Matein Khalid The last time the U.S. Dollar Index plummeted 9% in the first four months of a year was way back in 1973, when Richard Nixon sat in the White House on the eve of Watergate, the October War in the Sinai/Gulan, the Arab oil boycott and a savage 40% bear market in U.S. equities. Last week provided a respite from the tsunami of greenback selling […]
Dr Imran Khalid President Donald Trump’s erratic dance with tariffs continues to confound not just global markets but even his own team. On April 22, in a move that underscored the White House’s habitual policy incoherence, Trump declared that the “very high” tariffs on Chinese goods would soon be “substantially reduced.” This comes after days of raising them dramatically at the start of the month, then selectively exempting key electronics sectors – moves that reflect both strategic […]
A sharp decline in container traffic from China to the United States has emerged, as the latest round of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration triggers significant shifts in global trade flows. Shipping data and industry reports indicate a substantial drop in U.S. imports from China, with container bookings falling by approximately one-third since early April, according to Hapag-Lloyd, the world’s fifth-largest container-ship operator. The downturn follows […]
Investing isn’t what it used to be, and that’s a good thing. Gone are the days when access to high-value assets, such as real estate, fine art, or company shares, was reserved for the wealthy few. Tokenization is a groundbreaking concept that’s opening doors for a much wider pool of investors. At its core, tokenization means converting rights to an asset into digital tokens stored securely on […]
Apple Inc. is set to shift the assembly of all iPhones destined for the US market to India by the end of 2026, marking a significant departure from its longstanding reliance on Chinese manufacturing. This strategic move aims to mitigate risks associated with escalating tariffs and geopolitical tensions between Washington and Beijing.
The United States, accounting for 28% of Apple’s global iPhone shipments in 2024, remains the company’s largest market. The decision to relocate production is driven by the financial impact of steep tariffs on Chinese-manufactured goods, which have reached up to 145%. These levies have prompted Apple to seek alternative manufacturing hubs to safeguard its supply chain and maintain profitability.
India has emerged as a pivotal player in Apple’s diversification strategy. The company plans to double its iPhone production in the country, leveraging the capabilities of its key manufacturing partners, Foxconn and Tata Electronics. Foxconn, Apple’s largest supplier, currently assembles approximately 67% of iPhones produced in India. Tata Electronics, following its acquisition of Wistron’s manufacturing unit, has significantly ramped up its production capacity.
The Indian government’s Production-Linked Incentive scheme has been instrumental in attracting Apple’s investment. This initiative offers financial incentives to companies that boost domestic manufacturing and exports. As a result, Apple’s iPhone production in India reached $14 billion in fiscal year 2024, with exports exceeding $10 billion. Between April and October 2024 alone, production hit $10 billion, with $7 billion worth of iPhones exported.
This expansion has also contributed to job creation, with Apple generating approximately 175,000 direct jobs in India over the past four years. Notably, over 72% of these positions are held by women, reflecting the company’s commitment to inclusive employment practices.
Apple’s shift to India is part of a broader trend among multinational corporations seeking to diversify their manufacturing bases. The move underscores India’s growing prominence as a global manufacturing hub, particularly for high-value electronics. Analysts project that India could account for up to 25% of global iPhone production by 2025, a significant increase from the current 14%.
Despite this transition, Apple continues to rely on Chinese-made components for iPhone assembly, highlighting the complexity of its supply chain. The company is working to develop a more self-reliant manufacturing ecosystem in India, but this process will take time.
Walmart China has introduced a programme aimed at assisting Chinese exporters in enhancing their domestic sales, aligning with Beijing’s efforts to mitigate the impact of escalating US tariffs. The initiative seeks to integrate these exporters into Walmart’s supply chain, simplifying the approval process and facilitating easier access to the domestic market. This move comes as Chinese exporters face challenges due to a 145% tariff hike from the US, prompting the Chinese government to encourage local businesses to pivot towards domestic sales.
Despite government encouragement, many Chinese exporters remain hesitant to redirect their goods to the domestic market. Factory owners cite lower profits, weak demand, aggressive price competition, delayed payments, and high return rates as significant deterrents. Efforts by China’s commerce ministry, including organizing local matchmaking events and issuing support through firms like JD.com and Meituan, have been met with skepticism by small and medium-sized enterprises. These businesses argue that the proposed support falls short of addressing structural challenges, emphasizing the need for fiscal stimulus, rising consumer incomes, and stronger social safety nets to boost domestic consumption.
Walmart’s initiative also includes expanding its e-commerce platform, Walmart Marketplace, within China. The company has established offices in 11 cities nationwide, including Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Hangzhou, offering support in product selection, operational guidance, and both online and offline training to help international sellers grow their businesses on the platform. Additionally, Walmart unveiled its 2025 new seller incentive programme, offering up to $75,000 in incentives, with benefits such as preferential logistics services.
