News Updates

AFRICAN UNION – SADC:

Trump tariffs prompt Southern Africa to boost regional cooperation

“SADC MUST UNIFY TO NEGOTIATE COLLECTIVELY, AVOIDING WEAK BILATERAL DEALS”

GIS Reports, June 10, 2025 – The Southern African Development Community (SADC), a regional economic community of 16 member states, initially responded with shock to the White House’s far-reaching tariffs….
The U.S. tariffs highlight the challenges small, poorer nations such as Lesotho face in bilateral trade negotiations with global powers like the U.S. Engaging through multilateral platforms like the SADC is critical for these countries to secure favorable trade outcomes.The SADC must adopt a regional approach to the evolving trade regime rather than relying on individual bilateral strategies.

Trump vs. a united ASEAN

SOUTHEAST ASIAN BLOC ADAPTS TO U.S. PRESSURE WITH RENEWED SOLIDARITY

Japan Times, June 9, 2025 – U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs … have sent countries around the world scrambling to respond, adapt and limit the fallout. ASEAN’s 10 members — Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam — have been among the most proactive….
ASEAN’s member states are well aware that they are stronger together. That is why, at the just-concluded ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, hosted by Anwar Ibrahim, the group proposed a summit attended by Trump and ASEAN’s 10 national leaders….
This aligns with the global mood: while Trump continues to brandish tariffs as a weapon against America’s trade partners, other countries have refrained from raising tariffs unilaterally….

REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE:
ASEAN POWER GRID INTEGRATION SEEKS ENERGY SECURITY, SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

BOLD PLAN TO INTERCONNECT AND HARMONIZE NATIONS’ GRIDS
Forbes, June 5, 2025 – At the 46th Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on May 26, 2025, national leaders adopted a bold plan to interconnect and harmonize regional power grids. The plan for ASEAN power grid integration is designed to create an advanced network of electric transmission lines, generators and utilities across Southeast Asia. Under the plan, the area of nearly 700 million people is poised to meet surging energy demand, boost energy security, and achieve affordable, sustainable growth through deeper regional connections and more coordinated energy markets….
Currently, the ASEAN member states are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, with Timor-Leste expected to join soon.

A United Europe Can Shape the Global Economy

COMPLETE BANKING UNION, CONSOLIDATE FRAGMENTED MARKETS

IMF, June 3, 2025 – Key priorities include boosting innovation, supporting businesses, and enhancing economic security by consolidating fragmented markets, particularly in defense, energy, telecoms, and finance….
The lack of a unified financial market is one of the obstacles, according to Ravi Balakrishnan and Mahmood Pradhan. A single capital market will only lead to a larger pool of savings if Europe also completes its banking union….

EU THREATENS COUNTERMEASURES OVER TRUMP’S STEEL TARIFFS HIKE

CANADA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: HIKE “ANTITHETICAL TO NORTH AMERICAN ECONOMIC SECURITY”
Reuters, May 31, 2025 – The European Commission said on Saturday that Europe was prepared to retaliate against President Donald Trump’s plan to double tariffs on imported steel and aluminum….
The planned U.S. move ratchets up pressure on global steel producers, and has sparked protests from trading partners around the world. Canada’s Chamber of Commerce quickly denounced the tariff hike as “antithetical to North American economic security.”

EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION:

Iran and Russia: Three steps into strategic convergence

ECONOMIC CONVERGENCE THROUGH THE EAEU

IRAN’S EAEU ACCESSION A LONG-STANDING RUSSIAN OBJECTIVE
The Cradle, June 2, 2025 – The first milestone came on 25 December 2024, when Iran joined the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) as an observer member state. Initially seen as a post-Soviet mechanism to deepen regional economic ties, the bloc’s broader ambitions – particularly from Moscow’s perspective – quickly became clear. Iran’s accession had been a long-standing Russian objective since at least the mid-2010s.

PUTIN CONGRATULATES LEADERS ON EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION DAY

Armenpress (Armenia), May 29, 2025 – Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated fellow EEU leaders on the occasion of the day of founding of the union. May 29 marks the signing of the EEU (Eurasian Economic Union) Treaty in 2014.
Putin sent a congratulatory telegram to leaders of the member states; Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, according to the Kremlin.

AFRICAN UNION –
EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY:

EAC urged to negotiate trade as one bloc

PROTOCOL MANDATES THAT MEMBER NATIONS ENFORCE ‘COMMON EXTERNAL TARIFF’ UPON IMPORTS FROM OUTSIDE BLOC

The Citizen, May 30, 2025 – The East African Business Council (EABC) is urging EAC Partner States to adopt a unified approach in negotiating trade agreements with third parties. Instead of pursuing separate bilateral or multilateral trade deals, the EABC recommends that Partner States negotiate collectively as a bloc to strengthen regional integration and enhance bargaining power on the global stage, according to a statement shared yesterday.
Acting Executive Director of the EABC, Mr Adrian Raphael Njau, emphasised that a coordinated EAC strategy in external trade would foster trust among Partner States, reinforce a common trade policy, and ensure the consistent implementation of the EAC Common External Tariff (CET). “The EAC Customs Union Protocol mandates coordinated external trade relations to implement a unified external trade policy. The CET, a cornerstone of the EAC Customs Union, ensures uniform tariffs on goods entering the EAC region from outside,” he explained.

