Good morning.

✋ Trump Tariffs Blocked

A US trade court ruled President Trump's global tariffs illegal and blocked their implementation, delivering a major blow to a cornerstone of his economic agenda. The three-judge panel sided with Democratic states and small businesses who argued Trump wrongfully invoked emergency powers to justify the levies, marking one of his biggest legal setbacks amid widespread challenges to his executive orders. Global markets have fluctuated wildly since the tariffs were announced April 2, with trillions in market value lost and regained amid delays and potential trade deal announcements. More - Bloomberg

🇮🇷 Trump Requests Israel ‘Hold Off’ Iran Strike

President Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to hold off on striking Iranian nuclear facilities, saying it "would be inappropriate right now because we're very close to a solution" as US-Iran nuclear talks continue in Oman and Italy. Iranian sources indicate Tehran may pause uranium enrichment for a year if Washington releases frozen funds and recognizes Iran's right to civilian nuclear programs under a potential political deal. The key sticking point remains Iran's refusal to eliminate enrichment capabilities, which it calls an infringement on sovereignty, while the US demands firm commitments to halt activities it views as potential weapons pathways. More - Al Jazeera

Asia Stability Ratings and News Summary

More Unstable

🇦🇫 Afghanistan, 🇦🇲 Armenia, 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan, 🇧🇩 Bangladesh, 🇧🇹 Bhutan, 🇰🇭 Cambodia, 🇬🇪 Georgia, 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan, 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan, 🇱🇦 Laos, 🇲🇻 Maldives, 🇲🇳 Mongolia, 🇲🇲 Myanmar, 🇳🇵 Nepal, 🇰🇵 North Korea, 🇵🇰 Pakistan, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka, 🇹🇼 Taiwan, 🇹🇯 Tajikistan, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇹🇲 Turkmenistan

More Stable

No countries were more stable over this period

Unchanged

🇧🇳 Brunei, 🇨🇳 China, 🇹🇱 East Timor, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan, 🇻🇳 Vietnam

Regional News Summary

In Singapore, the economy demonstrated resilience with a growth rate of 3.9% in the first quarter of 2025, prompting the government to maintain its forecast of 0-2% growth through 2025. Notably, China has become Singapore's third-largest services trade partner, with calls for Asian nations to resist tariff retaliation amidst ongoing trade tensions [SOURCE - Channel News Asia].

Political dynamics are also shifting in Singapore, where President Tharman has sworn in a new Cabinet, interpreting the recent General Election results as a strong signal of national resolve and unity [SOURCE - Channel News Asia].

In the realm of crime, Singapore has reported a troubling rise in online child exploitation cases and is investigating over 850 scam cases resulting in significant financial losses [SOURCE - Malay Mail].

Internationally, Singapore has signed a significant carbon credit agreement with Paraguay and pledged to enhance trade and investment ties with Malaysia [SOURCE - Mercopress]. Additionally, a landmark deal among Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore marks the initiation of the ASEAN power grid, underscoring regional cooperation in energy [SOURCE - The Sun].

In China, the government is actively seeking to bolster economic ties with various nations, including Germany and Indonesia, while emphasizing the importance of cooperation to safeguard free trade [SOURCE - Dimsum Daily]. However, tensions are escalating in the South China Sea, with the Philippines open to further agreements with China to maintain peace, while China has warned against provocations [SOURCE - Malay Mail].

India has made significant strides in its economic landscape, overtaking Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy, with notable foreign investments from Foxconn and Samsung [SOURCE - NDTV]. However, diplomatic tensions with Pakistan continue to simmer, with both nations exchanging accusations and expelling diplomats amidst heightened security concerns [SOURCE - Geo.tv].

In Myanmar, the ongoing conflict has led to a catastrophic human rights crisis, with the UN warning of severe repercussions from the military junta's actions against anti-coup groups [SOURCE - Scoop]. The ASEAN summit has called for an extended ceasefire in Myanmar, reflecting regional concerns over stability [SOURCE - The Sun].

In the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has initiated a bold reset by calling for the resignation of his Cabinet following the midterm elections, a move that has influenced the stock market positively [SOURCE - Malay Mail]. The country has also condemned China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea, emphasizing its commitment to territorial integrity [SOURCE - ABC News]. 

Oceania Stability Ratings and News Summary

More Unstable

🇦🇺 Australia, 🇰🇮 Kiribati, 🇲🇭 Marshall Islands, 🇳🇷 Nauru, 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea, 🇼🇸 Samoa, 🇸🇧 Solomon Islands, 🇹🇴 Tonga, 🇻🇺 Vanuatu

More Stable

No countries were more stable over this period

Unchanged

🇫🇲 Federated States of Micronesia, 🇫🇯 Fiji, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇵🇼 Palau, 🇹🇻 Tuvalu

Regional News Summary

Australia is currently grappling with unprecedented flooding, affecting around 50,000 residents and resulting in four confirmed fatalities. The relentless rainfall has left thousands stranded, prompting urgent recovery efforts as communities brace for potentially damaging winds. Aerial footage reveals extensive devastation across eastern Australia, highlighting the severity of the situation [SOURCE - TOI].

In addition to the immediate crisis, Australia faces a significant housing shortfall, projected to be 262,000 homes below its target. This shortfall underscores the need for bold policy actions to address the growing housing crisis [SOURCE - The Conversation]. Meanwhile, the economic landscape is shifting as Australia looks to capitalize on India's burgeoning market for premium avocados, while also navigating a price cut in a major supply deal with Sinopec [SOURCE - The Hindu].

Turning to New Zealand, Finance Minister Nicola Willis has unveiled the 2025 Budget, which addresses the country's economic challenges, including sluggish growth and the repercussions of international tariffs. The government is backing the gas industry as part of its strategy to stimulate economic growth [SOURCE - The Economic Times]. Notably, New Zealand has achieved a historic trade surplus of $1.4 billion, driven by a surge in primary exports, although the New Zealand dollar has fallen to its lowest level since 2023 amid ongoing trade risks [SOURCE - RNZ].

In the agricultural sector, New Zealand is embracing technology, with plans to enhance productivity through the use of drones and artificial intelligence. This initiative aims to streamline the approval process for new agricultural products, while the kiwifruit industry collaborates with the New Zealand Food Network to combat food insecurity [SOURCE - The Daily Star].

Fiji's financial situation has come under scrutiny following the revelation of a $77 million write-off related to the sunken Manawanui, raising concerns about the country's fiscal health [SOURCE - RNZ].

In regional security, India and Nepal have conducted a joint drill in response to intelligence regarding potential terrorist threats from Pakistan, underscoring their commitment to combating terrorism in the region [SOURCE - India Today].

As Samoa prepares for an early election following the rejection of Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata'afa's budget, the political landscape remains uncertain. This decision reflects a significant vote of no confidence in her government, raising questions about the future direction of the country [SOURCE - RNZ].

Carpe tomorrow!