To solve three conflicts simultaneously would be a daunting task for anyone, but it is especially for a man entirely new to diplomacy

• Europe live – latest updates
• Steve Witkoff: from property developer to global spotlight

Donald Trump’s version of Pax Americana, the idea that the US can through coercion impose order on the world, is facing its moment of truth in Ukraine, Gaza and Iran.

In the words of the former CIA director William Burns, it is in “one of those plastic moments” in international relations that come along maybe twice a century where the future could take many possible forms.

Continue reading…

The president aims to boost US manufacturing, but insiders warn tariffs will increase costs and destroy businesses

Across the US, many executives leading apparel and textiles businesses are scratching their heads.

Tariffs of 145% on goods from China, and tariffs of 10% on goods from much of the rest of the world, have been billed by the White House as a once-in-a-generation efffort to boost domestic manufacturing.

Continue reading…

Beijing will ‘strengthen bottom-line thinking’ as reports say it could drop tariffs on some US products

• Business live – latest updates

Xi Jinping has announced a plan to counter China’s continuing economic problems and the impact of the US trade war, as reports swirl that it could drop tariffs on some US products, including semiconductors.

Friday’s meeting of the politburo was convened to discuss China’s economic situation, which since the pandemic has faced difficulties fuelled by a housing sector crisis, youth unemployment, and Donald Trump’s tariffs on all Chinese exports.

Continue reading…