EMPOWERING A NEW REGIONAL ORDER:

Regional tariffs could soon be the new ‘reciprocal’ tariff

‘BESSENT: WE WILL DO A LOT OF REGIONAL DEALS’

CNN Business, May 23, 2025 – As Trump’s self-imposed July 9 deadline for when “reciprocal” tariffs would resume inches closer, just one deal with the United Kingdom has so far been announced. Trump and administration officials are starting to hint at cracks in their plan to get individualized trade deals done in time….
In a Sunday interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, [Treasury Secretary Scott] Bessent alluded to a regional tariff scheme under consideration. “My other sense is that we will do a lot of regional deals: ‘This is the rate for Central America, this is the rate for this part of Africa,’” he said….
So, shifting to a system where countries are grouped together under blanket tariff policies risks, in some cases, throwing out the baby with the bathwater for countries whose trade practices are less disturbing to the administration…
But grouping countries together poses another risk: It gives them more ammunition to retaliate against the United States than if the individual countries were on their own….

ARAB GULF – GCC:

The Gulf is emerging as Washington’s new strategic anchor

GCC BLOC ‘INDISPENSABLE PARTNER’ FOR TRUMP AGENDA

Atlantic Council, May 23, 2025 – Mohammed Baharoon, Director General of the Dubai-based think tank B’huth, adds, “Trump sees in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) what China, India, and others are seeing there, which is its role as a mega connector.”
Hasan Alhasan of the International Institute for Strategic Studies notes that the Gulf states “have managed to use their role as mediators to position themselves as indispensable partners for Trump’s political agenda.”

REGIONAL TRADE DEALS-
CHINA, ASEAN, GCC:

ASEAN, China, and GCC cooperation will boost global stability and growth: Experts

RESPONSE TO RECENT U.S. TARIFF POLICY

MSN | Xinhua (China), May 24, 2025 – Cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries will unlock immense potential for multilateral cooperation across sectors and inject stability into the world economy, analysts said ahead of an inaugural joint summit for the three parties….
Julia Roknifard, a senior lecturer at Taylor’s University in Malaysia, said China is an anchor for ASEAN-GCC cooperation…. The expert called the trilateral cooperation platform a “Golden Triangle” of resources, manufacturing and consumers, which will continue to power the global economy despite severe trade disruptions due to recent U.S. tariff policy.

CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG SET FOR JOINT MEETING WITH GULF AND SOUTH ASIAN STATES

PUSH TO RALLY SUPPORT FOR STANCE ON TARIFFS
South China Morning Post, May 22, 2025 – Chinese Premier Li Qiang will attend a joint meeting of Southeast Asian and Gulf states in Malaysia next week as Beijing continues its push to rally support for its stance on tariffs.

CHINA, ASEAN FINISH TALKS TO FORGE STRONGER FREE-TRADE DEAL AMID US TARIFF WAR THREAT

South China Morning Post, May 22, 2025 – China has negotiated an updated free-trade deal with the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) bloc, strengthening Beijing’s standing in the region amid ongoing trade tensions with the United States….
Despite the 90-day truce announced by Beijing and Washington on May 12, China has looked to strengthen economic ties with major trading partners, including Asean and the European Union.

ASEAN, GULF LEADERS TO MEET IN MALAYSIA AS REGION SEEKS NEW INVESTMENT LIFELINE

TO CUSHION BLOW FROM TRUMP TARIFFS
South China Morning Post, May 20, 2025 – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will hold their second summit on May 27, hoping to cushion the blow from global trade disruptions caused by US President Donald Trump’s tariff war.

EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION:

De-Dollarization: EAEU Ditches US Dollar for $100 Billion Trade

DOLLAR PAYMENTS ONLY 7% OF CROSS-BORDER TRANSACTIONS AMONG MEMBER NATIONS

Watcher.guru, May 24, 2025 – De-dollarization is at its peak in 2025 as a handful of alliances are ditching the US dollar and replacing it with local currencies for trade. In a first, The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), confirmed that they settled 93% of trade in national currencies sidelining the US dollar. Only 7% of the cross-border transactions among themselves included payments in the US dollar…. The development shows that de-dollarization is accelerating at a rapid speed to leave the US dollar behind. The Eurasian Economic Union consists of five neighboring countries such as Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.

ASEAN must deepen integration and stay united to tackle US tariffs, Malaysia says

ABC News, May 24, 2025 – Southeast Asian nations must accelerate regional economic integration, diversify their markets and stay united to tackle the fallout from global trade disruptions resulting from sweeping U.S. tariff hikes, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said Sunday…..
ASEAN unsuccessfully sought an initial meeting with the U.S. as a bloc. When U.S. President Donald Trump last month announced a 90-day pause on the tariffs, countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam swiftly began trade negotiations with Washington.

EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION:

Iran, Russia advance free trade as Eurasian union finalizes roadmap with Iran

ENHANCING ECONOMIC INTEGRATION OF IRAN WITH BLOC

Tehran Times, May 23, 2025 – The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has finalized a roadmap to implement its newly effective free trade agreement with Iran, aimed at boosting direct business engagement and resolving regulatory hurdles….
The agreement is expected to significantly enhance trade flows and economic integration between Iran and the bloc, which includes Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia.

REGIONAL TRADE DEAL:

EU-Mercosur Deal Set To Exploit Indigenous Brazilian Land and Cripple European Farmers

European Conservative, May 20, 2025 – The European Union’s treaty with Mercosur countries—intended to create the world’s largest free-trade area—has ignited fury among indigenous people who say it will lead to the destruction of their ancestral lands….
The agreement, hated on both sides of the Atlantic—by indigenous peoples in South America and farmers in Europe—must be ratified by the European Parliament and EU member states before it comes into effect.
Indigenous lands would be rolled over to increase agriculture exports to the EU, while European farmers would be crushed by the lesser-regulated competition….

