Latest news with #trade negotiations
Free Malaysia Today
18 hours ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
China's shares extend gains on ample liquidity, trade optimism
Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng index traded 0.19% higher.(AP pic) HONG KONG : China stocks inched higher today, extending gains after a decade-high close in the previous session, supported by ample liquidity and sustained optimism over US-China trade negotiations. Hong Kong stocks also posted modest gains. At the midday break, the Shanghai Composite index was up 0.3% at 3,739.26 points, hovering around the highest intraday level since August 2015. China's blue-chip CSI300 index was up 0.13%. Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng index traded 0.19% higher. Analysts said market optimism, underpinned by the extension of the US-China trade truce and expectations of a weaker dollar, has driven increased inflows. Last week, the US and China extended a tariff truce for another 90 days, staving off triple-digit duties on each other's goods as US retailers get ready to ramp up inventories ahead of the critical end-of-year holiday season. 'We believe that the recent breakout in A-shares and in the HK market in July-August likely stems primarily from abundant liquidity and rising leverage,' Shujin Chen, China economist at Jefferies, said in a note. 'Local retail investors, as well as passive foreign funds have been increasing allocation to China and Hong Kong stocks,' she added. By sector, rare-earths and liquor stocks led gains in mainland A-shares, rising 2.8 and 2.6%, respectively. Property stocks outperformed in Hong Kong, with mainland developers listed in Hong Kong climbing 1.2%, after Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for forceful measures to stop losses in the property sector. 'With Hong Kong shares rising over 25% this year, there has been 'mild profit-taking/position-squaring' in the market,' said Charu Chanana, chief investment strategist at Saxo. She expects onshore A-shares continue to find near-term support from policy and liquidity, but noted that the next leg up needs broader earnings follow-through beyond state-owned firms, especially given the softer macro. The smaller Shenzhen index was up 0.45%, the start-up board ChiNext Composite index climbed 0.39% and Shanghai's tech-focused STAR50 index was unchanged.
Mail & Guardian
20 hours ago
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Robust SA agricultural exports to US in second quarter of 2025
South Africa needs to maintain and secure other markets, in addition to negotiating lower tariffs with the US. Photo: Supplied I was pleasantly surprised to see that agricultural exports to the US were quite strong in the second quarter of 2025 exports data for South Africa. But we must not be complacent in our discussions with the US and start to believe the risk for the year has been averted. The goal of ensuring better access to the US market remains critical, especially for agriculture (and the vehicle industry). The data shows that South Africa's agricultural exports to the US in the second quarter of 2025 amounted to $161 million, up 26% from the same period in 2024. This is not a matter of base effects, but a better performance. And remember, this comes after another exciting quarter at the start of the year, when South Africa's agricultural exports to the US in the first quarter of 2025 were at $118 million, up 19% year-on-year. In the second quarter, the impressive jump in agricultural exports to the US could be because some exporters pushed large volumes to take advantage of the 90-day pause of Donald Trump's 'liberation tariffs'. But another factor that partly explains this improvement so far this year is that South Africa generally has an ample fruit harvest and a decent wine harvest of excellent quality. The products that continue to dominate South Africa's agricultural exports to the US are citrus, fruit juices, wine, nuts, apricots, apples, pears and grapes. We were also lucky this year because the ports have been operating quite efficiently, enabling the exporters to take advantage of the tariff pause window. The $161 million of South Africa's agricultural exports to the US account for 4% of the overall agricultural exports to the world market, which was at $3.71 billion (up 10% year-on-year). The strong exports to the US also continue to illustrate the importance of that market to the various industries of South Africa's agriculture. Therefore, securing better tariff levels will be beneficial to the likes of citrus, nuts, ostrich products, table grapes and wine industries, among others. Beyond the US agricultural trade matters, we must focus on export diversification, and the starting point must be lower tariffs and simplified phytosanitary regulations in the Brics countries, specifically China, India, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. We generally need greater access to the Middle East and Asian markets. As all the export expansion efforts continue, the one aspect that we should not neglect is maintaining warm relations with the existing export markets in the European Union, broader Africa, the Middle-East, Asia and the Americas. South Africa's agricultural sector is export-oriented, and securing better access to various export markets, while ensuring the maintenance of the existing markets, should remain top of mind for the policy makers and the industry stakeholders. When we think of the medium to long-term growth of South Africa's agricultural sector, we typically flag the possibilities of expansion, area planting and livestock farming, among other activities. Any success in such expansion will require an export focus, as the domestic market lacks sufficient capacity to absorb our products at a profitable level for farmers. So far, what remains uplifting, at least for now, is that the agricultural exports to the US market remain robust. The coming quarters' performance will depend on whether South Africa achieves better security and tariff levels than the current 30%, which is far above our competitors, such as Chile and Peru. Wandile Sihlobo is the chief economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz).
