International Trade Bulletin — May 25, 2025

On May 25, 2025, global trade continued to shift in response to geopolitical tensions and economic opportunities:

1. U.S.–EU Tariff Standoff Deepens

President Trump reconfirmed plans to impose a 50% tariff on all EU imports effective June 1, 2025, and threatened a 25% duty on iPhones should Apple fail to relocate production back to the United States. This move underscores rising protectionist measures and adds pressure to already strained transatlantic trade talks.

2. Beijing Hosts Global Trade & Investment Summit

The 2025 Global Trade and Investment Promotion Conference convened in Beijing on May 22. World leaders and industry officials gathered to outline strategies for sustainable growth, digital trade infrastructure, and enhanced cross-border cooperation in an increasingly interconnected marketplace.

3. Indonesia–China Trade Collaboration

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Chinese Premier Li Qiang met in Jakarta to discuss expanding bilateral trade and investment. Their talks focused on removing barriers, developing joint infrastructure projects, and strengthening supply-chain resilience amid broader international uncertainty.

4. Financial Markets React

The U.S. dollar weakened sharply, with the USD Index falling 1.97% to 99.10, ending a multi-week rally. Meanwhile, gold rallied as investors sought safe-haven assets against the backdrop of tariff anxieties and questions over U.S. Treasury yields.

5. Tinh Bien International Trade Fair Concludes

From May 19–25, the Tinh Bien International Trade Fair in An Giang Province attracted dozens of domestic and foreign exhibitors. The event showcased regional agricultural products, manufacturing technologies, and logistics solutions, cementing the fair’s role as a catalyst for Mekong-Delta economic integration.

Looking Ahead

As tariffs and trade dialogues evolve, businesses should monitor policy signals from Washington, Brussels, and Beijing. Strategic diversification of supply chains, digital adoption, and participation in regional trade forums will be key to navigating this dynamic environment.