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China ends 2025 with a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus. Exports rose even as U.S. tariffs tightened, driven by electric vehicles and diversified markets. The result highlights China’s external resilience but exposes continued weakness in domestic demand and renewed scrutiny of global trade imbalances.
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G7 finance ministers and allied economies are pushing to lessen global dependence on Chinese rare earths. The 10-nation meeting in Washington signalled growing consensus that critical minerals are not just trade goods but strategic assets. Governments are now exploring joint financing models and market coordination to support non-Chinese producers.
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Trump has ordered a 25% tariff on nations doing business with Iran. The move, announced via social media, threatens to upend global trade dynamics. Key U.S. partners — from China to India — now face a choice between maintaining commerce with Tehran or risking punitive tariffs on American trade.
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UK SMEs may finally have reason for cautious optimism. Rory Crisp-Jones of Jones & Co Finance argues that the Autumn Budget has provided long-awaited stability and renewed incentives to invest — from full expensing and a new 40% First-Year Allowance to a steady 25% corporation tax rate — shifting the balance towards growth.
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UK and Canada agree partnership to modernise public services. The deal will expand AI adoption, strengthen semiconductor research, and build collaboration in digital infrastructure between the two countries.
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Technology is redefining regeneration across the UK’s North East region. James Hunnybourne, Executive Chairman at Cybit, explores how AI, digital twins, and sustainable construction are reshaping the region’s economy. With a new AI Growth Zone and major investment underway, the North East is building a smarter, stronger future.
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UK GDP fell by 0.1 per cent in the three months to October. The contraction — driven by weakness in services and construction — surprised analysts who had expected flat growth. It marks the first quarterly decline in nearly two years and tests the government’s post-Budget growth agenda.
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U.S. officials warn Indonesia is reneging on vital trade commitments. The 2025 agreement promised sweeping tariff cuts and non-tariff barrier removal. Jakarta now reportedly seeks to reclassify parts of the accord as non-binding. Markets and businesses await clarity as negotiations enter a critical phase.
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Rachel Reeves has delivered a tax-heavy Autumn Budget for business. Markets have taken the measures in their stride, but leaders now face a higher, more complex tax burden and big questions about investment, skills, and productivity that our BQX deep-dive will unpack in full, as they plan for 2026 ahead.
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Brussels prepares to push Washington over stalled tariff reforms. The European Union will urge the United States to honour more of July’s trade agreement, including cutting 50 % tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, amid concern that delays are undermining post-pandemic industrial competitiveness and transatlantic supply-chain recovery.