However, Walmart’s efforts to mitigate the impact of US tariffs have not been without controversy. The company has faced pushback from Chinese suppliers after requesting significant price reductions to offset the cost of tariffs. Some suppliers, including producers of kitchenware and clothing, have been asked to lower their prices by as much as 10% per round of tariffs, essentially shouldering the full cost of the duties. This approach has led to tensions with Chinese authorities, who have summoned Walmart executives for discussions. State broadcaster CCTV’s official social media account criticized Walmart’s demands, stating that they “may violate commercial contracts” and warning that “the consequences for the company will go beyond just a discussion” if it continues to press for discounts.
Reflecting the vibrancy of Hong Kong’s cultural identity and reinforcing its standing as a premier destination for global events A significant 55% of respondents were aware of the Super March campaign, with social media serving as the primary source of information 72% of respondents believe the “Super March” campaign will invigorate the city’s economy The successful execution of these events demonstrates Hong Kong’s capacity to host mega […]
By Satyaki Chakraborty Vietnam has shown how a well calibrated trade diplomacy can be conducted in the year 2025 amidst the ongoing tariff war between the two biggest economic and military powers of the world USA and China. Both countries are having best trade relations with this South East Asian nation which is a sort […]
Boeing has confirmed that Chinese airlines are refusing to accept deliveries of new aircraft due to escalating tariffs, marking a significant setback for the U.S. aerospace manufacturer amid intensifying trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. The company has begun redirecting completed jets to other global customers to mitigate the impact.
Three Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, originally intended for Xiamen Airlines and Air China, have been returned to the U.S. These aircraft were ferried to China just as tariffs were being announced and enforced, highlighting the sudden shift in trade dynamics.
China currently accounts for about 10% of Boeing’s commercial aircraft backlog. The company had scheduled around 50 deliveries to China for the remainder of the year but is now seeking to reassign 41 already-built or in-production jets. Boeing’s leadership has stated that production will not continue for customers unwilling to take delivery, underscoring the operational challenges posed by the trade dispute.
There are 36 Chinese-bound aircraft at various stages of completion in the U.S., and Boeing still has 130 unfilled orders from Chinese entities, including 96 for the 737 MAX. Chief Financial Officer Brian West emphasized that while this presents a short-term challenge, Boeing is prepared to re-market the aircraft, with other customers already expressing increased interest.
The trade tensions have led to China imposing a 125% tariff on U.S. goods in retaliation for the U.S. increasing tariffs on Chinese exports to 145%. This has significantly increased the cost of acquiring Boeing planes for Chinese carriers, making such purchases economically unfeasible.
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg expressed confidence that the ongoing U.S.-China trade war will not hinder the company’s financial recovery or aircraft delivery targets. Despite the challenges, Boeing has reported a narrowed loss of $31 million for the first quarter of 2025, down from $355 million a year earlier, indicating signs of recovery.
The company is seeking alternative buyers for up to 50 aircraft initially ordered by Chinese airlines. Production is already underway for 41 of these aircraft, with nine more planned for delivery in 2025. Ortberg noted inquiries from non-Chinese airlines, suggesting potential for reallocation.
By Nitya Chakraborty Chinese President Xi Jinping has won the first round in the protracted battle against Donald Trump over his declaration of tariff war against China. After waiting for long three weeks for a personal call from XI Jinping offering talks to discuss the proposed tariff hikes, Trump partially retreated on Tuesday when he […]Global markets have been jolted by the ongoing trade dispute between the United States and China, with far-reaching consequences on global economies. Amid this financial instability, India stands out as one of the countries managing the storm with resilience, both politically and economically. While several nations have seen their stock markets fluctuate and their economies face setbacks, India’s performance remains relatively stable, prompting analysts to look closer […]
LIVERPOOL, UK – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 April 2025 – Liverpool FC published its latest The Red Way report today, celebrating the club’s continued sustainability progress in building a better future for its people, planet and communities. Liverpool FC showcases its leadership in sustainability with latest The Red Way report The Red Way (TRW), which was launched in 2021, is the club’s award-winning sustainability strategy, and […]
New Benchmark for Luxury Living in Majan, Dubai A boutique mid-rise with 60 residences, Estrella blends innovation, luxury, and a thoughtfully serene environment. Nexus Developer has officially launched ‘Estrella by Nexus’, a boutique residential project in Majan, Dubai, that introduces a new model for luxury living in low-rise communities. With just 60 high-end residences, the development represents a shift toward more personalized, well-designed living spaces in Dubai’s […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 April 2025 – On Earth Day, Watsons, the flagship health and beauty brand of AS Watson, announces an expanded partnership with ClimatePartner to enhance its carbon compensation initiative. For every purchase of selected Watsons Sustainable Choice products, we aim to offset over 4,000 tons of CO2 emissions. Inspiring Customers to Choose Wisely, Live Sustainably To meet the growing […]
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 April 2025 – VinFast announces the milestone of delivering 400 VF 3 electric vehicles to Indonesian dealers and customers in just two months after its launch. This milestone not only affirms VinFast’s superior production capacity and process optimization capabilities but also demonstrates the strong appeal of the VinFast VF 3 to consumers in Indonesia and the wider region. Just […]
The United Arab Emirates is making significant strides toward securing access to advanced semiconductors from the United States, following its commitment to invest $1.4 trillion in the American economy over the next decade. This investment aims to bolster the UAE’s position in the global artificial intelligence landscape and reduce its reliance on oil revenues.