AFRICAN UNION – COMESA:

Comesa leads unified African stance on Trump tariffs

TO BOOST ALTERNATIVE TRADE AGREEMENTS, INTRA-REGIONAL TRADE, REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE

MSN, May 19, 2025 – The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) is mulling a unified approach towards US tariffs.
This comes as eight member states stare at trade challenges due to reciprocal tariffs instituted by US President Donald Trump on April 2 to address trade deficits and revive domestic manufacturing and industrial sectors.
In a policy statement released this week, Comesa is advocating a “variable cooperative game strategy,” which includes exploring alternative trade agreements, strengthening intra-regional trade, and boosting regional infrastructure investments.

EMPOWERING A NEW REGIONAL ORDER:

U.S. may impose regional tariffs as trade deadlines loom, Bessent says

‘WE WILL DO A LOT OF REGIONAL DEALS’

Axios, May 18, 2025 – The U.S. may impose some tariffs by region rather than on individual countries, as time runs out to negotiate a laundry list of trade deals globally, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday.
The administration is quickly curtailing its 90-deals-in-90-days ambition, acknowledging the practical realities of trying to negotiate complex trade agreements with dozens of countries simultaneously….
“My other sense is that we will do a lot of regional deals — this is the rate for Central America, this is the rate for this part of Africa — but what we are focused on for right now is the 18 important trading relationships,” Bessent said.

THE NEW REGIONAL ORDER:

The rise of Regionalism in World Politics: Trends and Implications

COUNTRIES TURNING TO REGIONAL BLOCS TO SECURE POLITICAL, SOCIO-ECONOMIC, STRATEGIC INTERESTS

TRUMP’S NATIONALISM AMPLIFYING SHIFT FROM GLOBALISM TO REGIONALISM
Modern Diplomacy, May 7, 2025 – As global institutions are clinging to life and multilateralism appears to be not as effective as it was, the regional blocs are experiencing a significant rise in their strength and influence, on the contrary. The return of US President Donald and his nationalist policies and priority for domestic interests over global cooperation has amplified this shift further and ushered in a renewed emphasis on regionalism. The world is now witnessing a growing trend where countries are turning to regional partnerships to secure their political, socio-economic, and strategic interests. Various regions from Europe to Asia, Latin America to Africa, and the Middle East are responding by bolstering intra-regional cooperation….Although this development presents fresh chances for group resilience, it also necessitates cautious handling to keep regionalism from turning into a cause of conflict and instability.

EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION:

Russia’s EAEU Trade Reaches 93% De-Dollarization in Blow to US Dollar Dominance

Bitcoin.com, May 18, 2025 – De-dollarization is exploding across Eurasia as 93% of EAEU trade now flows through national currencies, signaling a decisive pivot from the U.S. dollar and reshaping global finance….
The EAEU, comprising Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, has seen a sharp increase in local currency use since 2015.

SE ASIA – ASEAN:

DOT calls for unified ASEAN visa

SEAMLESS TRAVEL ACROSS SOUTHEAST ASIAN BLOC

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is advocating for an ASEAN-wide visa to allow seamless travel across Southeast Asia.
At the SKIFT Asia Forum 2025 held in Bangkok on May 15, Tourism secretary Christina Garcia Frasco underscored the potential of a unified ASEAN visa, likening it to the Schengen visa in Europe and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) visa in the Middle East.

ASEAN MINISTERS CALL FOR UNITY IN FACE OF TRUMP’S TARIFFS

Bangkok Post, May 18, 2025 – Participants of the Asean Ministerial Caucus, which was held on the sidelines of the 2025 Apec Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting in South Korea, called on the bloc to remain united in the face of global economic volatility, according to Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan.

ARAB GULF – GCC:

Saudi Arabia to host Gulf-US summit on Wednesday

TRUMP TO MEET WITH LEADERS OF ALL GCC MEMBER NATIONS

Al-Quds, May 11, 2025 – According to Axios, which cited a US official and Arab officials, Saudi Arabia plans to host a summit on Wednesday bringing together the US president and his counterparts, the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. The US president’s first official foreign trip reflects the growing importance his administration places on cooperation between the United States and the Gulf states.

SE ASIA – ASEAN:

NST Leader: Asean common market

‘FREE MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE MAY BE A STUMBLING BLOCK’

New Straits Times, May 8, 2025 – Taken individually, each Asean member’s population doesn’t form a “market” in the serious sense of the word, but collectively it’s a huge one.
But first it must become “common”, not in the sense of the European Union’s model but the Asean way. Because no member of Asean will want to give up its sovereignty like the members of the EU did. Instead, the bloc has opted for consensus….
But for the market to be common, there must be free flow of goods, people, investments and capital across the region. Free flow of goods, investments and capital are easier to agree on but free movement of people may be a stumbling block.

ARAB LEAGUE:

Trade: Could the Arab League dream of a customs union become a reality?

HIGHER LEVEL OF ECONOMIC INTEGRATION

Telquel, May 7, 2025 – More than twenty years after the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA) came into force, the countries of the Arab League are revisiting the idea of a customs union. While this ambitious regional project is fraught with legal, economic and political pitfalls, overcoming them could be a response to the current fragmentation of globalization and the rise of protectionism….
But why consider a customs union when a free trade zone has existed for twenty years? Because it’s a higher level of economic integration. The GZALE eliminates customs duties between member countries, but does not harmonize tariff barriers or impose a common customs tariff on third countries…. The customs union would prevent this by establishing a common external tariff.

