EU-US trade talks show progress as tariff deadline nears
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz voiced hope Wednesday that EU-US trade talks in Washington are moving forward, with a deal needed before President Trump’s August 1 tariff deadline.
Speaking in Berlin alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Merz noted signs of possible decisions on trade policy, according to Firstpost.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said negotiations were improving, as EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic met US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The EU has prepared countermeasures if talks fail.
Top UN court says countries can sue each other over climate change
A landmark decision by a top UN court has cleared the way for countries to sue each other over climate change, including over historic emissions of planet-warming gases, BBC reported.
But the judge at the International Court of Justice in the Hague, Netherlands on Wednesday said that untangling who caused which part of climate change could be difficult.
The ruling is non-binding but legal experts say it could have wide-ranging consequences.
It will be seen as a victory for countries that are very vulnerable to climate change, who came to court after feeling frustrated about lack of global progress in tackling the problem, according to BBC.
Canada refuses to rush US trade deal as tariff deadline nears
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada won’t accept a bad trade deal with the US ahead of an August 1 deadline, when steep new US tariffs are set to take effect.
“Our goal isn’t just any deal—it’s the right deal for Canadians,” Carney said, according to BBC.
US President Trump has already imposed heavy tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel, with more—up to 35 percent—threatened if talks stall. Carney signaled Canada may expand countermeasures to protect key sectors like aluminum and lumber.
Canada sends about 75 percent of its exports to the US. While Trump says tariffs protect US jobs and curb fentanyl imports, data shows minimal fentanyl enters via Canada, BBC reported.
Chinese vice Premier to visit Sweden for trade talks with US
Chinese vice Premier He Lifeng will visit Sweden from July 27 to 30 for economic and trade talks with the United States, China’s commerce ministry announced Wednesday.
The discussions follow a recent presidential call and aim to address key bilateral trade issues through the established consultation mechanism, emphasizing mutual respect and cooperation, according to Xinhua.