Peng Xiao, CEO of G42, the UAE’s leading AI firm, stated that the country is making “very good and tangible progress” in obtaining advanced semiconductors from the U.S. This development comes after the UAE pledged substantial investments in U.S. sectors, including AI infrastructure, semiconductors, energy, and manufacturing.
The UAE’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance its technological capabilities and establish itself as a global AI leader. The country has been working closely with U.S. tech giants, such as Microsoft and Nvidia, to develop AI infrastructure and applications. Notably, G42 has partnered with Nvidia to build on the U.S. firm’s Earth-2 platform, focusing on high-resolution climate and weather simulations.
In addition to these collaborations, the UAE has taken steps to address U.S. concerns regarding the security of advanced technologies. G42 has distanced itself from Chinese companies, ceasing business with entities on the U.S. export controls list and removing Huawei technology from its data centers. Peng Xiao emphasized that the UAE can “guarantee the safety and the security” of U.S.-made chips when deployed and used within the country.
The U.S. has responded positively to these measures, approving the export of advanced AI chips to a Microsoft-operated facility in the UAE for use by G42. This approval, which had been delayed due to concerns about technology leakage to China, comes with conditions to ensure the security of the chips. Microsoft must restrict facility access to personnel from countries under U.S. arms embargoes or listed on the Bureau of Industry and Security Entity List.
Safe, Tasty, Premium, Nutritious, and Ethical — Experience New Zealand’s Treasured Flavours at Cold Storage & CS Fresh SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 April 2025 – From 17 April to 7 May, Singapore’s food lovers can journey through New Zealand’s magnificent landscapes featuring a wide range of safe, tasty, nutritious, ethical and premium quality food and beverage products through the “Discover a Taste of New […]
By Nitya Chakraborty Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser to the interim government Dr. Muhammad Yunus is presently in the midst of his diplomatic triumph by successfully outreaching to the major countries of the world including the two super powers. After having a major success in getting all the support from the Chinese President Xi Jinping during his […]Matein Khalid Thank God my macro instinct flashed a “get out” SOS in late February and I dumped King Dollar for Bonnie King Charlie’s British pound before New Year late last year and thus averted fate worse than death/Matty miskeen. My macro guardian angel now whispers a few subliminal ideas. One, Chinese factories shed 20 million workers last week and hiring is down 30%. So the youth […]
A surge of Chinese TikTok influencers is promoting ‘factory direct’ luxury products to American consumers, claiming these items are identical to high-end brands but available at significantly lower prices. These videos often showcase products resembling those from brands like Nike, Lululemon, and Adidas, suggesting they originate from the same factories as the originals. However, major brands have refuted these claims, emphasizing that their products are not sold […]
Dubai homes stay shut tight most of the year. Windows stay closed. ACs run non-stop. That’s how people stay cool in the heat. But this setup traps dust and allergens. Over time, the air inside your home gets worse than the air outside. That’s where AC duct cleaning comes in. And that’s why more Dubai residents are calling EcoClean. What’s in your air? Take a deep breath […]
Every investor, whether novice or seasoned, faces the timeless question: “Is now a good time to buy stocks?” The answer is rarely straightforward. It depends on a range of factors—macroeconomic trends, market valuations, investor sentiment, and personal financial goals. Today’s market environment, marked by uncertainty, mixed signals, and rapid shifts in momentum, makes this question more relevant—and more complicated—than ever. To evaluate whether it’s a good time […]
The United States is contemplating a significant escalation in its trade policy by considering tariff increases on Chinese imports, with rates potentially reaching up to 245%. This move underscores the intensifying economic rivalry between the two nations and reflects Washington’s growing concern over China’s trade practices and their impact on American industries. The proposed tariffs aim to address what U.S. officials describe as China’s unfair trade practices, […]
Global capital turned its back on ESG last year. But that shift, we believe, is temporary and mistaken. ESG investing should and will return to favour, not just because it’s aligned with the challenges and priorities of our time, but because it remains one of the most rational long-term strategies for investors and economies alike. The numbers from 2024 were stark. Global sustainable fund inflows halved. In […]