MADE IN NORTH AMERICA:

USMCA Auto Parts Free From Trump’s Tariffs

AUTO PARTS HAVE ZERO TARIFFS

Carscoops, May 6, 2025 – Mexico is pleased with the USMCA exemption, as it is the largest importer of auto parts into the United States. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum described the exemption as “good news,” adding…. “There’s a preferential treatment for everything that is produced within the trade agreement, and in particular for auto parts, which have zero tariffs.”

ASEAN’S REGIONAL MERCANTILISM:

ASEAN urged to act as one in U.S. tariff talks to maximise leverage

UNITED ASEAN WOULD STRENGTHEN BLOC’S BARGAINING POWER

The Vibes (Malaysia), May 6, 2025 – A collective ASEAN approach to negotiations over US tariff measures would provide the 10-member bloc with far greater leverage than individual countries acting alone, according to regional analysts.

EU’S REGIONAL MERCANTILISM:

The European Union’s New Take on Tech: Make Europe Great Again

MASS SPENDING ON DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE, WEAPONIZATION OF DIGITAL RULES

Tech Policy Press, May 5, 2025 – Senior EU officials and national lawmakers are now more willing to use all levers of the EU project—including the bloc’s hefty regulatory playbook—to overtly favor national companies and promote Europe’s wider geopolitical interests over foreign companies’ and other countries’ tech ambitions.
Confronted with Washington’s reinvigorated “MAGA” agenda, Brussels, too, wants to “Make Europe Great Again” via a combination of mass public spending on digital infrastructure, open skepticism of allowing American and Chinese tech giants to operate unfettered across the economic bloc, and — in some instances — the weaponization of the EU’s digital rules to tilt the scales in favor of European firms.

‘MULTIPOLAR’ REGIONAL ORDER:

Global Non-West And Multipolarity

LINKED BRICS, REGIONAL BLOCS CAN BECOME CATALYST FOR MULTIPOLARITY AGAINST ‘WESTERN HEGEMONY’

Geopolitica.ru, (Russia), May 5, 2025 – Anti-colonialism, strengthening sovereignty, technological development and honest international cooperation are the main criteria of the BRICS club…. There are also separate regional structures, such as ASEAN and SAARC in Southeast and South Asia, the African Union(AU) in Africa, the League of Arab States (The Arab League) in the Middle East, CELAC, UNASUR and ALBA in Latin America, and the Eurasian Economic Union in the former Soviet Union. There is also the supra-regional Organization of Islamic Cooperation…. The creation of new links between all these structures can become an additional catalyst in the formation of multipolarity and reducing the influence of Western hegemony….

ARAB GULF – GCC:

Trump to hold summit with Gulf leaders during Saudi Arabia trip

Axios, May 3, 2025 – President Trump is expected to hold a summit with Gulf state leaders during his visit to Saudi Arabia in mid-May, a U.S. official and two Arab officials told Axios….
The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS) is planning to invite to the summit the leaders of all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries — the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.

MADE IN NORTH AMERICA:

Trump’s Auto Tariff Relief Shields USMCA Auto Parts From 25% Tax

Financial Post (Canada), May 2, 2025 – President Donald Trump’s revised auto tariff plan continues — at least for now — an exemption for parts that comply with the free trade agreement spanning North America, a concession desperately sought by industry.

PIF and ASEAN:

Why the Pacific’s Security Should Be Anchored in Indo-Pacific Partnerships

‘SECURING THE BLUE PACIFIC CONTINENT’

The Diplomat, May 2, 2025 – At the heart of the Blue Pacific narrative as endorsed by Pacific Island Forum (PIF) Leaders in 2017 – espoused through the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent – is the reaffirmation of PIF members’ commitment to work together…. But this requires, first, moving beyond the rhetoric to defining and securing the Blue Pacific Continent through the articulation of a Pacific rules-based order….
The Pacific Islands, spread across vast oceanic territories, are critical for the security of Southeast Asia…. The PIF and ASEAN entered a high-level political cooperation agreement in 2023, but this cooperation needs to be nurtured quickly.

EU’S REGIONAL MERCANTILISM

European Union Moves To Bolster Its AI Infrastructure

EU COMMISSION SEEKS €20 BILLION FUND TO BUILD NETWORK OF AI GIGAFACTORIES

Mondaq, May 1, 2025 – These developments seek to put Europe on-par with global AI leaders, such as the United States and China.
EU ‘MAKING PROGRESS’ TOWARD €50 BILLION TRADE DEAL WITH US
CNN Business, May 1, 2025 – Maroš Šefčovič, the European Union’s trade commissioner, said in an interview with the Financial Times Thursday that the bloc is making “certain progress” toward a trade deal with the United States, which would involve buying €50 billion more of US products….
Šefčovič told the Financial Times he spoke with US trade representative Jamieson Greer and commerce secretary Howard Lutnick on closing the United States’ trade deficit with Europe by buying more liquefied natural gas (LNG) and agriculture.EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION:

ARAB GULF, GCC:

Gulf Cooperation Council Hosts AI Workshop For Energy Innovation

Pinnacle Gazette, April 29, 2025 – The Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA), in collaboration with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), is set to host a specialized workshop aimed at exploring the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the energy sector…. The primary goal is to provide insights into the latest developments in AI and its crucial role in supporting the planning, operation, and management of power grids in the Gulf region.
GCC REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE:
THE GULF RAILWAY PROJECT: BRIDGING THE GAPS BETWEEN VISION AND REALITY – ANALYSIS
CAN DEVELOP AS BACKBONE OF FUTURE GCC CUSTOMS UNION
Eurasia Review, April 28, 2025 – The Gulf Railway Project (GCC Railway) has ambitiously attempted to develop a transnational infrastructure plan to link all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states via a 2,177-kilometre rail network….The Gulf Railway can develop as the backbone of a future GCC customs union, increasing intra-GCC trade, which is roughly 10 percent of total exports. This is substantially lower than economic blocs like the European Union (EU), where over half of tradeoccurs within the bloc for both goods and services. Thus, the GCC railway project can enable a growth in intra-regional trade by overcoming connectivity barriers and complementing ports to boost regional competitiveness. Beyond the region, the project can also strengthen GCC’s geoeconomic positioning by linking seamlessly with transnational corridors like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

