For a symbol of the chaos engulfing world trade since the Trump administration walked into the White House, look no further than a pile of 16,000 metric tonnes of steel pipes. Stevedores in Germany should be preparing to load the first batch on a container ship bound for a massive energy project in Louisiana. Instead, the cargo is sitting in a German warehouse after Washington proposed putting million-dollar levies on Chinese ships docking in the US.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang said the country is prepared for “shocks that exceed expectations” as the world braces for US President Donald Trump to announce more tariffs on its trading partners next month.

According to trade experts, Vietnam is ranked as the world's 20th largest exporter in the world and among the world's top exporters of various products such as rice, coffee, cashews, and garment-textiles

APEC is becoming increasingly significant in addressing contemporary trade and investment issues, with a strong focus on regional economic integration. Despite challenges like US tariffs and rising protectionism, APEC remains steadfast in advocating for economic openness while promoting inclusion and sustainability across its member economies. As part of its 2025 agenda, APEC embraces digital technology and services to address regulatory variations and differing standards that impact trade, aiming to foster greater cooperation and sustainable growth throughout the Asia Pacific region.

Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday said Canada could offset the effects of any U.S. tariffs by removing internal trade barriers and that he aimed for free trade within the country by July 1, after meeting provincial and territorial leaders.

If the trade-to-GDP ratio starts to fall, there will be "serious economic and strategic implications", says Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Singapore Maritime Week.

The export price of Vietnam’s 5% broken rice has risen for the second consecutive week, reaching US$397 per tonne, an increase of US$3 from the previous week, according to the Vietnam Food Association (VFA).

Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable export turnover reached nearly US$421 million in March 2025, up 34.1% from the previous month but down 10.5% from a year ago, marking the third consecutive month of decline in this sector.

Processing grapefruit for export at Vina T&T Group Company.

Switzerland has highlighted the country's contribution to the U.S. economy as it seeks to avoid tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, Swiss economic affairs minister Guy Parmelin said.