A week in crisis, Pyongyang opens up global marathon runners and this week spells the end of Scotland’s heatwave. This weeks World News Briefing is dominated by the fallout from Trump’s Tariff gamble. The US tariffs and trade wars launched by the Trump administration have signaled the end of globalisation.
It is hard to focus on anything else, but let’s not forget the events from the weekend, where Israel executed and buried Palestinian doctors and medics in a mass grave, which was exposed as a ‘mistake’ by the many but significantly by the BBC as well.
Israel also denied entry to a two British MPs because they proposed a ‘security risk’, one element being that neither were members of Labour Friends of Israel and furthermore one was Muslim.
World News Briefing: A week in crisis and the end of globalisation – April 7, 2025
The end of globalisation means it will be a return to the days where Opel traded as Vauxhall in the UK, because European manufactures have become incentivised by the lower tariffs in the UK to set up operations in the UK to circumvent the 20% tariffs on the EU, that can also be said for China.
Trump says the EU must buy $ 350B of US energy to get tariff relief. Now that Russian energy is blacklisted – it’s time for blackmail. The U.S. president said late Monday, dismissing Brussels’ offer of “zero-for-zero” tariffs on cars and industrial goods.
There is a certain level of optimism by the Starmer government; they were hit by the least amount of tariffs, especially compared to the EU. Perhaps, that invite from the King may have done trick. But this may have more to do with the fact that the UK quietly and efficiently signed a mineral deal with Ukraine in January 2025.
Minerals, minerals and rare earth minerals
When the UK signed a 100 year partnership with Ukraine in mid-January, they claimed to be Ukraine’s “preferred partner” in developing the country’s rare earth minerals. This deal commits a £12.8 billion package of support from the UK to Ukraine.
The European Union offered its own agreement on rare earth minerals to Ukraine in March 2025, just as U.S. President Donald Trump claimed Washington was close to inking a deal with Kyiv for the rights to its vast natural resources.
Ukraine holds huge deposits of critical elements and minerals, from lithium to titanium, which are vital to manufacturing modern technologies and highly coveted in the global race for resources. The resources are essential to manufacture batteries, radar systems and armor — key to the defense and tech industries — and would go some way to reducing U.S. reliance on Chinese minerals.
Ukraine is also the world’s 5th largest grain exporter, which is why this was one of the first quandaries the EU stabilised at the start of the war with the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which unblocked Ukrainian deep sea ports.
It also has vast coal reserves, as well as oil, gas and uranium, but much of this is in territories under Russian control. This is why President Trump is happy to concede that territory to Russia; he has proposed a different proposition which will bypass the UK’s agreement and any potential EU agreement for the resources.
Global Financial Markets React to New U.S. Tariffs
Asian and European financial markets experienced significant declines today in response to President Donald Trump’s announcement that he is not backing down on his tariffs on imports. The tariffs, described by Trump as “medicine” to correct trade imbalances, have raised concerns about potential inflation and global economic slowdown, But he has doubled down and said if China retaliates, ‘I’ll add another 50% on top of the current tariffs.
Major indices in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China saw sharp drops, prompting fears of a global recession.
Have you ever wondered why Wall Street and the London Stock Exchange aren’t up in arms? Well, in banking terms, this presents an opportunity for traders to profit, buy back stocks at lower rates and take advantage of the increase,s which inevitably will be on the horizon in summer.
Mixed Public Sentiment on Tariff Implementation
Public reactions to the new tariffs are divided. Critics warn that the tariffs could harm American consumers by increasing prices and may lead to trade retaliation from other countries. They question the potential effectiveness of the strategy, citing concerns over its impact on the U.S. economy.
Thousands of Americans came out in numbers to protest against Donald Trump and Elon Musk at rallies in all 50 US states. It was one of the biggest coordinated rallies in the United States.
Supporters argue that the tariffs are a necessary step to address long-standing trade imbalances and could revitalise domestic manufacturing. The question is, will these supporters be as loyal once the inflation hits their pockets in May?
Pyongyang Hosts First International Marathon in Six Years
Pyongyang held its first international marathon in approximately six years, attracting amateur runners from around 45 countries. The event marked a significant moment in North Korea’s recent history, drawing attention from global media and participants.
This demonstrates a shifting world order, where old enemies are not unanimously accepted on a global scale, encouraged by Trump’s America first policies.
Spring events add a new impetus to news features
The Times’ “News in Pictures” feature for April 7, 2025, presents a curated visual summary of significant global events. The Times has curated a selection of compelling photographs capturing significant events from around the world, including the London Landmarks Half Marathon, where runners passed iconic sites such as St. Paul’s Cathedral.
The feature provides a visual summary of key moments and stories, offering readers a glimpse into diverse global happenings.
The End of Scotland’s Spring Heatwave
Scotland’s unseasonably warm spring weather, with temperatures reaching up to 18°C (64°F), is expected to end by the Easter weekend. Forecasts predict April showers and strong winds, including downpours in cities like Glasgow and Aberdeen on Good Friday.
The dry conditions have already led to wildfires across the country, prompting evacuations and emergency responses.
Upcoming Sporting Events begin with World Snooker Championship
The 2025 World Snooker Championship is scheduled from April 19 to May 5 at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. Defending champion Kyren Wilson will compete against top players, including seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan. The tournament boasts a prize pool of £2.3 million, with the winner receiving £500,000.
Editorial Perspectives on Recent Tariff Policy
Letters to the editor have presented a range of diverse views on President Trump’s implementation of tariffs on all imports. Readers express concern that the tariffs could harm consumers and the economy by increasing prices and sparking trade retaliation.
Tariffs have become incredibly divisive, and Trump loyalists are trying their best to toe the party line, but even Elon Musk has raised objections. Trump has a honeymoon period with these tariffs as everyone believes they are just a tool to negotiate better terms for US trade. But it also demonstrates how these policies have signalled the end of globalisation and pushed other global communities to invest and secure trade locally, rather than relying on the US as there primary market.
These next two weeks will demonstrate what we can expect from the lasting impact of Trump’s trade wars. The global community continues to navigate the implications of new trade policies while also celebrating human achievements and addressing environmental challenges.
FAQs
What is Labour Friends of Israel?
Labour Friends of Israel (LFI) is one of the most powerful lobby groups in the UK, which is set up to promote the interests of Israel. Labour Member MPs who sign up to LFI are ‘protected and promoted’ by the lobby group. Jeremy Corbyn was a victim of LFI’s powerful influence in parliament, with his removal from the party for being Pro-Palestine.
There is a similar lobby group for the Conservative party, Conservative Friends of Israel.