SOUTHEAST ASIA – ASEAN:

Asean urged to weigh risks of siding with US over China in tariff war

South China Morning Post, April 29, 2025 – Zheng Yongnian, dean of the school of public policy at Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, said that supporting the re-industrialisation efforts of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations was not the ultimate goal of the United States….
“Some Asean countries would face stalled industrialisation and isolation by China if they choose to align more closely with Washington in the trade war, while the US would not assist them in achieving industrialisation,” Zheng cautioned.
Asean countries like Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand face a precarious balancing act as they negotiate trade terms with the Trump administration – either scale back lucrative economic ties with China, the bloc’s largest trading partner, or prepare for punishing US tariffs on critical exports.
HOW ASEAN CAN TURN SHORT-TERM TARIFF PAIN INTO LONG-TERM GAIN
COORDINATED REGIONAL RESPONSE TO TARIFFS, MORE INTEGRATED SINGLE ASEAN MARKET
South China Morning Post, April 27, 2025 – While the US tariffs will cause short-term pain, this presents an opportunity to bring Asean closer to an agreement on collaborative action that could lead to reduced import dependency and a more integrated single Asean market. As a bloc, Asean could become a price-setter and, in the long term, benefit consumers with lower prices. Malaysia’s proposal for a coordinated regional response to the tariffs, therefore, may serve as a precursor for Asean to negotiate from a position of collective strength.

Asean to team up on US tariffs

Bangkok Post, April 25, 2025 – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) has agreed to work together to increase its members’ bargaining power in dealing with the United States’ tariff hikes, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said….
The premier said she raised the same issue with other leaders in Asean and they agreed that joining forces would make Asean a force to be reckoned with.
INDONESIA BOLSTERS ASEAN TRADE TO COUNTER US TARIFF
Tempo English (Jakarta, Indonesia), April 25, 2025 – In a strategic move to shield its economy from global uncertainties, Indonesia will reinforce trade with its Southeast Asian neighbors, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said. The push comes as US tariff policies threaten to dampen global trade volumes, forcing Indonesia to pivot toward regional markets to keep its economic engines running.
Speaking at a virtual press conference on April 25, Hartarto revealed that strengthening intra-ASEAN trade was a key agreement reached during recent talks with regional economic ministers. “This is our target because developing nations and regional blocs serve as a shock breaker in navigating the turbulence ahead,” he said.

LATIN AMERICA – CELAC:

Latin America should take the long view on tariffs

SHOULD FORGE ALLIANCES WITH BLOCS SUCH AS EU, ASEAN

Korea Times, April 25, 2025 – While LAC [Latin America and Caribbean] countries should secure short-term gains where they can, the ever-shifting tariff landscape underscores the importance of developing a forward-looking agenda. The LAC region can achieve its long-term aspirations by pursuing four objectives. First, the current volatility creates an incentive to diversify trade partnerships. The region’s governments should forge alliances with blocs such as the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and emerging economies such as China and India.
Second, at this critical juncture, the LAC region should make good on its leaders’ rhetoric of solidarity by deepening economic integration. This would require a focus on sharing technology, facilitating trade, harmonizing regulations, developing regional value chains, and creating logistics corridors. Third, individual countries should adopt development policies that increase the rate of innovation and economic growth….
Lastly, amid such uncertainty, it is essential to strengthen the region’s capacity for strategic foresight.

Latin American nations push for diversification

CONDEMN U.S. TARIFFS, CALL FOR STRONGER REGIONAL COORDINATION

‘LOT OF TALK REGARDING RECENT CHINA-CELAC FORUM’
Ecns.cn | China Daily, April 22, 2025 – Latin American leaders gathered in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, on April 9 for the 9th Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, or CELAC, where 11 heads of state condemned U.S. tariffs and migration restrictions….
CELAC’s incoming chair, Colombian President Gustavo Petro, called for stronger regional coordination. “We must decide whether we help each other or retreat into loneliness,” he said.

AFRICAN UNION, GCC:

Amid U.S.-China Trade War, Africa Must Pivot to the Middle East | Opinion

GULF EMERGING AS NEW HUB OF GLOBALIZATION

FIRST STEP; INSTITUTING ‘AFRICA’S ANSWER TO THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY’
Newsweek, April 24, 2025 – As the American eagle and Chinese dragon clash over tariffs that burned more than $10 trillion in global wealth, some are declaring the death of globalization.But globalization isn’t dying—it’s just moving to the Middle East….
And as the Gulf pivots from oil wealth to international influence, its sovereign funds are moving to secure long-term returns.
Back in 2023, companies from the Gulf Cooperation Council announced 73 investment projects in Africa amounting to more than $53 billion. It was a promising start.

ARAB GULF – GCC:

Tariffs rattle gulf markets, but some economists see a silver lining

LOW GCC TARIFFS COULD DRAW MANUFACTURING
Jerusalem Post, April 23, 2025 – US President Donald Trump’s tariff announcement earlier this month sparked chaos in the global markets. Countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) were hit with a tariff of 10%, a relatively low rate that still caused a decline in Gulf stocks until President Trump announced the suspension of tariffs for 90 days.
As Gulf leaders spend the 90-day period negotiating better terms with the US, some analysts predict that the new era of global tariffs could be a boon for the GCC, drawing other countries to move their manufacturing bases to Gulf countries with relatively low tariffs. But others warn that global tariffs are driving down oil prices, fueling uncertainty, and strengthening the US dollar—all factors that could hurt Gulf economies.

