continued U.S. violations of China’s interests would prompt firm responses. The trade conflict is already impacting businesses; Tesla has ceased taking orders for certain U.S.-made models in China. Concurrently, China is expanding its global trade relationships, with President Xi Jinping meeting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and planning visits to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia. European leaders are also scheduled to visit Beijing in July. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed concern over the uncertainty caused by Trump’s 90-day tariff pause, urging the EU to continue preparing countermeasures. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is pursuing rapid trade deals with over 70 nations, though these pacts are expected to be less comprehensive than traditional agreements.

EU Threatens Digital Ad Tax on U.S. Tech Giants if Trade Talks Fail  

New York Post,

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has warned that the European Union may impose new taxes on U.S. tech giants like Google and Meta if trade negotiations with President Trump fail. This follows Trump’s recent 90-day suspension of tariffs on the EU, excluding China, to allow room for negotiations. Von der Leyen indicated potential countermeasures include levies on digital ad revenue, which would significantly impact companies like Google and Meta that rely heavily on such income. The EU may invoke its Anti-Coercion Instrument to enforce these measures, though it would require approval from all 27 EU members. Currently, the U.S. has imposed a 10% tariff on EU exports and higher rates on cars, steel, and aluminum. Concurrently, the EU is preparing hefty fines for Google, Apple, and potentially Meta under its Digital Markets Act (DMA), a law aimed at curbing anti-competitive behavior by major tech firms. Sources suggest fines could exceed $1 billion for Meta. Despite Trump and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s criticism, EU officials consider the trade talks and DMA enforcement separate issues.

EU and U.S. Engage in Urgent Trade Talks to Avert Escalating Tariff War  

The Irish Sun,

EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic has traveled to Washington to negotiate an end to the escalating tariff war between the EU and the U.S., initiated by President Donald Trump’s widespread tariff impositions. These tariffs, intended to boost domestic jobs and economic gains, have led to global financial instability, prompting a temporary 90-day ceasefire. Tanaiste Simon Harris emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “There isn’t an hour to lose,” highlighting the need for serious negotiations during this critical window. The EU has proposed a “zero for zero” tariff arrangement to eliminate trade taxes between the two blocs, but the U.S. has not accepted the offer, with Trump citing trade imbalances in favor of Europe. Harris and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick held preliminary discussions in Washington. Meanwhile, EU finance ministers, convening in Warsaw under Ireland’s Paschal Donohoe, reaffirmed their commitment to a united, rules-based trading system. Harris warned that the current tit-for-tat tariffs, especially those affecting EU goods and British exports like cars and steel, continue to threaten the global economy and must be urgently addressed during the ceasefire period.

Trade Tensions Present Opportunity for Climate Policy Integration  

Time,

President Trump’s recent imposition of aggressive tariffs has disrupted the global trade system and could also impact clean energy supply chains, as many technologies are sourced from China, now facing tariffs exceeding 100%. This disruption, however, presents a unique opportunity to integrate climate considerations into trade policy. Historically, climate-linked trade barriers have been avoided due to fears of geopolitical fallout, but Trump’s previous and current trade actions have opened the door for such measures. The European Union has already implemented a carbon tax on imports, and similar momentum is building in the U.S. Republican Senators Lindsay Graham and Bill Cassidy introduced legislation for a U.S. border carbon fee aimed at leveling the environmental playing field, especially against high-emission countries like China. Meanwhile, emerging economies like India and Brazil oppose these measures, viewing them as disguised protectionism. Nonetheless, the changing landscape suggests that climate policy may increasingly influence trade decisions in the coming years.