Ukraine war drives the US, EU deal to undercut Russian energy
President Biden pledges to expand natural gas shipments to Europe, helping the EU reduce its 40% reliance on Russian fossil fuels. The Ukraine conflict has accelerated a strategic shift in energy partnerships, highlighting the geopolitical consequences of energy dependency.
The US, EU sign data transfer deal to ease privacy concerns
The United States and European Union have signed a breakthrough data transfer deal, allowing European personal information to be stored in the U.S. President Biden and European Commission President von der Leyen announced the agreement during Biden's Brussels visit, providing relief to thousands of companies facing data privacy challenges.
Biden pledges new Ukraine aid warns Russia on chemical weapons.
President Biden announced new humanitarian aid for Ukraine, including $1 billion in supplies and openness to welcoming 100,000 Ukrainian refugees. Western allies discussed sanctions and potential responses to escalating Russian aggression, while Ukrainian President Zelenskyy continues to seek more robust military assistance.
The U.S. reinstates 352 product exclusions from China tariffs.
The U.S. Trade Representative's office has reinstated 352 expired product exclusions from Section 301 tariffs on Chinese imports. The exclusions cover industrial components, car parts, chemicals, and consumer goods, effective retroactively from Oct. 12, 2021, through Dec. 31, 2022.
The U.S. imposes fresh sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine invasion.
The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on Russia, targeting dozens of defense companies, hundreds of parliament members, and the chief executive of Russia's largest bank. The move aims to increase pressure on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine reports 300 dead in airstrike on Mariupol theater
Ukrainian officials report 300 civilians killed in Russian airstrike on Mariupol theater, marking potentially the deadliest civilian attack of the conflict. The bombing of the shelter, marked with "CHILDREN" in large letters, has sparked international condemnation of potential war crimes.
Singapore core inflation cools while acceleration risks loom
Singapore's core inflation eased to 2.2% in February, below expectations. The Monetary Authority of Singapore suggests potential upside risks from geopolitical tensions and pandemic impacts, indicating possible further monetary policy adjustments in the near term.
Russian stock market, crushed by war, will partially reopen
Russia will partially reopen its stock market with trading allowed for 33 companies, including Gazprom and Rosneft, nearly a month after shares plunged following the Ukraine invasion. Heavy restrictions aim to prevent massive selloffs experienced on February 24.
Poland orders expulsion of 45 Russians suspected of spying.
Poland's Internal Security Agency ordered the expulsion of 45 Russians identified as intelligence officers operating under diplomatic cover, challenging their presence as a threat to national security.
Putin wants ‘unfriendly countries’ to pay rubles for gas.
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that nations considered unfriendly must now pay for natural gas in rubles, criticizing Western asset freezes and challenging existing payment currencies. This move challenges traditional international payment methods and signals Russia's economic response to ongoing geopolitical tensions.
