Mexico slams US tomato tariff as ‘unjust’
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Tuesday condemned the United States’ new 17.09 percent tariff on Mexican tomatoes, calling it “unjust” and harmful to both Mexican producers and US consumers, Xinhua reported.
Speaking at her daily press briefing, Sheinbaum said Mexico would continue negotiations with Washington and work on domestic measures to support local growers. “Mexican tomatoes will still be exported because there is no substitute,” she stated.
Sheinbaum added that her government would soon announce new initiatives under its “Plan Mexico” to assist tomato producers and defend their interests in the US market, according to Xinhua.
The US Department of Commerce confirmed the tariff would take effect on July 14.
Trump announces 19 percent tariff on Indonesian imports
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a 19 percent tariff on imports from Indonesia, stating that the United States would not bear any cost under the new arrangement. He also claimed the deal grants the US full access to the Indonesian market, according to Xinhua.
Earlier, Trump praised the agreement on Truth Social, calling it a “great deal for everybody” and noting he negotiated it directly with Indonesia’s president.
Trump backtracks on striking Moscow, says Zelenskyy 'shouldn’t target' Russian capital
US President Donald Trump has denied claims that he urged Ukraine to attack Moscow, saying, “No, he shouldn’t target Moscow.”
The comments follow reports that Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a July 4 call if Ukraine could strike Russian cities. Trump dismissed the claims, saying he wants to stop the war, not escalate it. His spokesperson said he was “just asking a question”, according to Firstpost.
Trump ruled out sending long-range missiles to Ukraine but warned Russia to agree to a ceasefire within 50 days or face heavy sanctions and tariffs.
He called the war “a Biden war” and said his focus is on ending the conflict. Speaking alongside NATO chief Mark Rutte, Trump confirmed new US-made weapons will go to NATO allies, not directly to Ukraine, according to Firstpost.
Slovakia blocks EU sanctions on Russia over gas dispute
Slovakia has blocked the EU’s 18th sanctions package against Russia, delaying efforts to step up pressure over the war in Ukraine.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, speaking in Brussels—the seat of EU leadership—said the European Commission had addressed Slovakia’s concerns, but the country still withheld support. She stressed the need for tougher sanctions as Russia intensifies its attacks and reportedly uses banned weapons, according to Firstpost.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico rejected the latest proposal, criticising the plan to phase out Russian gas by 2028 as “imbecile.” He insisted Slovakia must keep its current contract with Russia until 2034 but signaled openness to further talks.
