Trump announces 19 percent tariff on Indonesian imports

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a 19 percent tariff on imports from Indonesia, stating that the United States would not bear any cost under the new arrangement. He also claimed the deal grants the US full access to the Indonesian market, according to Xinhua.

Earlier, Trump praised the agreement on Truth Social, calling it a “great deal for everybody” and noting he negotiated it directly with Indonesia’s president.

 

Trump backtracks on striking Moscow, says Zelenskyy 'shouldn’t target' Russian capital

US President Donald Trump has denied claims that he urged Ukraine to attack Moscow, saying, “No, he shouldn’t target Moscow.”

The comments follow reports that Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a July 4 call if Ukraine could strike Russian cities. Trump dismissed the claims, saying he wants to stop the war, not escalate it. His spokesperson said he was “just asking a question”, according to Firstpost.

Trump ruled out sending long-range missiles to Ukraine but warned Russia to agree to a ceasefire within 50 days or face heavy sanctions and tariffs.

He called the war “a Biden war” and said his focus is on ending the conflict. Speaking alongside NATO chief Mark Rutte, Trump confirmed new US-made weapons will go to NATO allies, not directly to Ukraine, according to Firstpost.

Slovakia blocks EU sanctions on Russia over gas dispute

Slovakia has blocked the EU’s 18th sanctions package against Russia, delaying efforts to step up pressure over the war in Ukraine.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, speaking in Brussels—the seat of EU leadership—said the European Commission had addressed Slovakia’s concerns, but the country still withheld support. She stressed the need for tougher sanctions as Russia intensifies its attacks and reportedly uses banned weapons, according to Firstpost.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico rejected the latest proposal, criticising the plan to phase out Russian gas by 2028 as “imbecile.” He insisted Slovakia must keep its current contract with Russia until 2034 but signaled openness to further talks.

Trump administration orders trade probe into Brazil’s “unfair practices”

The Trump administration has launched a trade investigation into Brazil, accusing it of unfair policies targeting US businesses. The probe will examine digital trade restrictions, preferential tariffs, and weak enforcement of intellectual property rights, according to Firstpost.

US President Trump also criticized Brazil’s prosecution of former leader Jair Bolsonaro, calling it a “witch hunt,” and announced a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian imports starting August 1. Brazil’s President Lula has pledged to match any US tariff hikes.

Last year, US–Brazil trade hit $90bn, with Washington reporting a $7.4bn surplus.