NEW MERCANTILISM – ASEAN:

ASEAN should expand to counter Trump’s tariffs

ENLARGEMENT WOULD GIVE ASEAN INITIATIVE TO ASSERT ITSELF ON GLOBAL STAGE

DEEPEN ECONOMIC INTEGRATION WITHIN BLOC, COMMERCIAL LINKS WITH GCC, OTHERS
Taipei Times, April 20, 2025 – ASEAN chair, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, could still marshal the full power of the bloc to present a unified front and develop policy initiatives to help shield members from the economic disruption caused by Trump’s tariffs. This would be consistent with Anwar’s efforts as ASEAN chair to deepen economic integration within the bloc and forge closer commercial links with the Gulf Cooperation Council and other Asian economies….Here, ASEAN could take a page out of the EU’s playbook, despite not pursuing the same goal of an “ever closer union”; expansion as a way to enhance stability along its borders.

ASEAN MUST WORK FAST ON EU TRADE DEAL, SAYS ANWAR

IN LIGHT OF SWEEPING TARIFFS BY US
FMT (Malaysia), April 18, 2025 – Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says the European Union is looking to work fast on a free trade agreement with Asean in light of the sweeping tariffs announced by the US earlier this month.

NEW MERCANTILISM – GCC:

Revisiting Türkiye-GCC Economic Cooperation amid Trump 2.0

TüRKIYE, THE LARGEST NON-OIL ECONOMY IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Observer Research Foundation, April 20, 2025 – The economic relationship between Türkiye and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries has evolved significantly since the resolution of the Gulf crisis in 2021….  Moreover, the Trump 2.0 era may open new avenues for GCC-Türkiye relations by encouraging pragmatic economic partnerships, reducing reliance on traditional alliances, and fostering a climate where bilateral trade and investment become key priorities.
Türkiye, the largest non-oil economy in the Middle East, is well-positioned to play a significant role in the economic future of the region. Its strong manufacturing base, diversified economy, and strategic location in Europe and Asia provide it with a unique advantage. The Gulf countries, on the other hand, led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)—the largest Arab economy—are working on economic diversification initiatives aimed at reducing their dependence on oil. This common interest in growth and diversification should naturally drive stronger economic collaboration between the two sides.

Trump’s Tariff Gambit

DRIVING COUNTRIES TOWARD REGIONAL BLOCS

Counterpunch, April 17,  2025 – His focus will not be on structural reform or meaningful trade rebalancing but on political messaging, painting himself as the only one willing to confront the “China threat.” This approach, however, will only further destabilize the rules-based trading system that the United States helped build, driving more countries toward hedging strategies and regional blocs.

IMF chief: Countries must ‘make the best’ of new multipolar world

ACCELERATE REGIONALIZATION

AFP | France 24, April 17, 2025 – Countries have no choice but to “make the best” of the fragmentation of the global economy by boosting ties with regional and like-minded countries, the head of the International Monetary Fund said in an interview Thursday.
Yes, (it’s) much better for the world to get one system of rules, much better, and hopefully we will retain the basic principles of this common system for the future,” IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva told AFP.
“But we are in a multipolar world,” she said….
“And in this environment, it is likely to continue, maybe even accelerate, so we will see more bilateral and plurilateral agreements,” she said, pointing to places like southeast and central Asia, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

NEW MERCANTILISM:
EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION:

US Tariff to Speed Up Indonesia-Eurasia Trade Pact, Russia Says

Jakarta Globe, April 14, 2025 – Indonesia has been wanting to seal a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) as it searches for untapped export destinations. At the same time, Southeast Asia’s largest economy — like many countries around the world — is dealing with US President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs.
Trump exempts Russia from the tariff salvo as Western sanctions from the Russo-Ukraine war have stripped Moscow from having meaningful trade with Washington. The EAEU club brings together Russia and four post-Soviet states: Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Belarus.

A New Age of Empire? Trump, Trade Wars and Global Fragmentation

TRUMP’S TARIFFS RESHAPING WORLD INTO FRAGMENTED  BLOCS

The Wire, April 14, 2025 – Trump’s second term represents both the symptom and the cause of a structural crisis in global capitalism. His aggressive tariffs, retreat from multilateralism and oligarchic consolidation are reshaping the world economy into fragmented blocs, undermining the liberal global order.

NEW MERCANTILISM – ASEAN:

Singapore PM calls for zero tariffs in ASEAN to take on Trump’s trade duties: ‘We are better resourced’

‘STRONGER ECONOMIC INTEGRATION AMONG ASEAN COUNTRIES IS ESSENTIAL’

Hindustan Times, April 17, 2025 – Amid escalating Donald Trump tariff threats and rising trade tensions, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Wednesday said stronger economic integration among ASEAN countries is essential, emphasising the need to address tariff barriers and enhance trade cooperation within the region.
“We should aim for 100% tariff elimination across the region and boost intra-ASEAN trade. We should further reduce non-tariff barriers to make it easier for businesses to operate across ASEAN….”
Speaking at the S Rajaratnam Lecture, Wong also called for accelerating the development of the ASEAN Power Grid.

