Global Economy News
LAST UPDATE: October 15, 2025
Trump Threatens Retaliation for China’s Soy Boycott
Trump announced he might curtail U.S. trade in cooking oil with China as retaliatory action against Beijing’s soybean boycott.
Insight
This illustrates the tension in U.S.–China agricultural leverage and how nontraditional trade goods can enter the diplomatic fray.
China says ‘no winners’ in trade war after cooking oil threat
China responded to Trump’s cooking oil threats by warning that trade disputes bring mutual harm and “no winners.”
Insight
Beijing is framing the conflict as detrimental to all sides, aiming to discourage further escalation.
Xi’s Rare Earth ‘Bazooka’ Sparks Global Alarm, Race for Supplies
China imposed sweeping export restrictions on rare earths, triggering global concern and prompting efforts to diversify supply chains.
Insight
This move underscores China’s strategic leverage in critical minerals and accelerates the scramble for alternatives.
China’s sanctions against US-linked Hanwha units seen as warning gesture, analysts say
China sanctioned five U.S.-linked subsidiaries of Hanwha, seen as largely symbolic but intended as a message amid trade tensions.
Insight
The sanctions reflect China’s application of pressure tactics while avoiding severe disruption, suggesting calibrated signaling.
Data darkness in US spreads a global shadow
A U.S. government shutdown has paused release of key economic data, creating information gaps that concern global policymakers.
Insight
The absence of reliable U.S. indicators raises risks of misinformed policy decisions in economies interconnected with the U.S.
OPEC Secretary General says oil and gas industry needs more investment
The OPEC Secretary General called for increased investment in oil and gas production to meet future energy demands.
Insight
Despite pressures toward renewables, the message signals ongoing relevance of fossil fuels and concerns about energy security.
UN agency says 13.7 million people face severe hunger due to global aid cuts
The UN World Food Programme warns that global aid reductions are pushing 13.7 million people into severe hunger, especially in conflict-affected nations.
Insight
The funding shortfall threatens reversing progress in food security and could exacerbate humanitarian crises.
IMF chief says lack of retaliation against Trump tariffs aiding global growth
The IMF’s managing director argued that the absence of counter-tariff responses to Trump’s measures is allowing global economic expansion to continue.
Insight
The stance suggests that restraint in trade retaliation is contributing positively to stability, though concerns about underlying imbalances remain.
