Weekly Brief

April 6, 2025

April 06, 2025

Welcome to the tut0ugh Weekly Brief. This past week, Trump’s sweeping tariffs stoke trade war fears, South Korea’s president removed from office, and France blocks Marine Le Pen from 2027 elections. Meanwhile, China circled Taiwan with military drills, Myanmar’s junta ‘pauses’ fighting after a quake, and the EU deepens Central Asia ties amid global shifts.

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Trump’s sweeping tariffs stoke fears of trade war and rattle markets

U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on Wednesday (Apr. 2), imposing a 10% baseline duty on all imports, with significantly higher rates for countries accused of “unfair trade practices.” The EU will face 20% tariffs, the UK 10%, and China a combined total of 54%. Other affected countries include Japan (24%), India (26%), Vietnam (46%), Cambodia (49%), and Lesotho (50%). For now, the White House said the latest changes would not change anything for Mexico and Canada, two of America's closest trading partners, due to those existing measures.

The move triggered global backlash. China responded with a 34% tariff on U.S. goods, restrictions on rare earth exports, a probe into DuPont’s China unit, and a lawsuit at the World Trade Organisation.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the move a “major blow” to the global economy. France’s Emmanuel Macron called the tariffs “brutal and unfounded,” urging suspension of future investments and investments announced in the last weeks until the situation with the U.S. is ‘clarified’. Japan and Australia also expressed strong disapproval, though Australia said it would not retaliate. Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, criticised the tariffs but added their impact should not be overestimated.

Global markets reacted sharply—stocks plummeted, and oil prices fell nearly 7% amid fears of a global economic downturn.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol removed from office

South Korea’s Constitutional Court upheld President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, officially removing him from office less than three years into his term. Yoon was ousted after his failed attempt to impose martial law in December 2024, which led to his suspension and arrest on insurrection charges. The court ruled unanimously that he violated democratic principles by deploying troops to storm parliament and ordering surveillance of political leaders.

Acting President Han Duck-soo will serve until a new election is held within 60 days. Yoon expressed regret but denied wrongdoing. His removal marks South Korea’s second presidential impeachment in under a decade amid rising political tensions and economic struggles.

French court bars Marine Le Pen from 2027 presidential race

A French court has barred National Rally leader Marine Le Pen from running in the 2027 presidential election after convicting her of embezzling over €4 million in EU funds. Le Pen, a leading figure and a front-runner in polls, received a five-year public office ban, a four-year prison sentence (two years suspended, two under home detention), and a €100,000 fine.

Le Pen's five-year public office ban cannot be suspended by appeal, though she retains her parliamentary seat until her term ends. Le Pen denied wrongdoing, calling the verdict politically motivated and vowing to appeal. The court cited her lack of remorse as a factor in the decision.

China conducts large-scale military drills around Taiwan

China launched extensive military and coastguard exercises around Taiwan on Tuesday (Apr. 1), escalating its efforts to assert control over the island. The People’s Liberation Army said naval, air, ground and missile forces were practising “seizing comprehensive control, strikes on sea and land targets and blockade operations”. The Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong approached within 24 nautical miles of Taiwan’s coast.

Taiwan’s military responded with a snap readiness drill as 71 Chinese aircraft and 13 warships operated nearby. Taiwan’s government warned that China’s increased military activity threatens regional stability, while Beijing framed the exercises as a warning against “Taiwan independence” forces.

Israel-Türkiye tensions rise over Syria; Gaza offensive widens as hostage talks stall

A growing confrontation between Israel and Türkiye over influence in Syria is posing a challenge for Syria's new government. On Wednesday (Apr. 2), Israel bombed Syrian military sites, including the Hama and T4 airbases. Israel’s foreign minister accused Türkiye of playing a “negative role” in Syria, while Türkiye condemned Israel for destabilising the region. Türkiye is reportedly negotiating a defence pact with Syria’s interim government and may deploy forces at key airbases.

Meanwhile, Israel is intensifying military operations in Gaza, establishing a new “Morag corridor” to isolate Rafah. Later in the week, Israeli forces expanded control in northern Gaza, particularly in Shejaia, while consolidating around Rafah in the south. The U.N. reports that 65% of Gaza is now under evacuation orders or inaccessible. Negotiations mediated by Egypt and Qatar have stalled. Israel says operations will continue until 59 hostages are returned; Hamas insists they will only be released under a deal that ends the war.

Myanmar’s junta announces temporary ceasefire to aid quake efforts

Myanmar’s military junta declared a temporary ceasefire until April 22 to support earthquake relief efforts, following calls for a truce by rebel groups. However, the UN reports over 60 military attacks since the quake, including at least 16 after the ceasefire was announced. The junta is also accused of restricting aid to areas not supportive of its rule.

The country remains in turmoil following the 2021 military coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian government. The ongoing conflict, marked by airstrikes and limited humanitarian access, has drawn international condemnation amid efforts to provide relief to quake-affected communities.

EU deepens Central Asia ties; India and UAE push energy plans in Sri Lanka

At the inaugural EU-Central Asia Summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, the EU announced a strategic partnership with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It pledged over €11 billion for projects in transport, critical raw materials, clean energy, and digital connectivity. The move supports the EU’s climate neutrality goals and reduces reliance on China, which dominates global supply chains for key minerals. Central Asia holds major reserves of resources like manganese, chromium, and titanium.

Meanwhile, India, the UAE, and Sri Lanka agreed to develop an energy hub in Trincomalee, enhancing India’s influence in the region. Additionally, India launched a $100 million solar project and concluded Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring. The two nations also signed a five-year defence cooperation agreement for the training of Sri Lankan military personnel in India as well as information and technology sharing.

Hungary to withdraw from ICC, citing political bias

Hungary will withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced, making it the only EU and NATO country besides the US and Türkiye to reject ICC membership. Orbán, who signed Hungary into the ICC in 2000, criticized the court as politically biased, citing its arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The announcement came during Netanyahu’s visit to Hungary, where Orbán reaffirmed support for Israel. The ICC issued the warrant over alleged war crimes, which Netanyahu denies. Hungary’s withdrawal will take at least a year to finalise.

EU and UK fine carmakers millions over recycling cartel

The EU and UK have fined major car manufacturers for anti-competitive practices related to car recycling. The European Commission imposed €458 million in fines on the Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) and 15 automakers, with Volkswagen receiving the largest penalty (€127 million).

The companies conspired from 2002 to 2017 to suppress competition by agreeing not to promote their recycling efforts, limiting consumer awareness and environmental pressure. In the UK, a separate investigation led to £77.7 million in fines for 10 automakers. Mercedes-Benz avoided penalties in both cases by reporting the cartel. Authorities stressed that such collusion harms consumer choice and environmental progress.