AFRICAN UNION:

Trump’s aid cuts and tariffs call for an ‘Africa First’ response

The Hill, April 16, 2025 – Seleman Yusuph Kitenge of African Union Development Agency-NEPAD argued forcefully for an “Africa First” policy in a recent op-ed, noting that too often governments in the region use foreign aid from the U.S. or elsewhere to prop up flagging government services rather than on permanent economic development….The shock of the American aid cut-off should force African leaders to focus on the untapped economic potential of the continent, which is home to a massive consumer market and potential workforce….An “Africa First” policy could especially benefit Ethiopia, which has struggled throughout its modern history under the yoke of Western colonialism…

AFRICAN OFFICIALS URGE CONCERTED EFFORTS TO FOSTER  CONTINENTAL DEVELOPMENT AMID GLOBAL UNCERTAINTIES

AU COMMISSION CHAIR: STRENGTHEN AU INSTITUTIONS TO SPEED AFRICA’S INTEGRATION
Xinhua (China), April 17, 2025 – This came as African foreign ministers, the African Union (AU) Commission leadership, and officials of various AU organs convened the 24th Extraordinary Session of the AU Executive Council Tuesday at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.
Addressing the opening session, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf…. called for the strengthening of the AU and its institutions to speed up Africa’s integration and development.

ANTALYA DIPLOMACY FORUM 2025:

Takeaways from Antalya: Diplomacy is the way out of a fragmented world

LAVROV: ‘THERE IS NO WORLD ECONOMIC GLOBALISATION ANYMORE’

‘DEEPER STRATEGIC COOPERATION’ WITH CHINA, INDIA, REGIONAL BLOCS
TRT Global (Türkiye), April 17, 2025 – ….No less forceful was the intervention of Russia’s foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov….Lavrov said that “there is no world economic globalisation anymore,” blaming not Donald Trump but Joe Biden for “destroying” the global financial system through sanctions….
Lavrov’s sharper comments were reserved for the Global South. “The new world order will only be possible if these geographies recover,” he said, referencing Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
His remarks were a reference to deeper strategic cooperation with emerging powers such as China and India, as well as with blocs like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, ASEAN, and the Eurasian Economic Union, among others.

PACIFIC ISLANDS – PIF:

A united Pacific can navigate a rapidly evolving global landscape, says PIF chair

REVIEW OF REGIONAL ARCHITECTURE TO STRENGTHEN ‘DEEPER REGIONALISM IN THE PACIFIC’

Matangi Tonga, April 15, 2025 – Hon. Dr ‘Aisake Eke is the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum. He said,”….The global and regional development landscape is evolving very fast, and the only way we can navigate this successfully is if we stay united as a region.”
The Forum Chair added, “The Review of the Regional Architecture comes at a timely juncture and gives us the opportunity to reflect on Pacific Regionalism and what we need to do to strengthen and realise deeper regionalism in the Pacific. This too will shape how we refine our regional architecture to drive the achievement of our 2050 vision.”

ARAB GULF – GCC:

Navigating the chaos: How GCC’s trade war survival plan could take shape

‘DEEPER REGIONAL INTEGRATION WILL BE ESSENTIAL’

Arab News, April 11, 2025 – The Gulf bloc must fast-track diversification, strengthen regional integration and deepen global ties in Asia, Africa and Latin America to cushion against the long-term impact of newly imposed US tariffs, a top risk strategist has told Arab News.
“Strategic patience, economic flexibility and deeper regional integration will be essential to navigating what lies ahead,” [Mohammad Fheili] said.
“A more connected and cooperative Gulf economic bloc could serve as a buffer against global headwinds,” said Fheili, adding: “The time is ripe to turn the GCC from a strategic alliance into a true economic force.”

SE ASIA – ASEAN:

Asean chief urges ‘boldly’ integrating region’s economies amid US tariff worries

SEEKS ‘URGENT AND COLLECTIVE ACTION’ TO ACCELERATE REGIONAL ECONOMIC INTEGRATION

Inquirer.net (Philippines), April 10, 2025 – Asean must “act boldly” to accelerate regional economic integration as sweeping US tariffs leave much of the world caught in the middle of a devastating trade war, the bloc’s chief said Wednesday.
The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which count on the United States as their main export market, were among those slapped with the toughest levies by President Donald Trump.
“Without urgent and collective action to accelerate intra-Asean economic integration and diversify our markets and partnerships, we risk ceding our place in a fractured and fast-evolving global economy,” Kao said.
ASEAN, UK SENIOR OFFICIALS REVIEW RELATIONS AND DISCUSS FUTURE PLANS
Association of Southeast Asian Nations, April 10, 2025 – ASEAN and the UK committed to enhancing collaboration on economic integration, digital economy, artificial intelligence, science, technology and innovation, financial services, green finance, supply chain resilience, energy transition, business-to-business partnerships and women economic empowerment.
NO ‘RETALIATORY MEASURES’ AGAINST US: ASEAN ECONOMIC MINISTERS
Jakarta Post, April 10, 2025

Beyond tariffs: The new era of managed trade

REGIONAL TRADE BLOCS ARE STRENGTHENING

Philstar Global (Philippines), April 8, 2025 – Instead of broad multilateral trade frameworks involving many countries, there seems to be a shift toward country-specific trade terms. This, in turn, appears to be encouraging regionalization over globalization – regional trade blocs are strengthening as global integration faces headwinds.

