Japan
US President Donald Trump has maintained a basic tariff rate of 10% for countries with a positive trade balance. For 40 countries with a trade deficit with the US, a minimum tariff of 15% has been set, and for Canada, the tariff has increased to 35%.
President Trump will meet with a South Korean trade delegation to negotiate a tariff deal. South Korea is seeking to lower a 25% tariff set to take effect on August 1.
Due to a powerful earthquake off the coast of Russia and a tsunami warning, 4,000 workers of the Fukushima-1 NPP have been evacuated. No damage was found at the facility, but this is a reminder of the 2011 tragedy.
An 8. 8 magnitude earthquake occurred in Kamchatka, causing partial flooding of the Severo-Kurilsk port. Tsunami warnings have been issued for the USA, Japan, Canada, and South America, where waves up to 1.4 meters high are expected.
Scientists explain that this could be caused by the disorientation of marine mammals due to sharp changes in currents and water levels.
The US has issued the highest level tsunami warning for the northern coast of California after a powerful earthquake near Kamchatka. Waves up to 1.4 meters are expected, and residents are urged to evacuate immediately.
An earthquake of magnitude 8. 8 occurred in Kamchatka, causing a tsunami threat. It was felt in Japan, the USA, Canada, and South America, and the port of Severo-Kurilsk was partially flooded.
An earthquake of magnitude 7. 5 occurred in Kamchatka, causing a tsunami threat. Local public pages report that a four-meter wave was recorded in the region.
The Cabinet of Ministers appointed Tetiana Berezhna as the temporary acting Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications. Her key task is to ensure the financing of the cultural sphere and cooperation with donors.
Alina Komashchuk won a bronze medal at the World Fencing Championships in Tbilisi, which was her first individual medal at a world championship. The Ukrainian athlete defeated several strong opponents, losing in the semifinals to a Polish sabre fencer.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet with US President Donald Trump in Scotland to conclude a trade deal before Friday's deadline. If no agreement is reached, 30% tariffs on EU exports to the US will come into effect.
The global popularity of Japanese matcha tea, fueled by social media and a tourism boom, has led to a depletion of supplies. Record heat and a shortage of farmers in Japan have caused prices to rise and a product deficit.
Wall Street's relentless rise this summer has pushed stock valuations close to record levels, prompting warnings of "euphoric" markets entering "bubble" territory. The S&P 500 index has reached historic peaks, and the cost of borrowing for US corporations has approached its lowest level in decades.
In Russia's Stavropol, the Signal radio factory, which produces active jamming stations, was attacked. Local residents report a drone strike on the building of the enterprise, which is under international sanctions.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet with US President Donald Trump in Scotland to discuss a trade deal. European diplomats do not expect a quick agreement due to Trump's tendency for last-minute cancellations and the complexity of decision-making in the EU.
The European Commission has received support from EU member states for the introduction of 30% tariffs on goods from the USA if a trade agreement is not reached. The tariffs could affect goods worth 93 billion euros, but their introduction has been suspended until August 7 for negotiations.
The European Union and the United States are close to a trade agreement that would include a 15% tariff on EU goods imported into the United States. This rate could apply to cars, reflecting the US framework agreement with Japan.
Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko will hold a meeting with G7 ambassadors in August to discuss the Special Tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine. The Verkhovna Rada must adopt changes regarding in absentia proceedings and war crimes to harmonize legislation with the EU.
The European Union plans to impose 30% tariffs on American goods worth about 100 billion euros if the US follows through on its threat of tariffs after August 1. This will include industrial goods, cars, and whiskey, affecting a third of American exports to the EU.
Brent and WTI crude futures edged lower after three sessions of declines. This happened amid a US-Japan agreement and discussions of sanctions against Russian oil, which affects global trade sentiment.
US President Donald Trump announced new trade agreements, setting tariffs on imports from Japan at 15% and from the Philippines at 19%. These steps are shaping a new trade landscape where 10% is considered the new norm, and American companies still profitably import goods.
The United States of America and Japan have concluded a trade agreement that includes 15% import tariffs and $550 billion in Japanese investments in the US. Following the announcement of the agreement, Japanese stocks rose, and the Nikkei 225 index reached a three-week high.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa will meet with the leaders of Japan and China. In Tokyo, agreements on cooperation in the defense industry and economic security are planned to be signed, while no significant agreements are expected from the summit in Beijing.
A number of countries issued a joint statement, calling on Israel to cease hostilities in the Gaza Strip due to the suffering of the civilian population. The Israeli Prime Minister's advisor called this statement a "delusion" that sends Hamas a "wrong and dangerous signal" because it does not pressure the group.
On July 21, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed new ambassadors to a number of countries and international organizations. Among the appointments are ambassadors to Kenya, Kuwait, Spain, Oman, Canada, Mexico, Cyprus, Malaysia, Belgium, Japan, Angola, Estonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, UAE, Algeria, and South Africa.
Spot gold prices rose 0. 6% to $3368.39 per ounce, while US gold futures rose 0.5% to $3376. This occurred amid a weakening dollar and expectations regarding trade talks and the Fed meeting.
A study by the Barcelona Supercomputing Center found a direct link between climate extremes and sharp spikes in food prices. This highlights the growing vulnerability of food systems to environmental shocks, leading to inflation and affecting the consumption of poorer households.
Japan's ruling coalition, according to exit polls, is losing its majority in the upper house of parliament, putting pressure on Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's government. This comes ahead of the deadline for concluding a customs agreement with the United States, which could lead to political turmoil.
July 18 marks Perfect Family Day, World Listening Day, Tetris Birthday, International Nelson Mandela Day, and commemorates the holy martyrs Hyacinth and Emilian. On this day in 1985, "Tetris" first went beyond the USSR, and the UN proclaimed July 18 International Nelson Mandela Day.
July 17 marks International Tattoo Day, World Day for International Justice, Ethnographer Day, and World Emoji Day. On this day, the memory of the Holy Great Martyr Marina is also honored.