Trade Tensions, FTA Fever & The 100% Question: Global Trade Week That Was
(Week ending 17 October 2025 — verified, sourced & globally aligned)
If last week was “Trade Wars: The Sequel,” this one felt more like “Fast & Furious — Tariff Drift.” From Washington to Beijing, New Delhi to Wellington, the trade headlines were full of big moves, bold statements, and a few diplomatic facepalms.
Here’s your fact-checked, espresso-fuelled global trade wrap.
The 100% Tariff Club: U.S.–China Tensions Hit Another Gear
The U.S. turned the trade heat to max, announcing 100% tariffs on Chinese imports, effective November 1 (or earlier) — a move President Trump described as “necessary to protect American industry.”
China, unsurprisingly, was not amused. Beijing condemned the move as “wrong practices,” defended its rare earth export controls, and warned of “corresponding measures.”
Behind the headlines lies a deeper strategic split: critical minerals and tech supply chains are now the new battleground for economic influence. The world’s two largest economies are no longer negotiating from the same playbook — they’re playing entirely different games.
India’s FTA Marathon: “If It Moves, Negotiate It”
While major economies sparred over tariffs, India doubled down on diplomacy. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed active trade talks with the U.S., EU, and Oman, alongside ongoing negotiations with EFTA, EAEU, and the Gulf states.
The strategy is clear: diversify markets, deepen supply chain resilience, and expand India’s footprint in critical trade networks before anyone else does.
Oh — and in case you missed it, India–New Zealand FTA talks are back on, with the next round set for October 2025.
It’s safe to say New Delhi is on an FTA hot streak — collecting partners faster than most people collect loyalty points.
Trade Trends: The Great Realignment Continues
Beyond the headlines, this week underscored three defining themes in global trade:
1. Strategic Supply Chains – The rare earths debate highlights how critical raw materials now shape global diplomacy as much as oil once did.
2. Currency Caution – With the rupee, yuan, and other regional currencies entering trade settlement talk, the U.S. dollar’s dominance faces its most interesting decade yet.
3. Trade Meets Climate – Green trade frameworks, carbon border measures, and circular economy standards remain hot topics post-Geneva Trade Week — even if negotiators need a second wind (and a third coffee).
GTPA Take: Trade as a Contact Sport
This week proved, once again, that global trade in 2025 is not for the faint-hearted. Deals are being reshaped, alliances are shifting, and supply chains are learning to flex under political pressure.
But through it all, the fundamentals still hold:
· Markets adapt faster than policies.
· Diplomacy runs on deadlines.
· And resilience isn’t a buzzword — it’s survival strategy.
So, keep calm, trade smart, and maybe brew an extra pot of coffee — because tariff season is far from over.