Tariffs: ‘Three Goals That Trump Wants To Achieve’

‘MIGHT INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATE REGIONALIZATION … DIVISION OF WORLD INTO COLLECTION OF TRADE BLOCS’

COULD STILL IMPLEMENT ‘FORTRESS AMERICA’ POLICY
Pressenza International Press Agency, April 3, 2025 – Trump’s decision to tariff the entire world to varying extents as revenge for their tariffs against the US has shaken the global economy to its core. Instead of restoring free and fair trade like he claims to want, which would give American companies an advantage, he might inadvertently accelerate regionalization trends and the subsequent division of the world into a collection of trade blocs.
Even if Trump’s global trade war unintentionally turbocharges regionalization trends and the subsequent division of the world into a collection of trade blocs instead of serving as the unprecedented power play that he expects, the US could still take advantage of this to implement its “Fortress America” policy.

EUROPEAN UNION, MERCOSUR:

Trump tariffs chaos may change EU thinking on Mercosur trade deal

Irish Times, April 10, 2025 – In the search for new friends to trade with, the European Commission first turned to South America, where it hopes to finally get a long-stalled deal over the line.
The proposed trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur bloc of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay has been a source of controversy.
TRUMP PUSHES FRANCE TO REASSESS TRADE ALTERNATIVES – EVEN THE MERCOSUR DEAL?
Politico, April 8, 2025 – As Donald Trump launches a full-scale trade war, France wants to replace the United States with other trade partners. Does that mean Paris is ready to accept a massive trade deal between the European Union and South America it has excoriated for years?

EU Says a Trade Deal With Mercosur is a ‘Massive Opportunity’ Given U.S. Tariffs

US News and World Report, April 4, 2025 – Striking a trade deal with Latin America’s Mercosur bloc would be a “massive opportunity” for the European Union given uncertainties triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to introduce a new round of tariffs, an EU spokesperson said on Friday….
Despite previous reservations, France held a meeting with 10 EU countries to discuss a possible trade deal with Latin America’s Mercosur bloc on Thursday, signalling a will to diversify trade partnerships.

MEP: Trump, Putin ‘the new founding fathers of the European Union’

Euronews video: “Brussels, My Love?” – April 5, 2025:

ELON’S GLOBALIST ADVICE:
OPEN CONTINENTAL BORDERS?

Musk says he wants a free-trade zone between Europe and North America

‘FREEDOM OF PEOPLE TO MOVE BETWEEN EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA’

‘THAT HAS CERTAINLY BEEN MY ADVICE TO THE PRESIDENT’
AFP News Agency, April 6, 2025 – “I hope it is agreed that both Europe and the United States should move, ideally, in my view, to a zero-tariff situation, effectively creating a free trade zone between Europe and North America. And that’s what I hope occurs.
“And also, more freedom of people to move between Europe and North America, if they wish. If they wish to work in Europe or wish to work in America, they should be allowed to do so, in my view.”

SOUTH ASIA – BIMSTEC:

At BIMSTEC’s Bangkok Summit, Leaders Pledge Economic Integration Amid Global Flux

INDIA SHIFTING FOCUS AWAY FROM SAARC TO BIMSTEC
The Diplomat, April 7, 2025 – On April 4-5, leaders of the BIMSTEC countries — Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand — gathered in Bangkok for the grouping’s sixth summit….
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his part, put forward more than 20 initiatives to cement and speed up BIMSTEC cooperation….
India’s sharpened focus on BIMSTEC comes after decades of trying to make a success of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC)….
HOW PM MODI IS REWRITING SOUTH ASIA’S REGIONAL DIPLOMACY THROUGH BIMSTEC
IndiaTV News, April 4, 2025 – In a notable diplomatic move in May 2019, PM Modi invited all BIMSTEC leaders to his second swearing-in ceremony, a clear signal of India’s shift from the largely defunct SAARC forum towards a more functional and cooperative BIMSTEC framework. The invitation was widely viewed as a response to the persistent tensions with Pakistan, which is not a member of BIMSTEC.

Opinion: We Are One Step Closer to Fortress North America

Canada, Mexico to think more about North America over EU Asia, South America

REGULATORY ALIGNMENT, STRONGER BORDER, PARALLEL TARIFF STRATEGIES
Farm Journal AgWeb, April 4, 2025 – Fortress North America is a concept where Canada and Mexico are more entrenched with the United States than they have ever been. It involves deeply integrated supply chains, shared trade and security interests, regional self-reliance on critical commodities and goods, and mutually aligned trade protections versus economic foes.
Whether it is regulatory alignment, stronger border enforcement, or parallel tariff strategies, Canada and Mexico are going to be pushed to think more about North America over the European Union, Asia, or South America over the next four years, and possibly beyond….
This may be the first you have heard this “Fortress North America” term, but it has been around for a while. For many of you, tying Canada into a deeper U.S. relationship fresh off of the 51st state threats seems counterintuitive, but the numbers speak for themselves….In a multipolar world, Canada cannot ride the fence and will be forced, due to its American adjacency to choose its economic partner.

AFRICAN UNION – AfCFTA:

America’s 10% Tariff: Africa’s Golden Opportunity

U.S. RISKS PUSHING ITS TRADE PARTNERS TOWARD RIVAL ECONOMIC BLOCS
Joy Online (Ghana), April 5, 2025 – Africa has a unique opportunity to strengthen its economic integration through the AfCFTA [African Continental Free Trade Area]. Launched in 2021, AfCFTA is the largest free trade area by the number of participating countries, aiming to boost intra-African trade, industrialization, and economic self-sufficiency….
As the U.S. turns inward, the AfCFTA can step up to fill the void, integrate Africa’s economies, and position the continent as the next global manufacturing and trade hub.

silience; financial services; digital transformation; e-commerce, artifical intelligence, and financial technology.

See older article links, summaries in NEWS ARCHIVE

VIDEO: GLOBAL SHAKEDOWN (2015)
The world’s developing and projected regional blocs. (Excerpt @ 20:15 of 27:33)