Asia Pacific News
LAST UPDATE: July 16, 2025
Indonesia Tariff Is 19%, Trump Says
President Trump announced a new trade agreement between the U.S. and Indonesia: Indonesian goods will face a 19% tariff, while U.S. goods enter Indonesia tax‑free.
Insight
The agreement is heavily one‑sided in favor of the U.S., using tariff leverage to secure market access without reciprocity.
Donald Trump announces trade deal with Indonesia
On July 15, 2025, Trump announced a preliminary trade deal: Indonesia’s exports to the U.S. will bear a 19% tariff (down from threatened 32%), while U.S. exports to Indonesia remain untaxed. Indonesia will buy $15 billion in U.S. energy, $4.5 billion in agricultural goods, and 50 Boeing jets. Measures to prevent trans‑shipment are included.
Insight
The deal links tariff relief to massive U.S. export commitments, signaling strategic use of economic terms to secure industrial and geopolitical advantage.
Trump Says Indonesia Will Buy 50 Boeing Jets
Trump said via social media that Indonesia will purchase 50 Boeing jets as part of the trade agreement.
Insight
Highlighting defense‑civilian industrial sales suggests the deal blends commercial and strategic objectives.
India’s central bank expects FY26 inflation to be below 3.7%, governor tells CNBC‑TV18
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said year‑long inflation is expected to stay below 3.7%, citing June’s retail inflation at a six‑year low (~2.10%); policy decisions will consider outlook, not just current numbers.
Insight
With inflation well below midpoint, RBI may have space to cut interest rates, supporting growth while maintaining price stability.
India Trade Gap Narrows Amid iPhone Export Surge
India’s merchandise trade deficit narrowed to $21.88 billion in May, helped by a slowdown in imports and a seasonal uptick in exports.
Insight
A narrower trade gap, supported by strong export performance (e.g. iPhones), may signal strengthening global competitiveness and export diversification.
India in talks with Chile, Peru to source critical minerals, source says
India is negotiating with Chile and Peru for critical minerals—especially copper—through free trade agreement talks. India currently imports over 90% of copper concentrate, projected to reach 97% by 2047. It also plans to incentivize domestic magnet production amid reliance on China for rare‑earth magnets.
Insight
India is proactively diversifying its critical minerals supply chain to reduce China dependence, securing long‑term inputs for its technological and industrial expansion.
China, Australia sign agreements on trade and agriculture, Chinese state media says
China and Australia signed several cooperation agreements covering trade, customs inspection, quarantine, and agriculture during Australian PM Albanese’s visit to Beijing.
Insight
Despite geopolitical tensions, Beijing and Canberra are strengthening pragmatic ties through sectoral and trade facilitation agreements.