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
US-China tariff truce eases pressure on UAE economy
With Washington and Beijing agreeing to extend trade negotiations until November 10, avoiding immediate tariff escalation, global markets are breathing a sigh of relief, and the UAE stands among the key beneficiaries, analysts say. The decision by the US and China to keep talks alive has tempered volatility in tech exports and the oil market, both of which are integral to the UAE's trade-linked economy. Lower external trade tension, coupled with contained UAE inflation at 2.4 per cent as of June 2025, is now paving the way for a potential 25 basis-point interest rate cut in September, in line with US Federal Reserve expectations. Market watchers believe such a move could provide a fresh boost to domestic growth momentum, especially in real estate and equities, two sectors already riding strong uptrends. The UAE MSCI index is trading above 20 and near decade highs, while the real estate sector maintains its safe-haven appeal, with the average transaction value hitting Dh2.7 million in the first half of 2025. Razan Hilal, market analyst, CMT at said: 'The UAE economy is in a particularly favourable position right now, benefiting from easing trade tensions, stable inflation, and the likelihood of a rate cut. These factors together could sustain bullish sentiment in equities and keep property market demand robust. Even if the global trade environment takes a negative turn, the UAE's diversified partnerships, particularly its strong bilateral ties with China, give it a unique resilience in weathering short-term shocks.' While the current trade truce provides breathing space, a breakdown in talks could quickly reignite market jitters. However, the UAE's diversified economic base, expanding non-oil sectors, and strategic positioning as a global trade hub offer buffers against such turbulence. In this context, Hilal further comments: 'In case of renewed tariff pressure, supply chain adaptability and strong Asia-GCC trade links could be key stabilizing forces. For now, the UAE's economic outlook remains constructively bullish, with monetary policy, sectoral momentum, and global trade diplomacy aligning in its favour.'
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
US team not coming to India for next round of trade negotiations: Govt sources
New Delhi: The US team is not coming to India for the next round of bilateral trade negotiations, according to government sources. The team was scheduled to arrive on August 25 for the sixth round of negotiations. "US Trade team not coming to India for the next round of trade negotiations. The US team was scheduled to visit India on 25th August for the 6th round of negotiations," government sources told ANI. Five rounds of negotiations have already been held, with the last round taking place from July 14-18, 2025, in Washington DC. India and the US are discussing tariff concessions and market access in key sectors, aiming to finalise an interim deal. The talks cover various areas, including market access, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS), Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), digital trade, customs, and trade facilitation. Officials from both sides have engaged in in-depth talks, making progress towards crafting a balanced agreement with early wins. On whether the US team is coming for negotiations scheduled in the last week of August, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said, "Closer to the date, which is the end of the last week of August, we will be able to know how that round will be progressing." Commenting on US BTA negotiations, he said, "Our Bilateral Trade talks negotiations with the United States are going on. We are engaged. Bilateral deliberations are happening at different levels. One is at the negotiating team's level. Another one happens at the minister's level. Third, happens at the diplomatic level, and we also engage with different industries of the US, companies and everybody to look into their issues. So this negotiation is happening across various channels." "These negotiations are happening and we are engaged. The US is a very important partner for us. For the US, India is also an important partner," he added. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington, DC, a Joint Statement was issued setting the goal to expand bilateral trade to USD 500 billion by 2030, and to pursue a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) toward that end. Both countries aim to conclude the first tranche of the BTA by fall 2025. India and the US have set a target to double their trade to USD 500 billion by 2030. India is seeking improved market access for its goods and services, while the US is pushing for greater market access in key sectors. Addressing concerns over the impact of US tariffs on Indian exports earlier, a senior government official said that the government is closely monitoring the sectors most exposed to the US market and is working with key stakeholders to assess vulnerabilities. "We are in touch with the stakeholders. We understand which sectors are more exposed to us, and our commodity divisions are in discussions with various EPCs. The Minister has also taken meetings with the EPCs, particularly with those sectors which are labour-intensive. I have also taken a meeting with our officials, who are talking to the EPCs, trying to understand their exposure to the US," the official said. Highlighting the varying levels of export dependence, the official explained, "There are other companies which are more diversified, which are not only exporting to the US, but also exporting to the EU, exporting to the UK, exporting to other countries. Now, companies are also involved in standardising their exports; they may face some challenges that they are identifying, but they are also looking at other possibilities for diversification. And therefore, you know, our focus on this diversification and this export promotion mission is very, very important." US President Donald Trump has said there will be no trade negotiations with India until a dispute over tariffs is resolved, following his administration's decision to double tariffs on Indian imports. When pressed by ANI at the Oval Office, whether he expected talks to resume in light of the new 50 per cent tariff. "No, not until we get it resolved," he replied. The White House on Wednesday issued an Executive Order imposing an additional 25 percentage points in tariffs on Indian goods, raising the total levy to 50 per cent. The administration cited national security and foreign policy concerns, pointing specifically to India's ongoing imports of Russian oil. The order claims that these imports, whether direct or via intermediaries, present an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to the United States and justify emergency economic measures. In early August, the US imposed a 25 per cent tariff on most Indian goods, effective August 7, with exemptions for pharmaceuticals, electronics, semiconductors, and energy products. But US President Donald Trump further imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on India, making the total imposition at 50 per cent. According to US officials, the initial 25% tariff came into effect on 7 August. The additional levy will take effect in 21 days and apply to all Indian goods entering US ports -- with exceptions for items already in transit and certain exempt categories. The order also provides flexibility for the president to modify the measures, depending on changing geopolitical circumstances or retaliatory actions by India or other nations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded defiantly during a speech at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi, signalling that New Delhi would not back down in the face of economic pressure. "For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority," PM Modi said. "India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. I know we will have to pay a heavy price for it, and I am ready for it. India is ready for it."
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Why TMC The Metals Company Stock Sank 10% Last Month and Has Kept Falling in August
Key Points TMC stock lost ground in July as the U.S. made some significant concessions in order to advance trade negotiations with China. Striking a deal for access to Chinese rare earth minerals is at the heart of the U.S.'s aims in trade negotiations, and this raises questions for TMC. A trade deal between the U.S. and China could soften TMC's growth trajectory, but the company still has big opportunities in domestic mineral sourcing. 10 stocks we like better than TMC The Metals Company › TMC The Metals Company (NASDAQ: TMC) stock got hit with a significant pullback in July's trading. The company's share price slumped 10% in a month of trading that saw the S&P 500 index rise 2.2% and the Nasdaq Composite index jump 3.7%. While the broader market rose in relation to developments that suggested that the U.S. and China could be moving closer to a trade deal that would lower tariffs and resolve other key issues, TMC stock saw a pullback as a result of the news. On the other hand, recent pullbacks for its share price come on the heels of a massive valuation run-up for the company this year. TMC stock lost ground amid U.S.-China trade developments Last month, the Trump administration announced that it was lifting licensing requirements and export restrictions that effectively prohibited high-end artificial intelligence (AI) chips from Nvidia and AMD from being sold to the Chinese market. Export restrictions and licensing requirements on semiconductor manufacturing equipment are also being lifted. The big shift on key tech exports to China represented a concession from President Donald Trump in order to increase the likelihood of getting serious negotiations for a trade deal initiated in the not-too-distant future. While the Trump administration has seemingly been willing to cede some key ground when it comes to some of the U.S.'s competitive advantages in AI, it's hoping that the move will help secure longer-term access to China's rare earth mineral supply. Adversarial relations between the U.S. and China have increased the strategic importance of domestic mineral sourcing operations and paved the way for TMC stock to see huge gains this year. With some recent steps toward trade negotiations between the U.S. and China, TMC's big rally has taken a bit of a breather. TMC's share price has continued to slide in August As of this writing, TMC stock is down roughly 10% in August's trading. While there haven't been any major, negative business-specific catalysts for the company, investors have continued to take profits and reduce exposure to the stock in light of uncertain trade dynamics. Despite some recent sell-offs, the company's share price is still up roughly 378% year to date as of this writing. TMC now has a market capitalization of roughly $1.9 billion and is still in a pre-revenue state. While the company will still need to secure key permitting and other regulatory approvals in order to kick off its commercial seabed mining operations, there seems to be a good chance that increased government support for domestic rare earth mining projects will help facilitate TMC's operational launch and scaling. Betting on that outcome is still a risky proposition, but an executive order signed by President Trump to expedite the review of permitting applications for seabed-mining bodes well for the company. While a trade deal with China could help alleviate near-term concerns about rare earth mineral sourcing, increasing domestic production capabilities will likely continue to be a priority along economic and national security lines. Should you buy stock in TMC The Metals Company right now? Before you buy stock in TMC The Metals Company, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and TMC The Metals Company wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $653,427!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,119,863!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 1,060% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 182% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of August 11, 2025 Keith Noonan has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Why TMC The Metals Company Stock Sank 10% Last Month and Has Kept Falling in August was originally published by The Motley Fool Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Melden Sie sich an, um Ihr Portfolio aufzurufen. Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten
