Advertisement
Vietnamese factory staff handle apparel at a factory in Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday after US President Donald Trump unveiled sweeping new tariffs on trading partners. Photo: AFP

From Guangdong to LA, tariff superstorm alters course of business expansions

Businesses rethink plans after Trump unleashes whirlwind of tariffs, and analysts say that while trade barriers might be overcome, others must ‘abandon wishful thinking’.

videocam
4

Explainer | After Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’, what’s China’s effective tariff rate?

US-China trade war
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Global Economy

Apple, Tesla, Walmart among US firms seen hit by Trump’s tariffs on China

For perspective, the tariffs could wipe out 9 per cent of Apple’s gross margin – unless the added costs are passed through or an exemption is granted, analysts found.

8

Hong Kong Economy

Japan issues megaquake warning, but many travellers from Hong Kong undeterred

Tour bookings remain steady while insurance executives urge travellers to secure coverage.

4

Politics

‘Deeply unreasonable’: Trump’s 32% tariff on Taiwanese imports stuns Taipei

Cabinet spokeswoman says Taiwan will ‘lodge solemn representation’ with US trade representative and push for negotiations to protect its interests.

videocam
49
US-China trade war
US President Donald Trump disembarks Air Force One as he arrives at Miami International Airport in Florida on Thursday. Photo: Reuters

Economists reveal the simple secret to Trump’s ‘crazy’ tariff plan

Science

Pentagon urges faster militarisation of space, citing China’s advances

In separate hearings, generals say Washington should regard space less as a strategic resource and more as a potential battlefield.

videocam
Artist’s representation of a spacecraft in a near-Earth orbit. On Thursday, Pentagon officials discussed accelerating the militarisation of space. Image: Shutterstock
Advertisement

United States & Canada

Trump: things ‘going very well’ after worst stock market drop in years

Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped more than 1,600 points on Thursday as US stocks led worldwide sell-off over Trump’s tariffs.

videocam

Politics

Philippines offered 20 US F-16 fighter jets in major defence upgrade

Experts stress the urgent need to upgrade the Philippine Air Force due to its limited capabilities in defending against China’s military presence.

videocam
22

Business

How two Hong Kong firms’ innovative solutions enhance well-being in belt and road regions

Modern Dental Group and Insilico Medicine keen to use city’s unrivalled global connections to create a healthier world.

In partnership with:
Belt and Road Office
Hong Kong-based health technology firms, such as Modern Dental Group and Insilico Medicine, are leveraging the city’s strategic advantages to drive worldwide healthcare-related collaboration. Photo: Shutterstock

Military

PLA puts US military on notice over ‘dangerous’ activities near China

Warning follows maritime security meeting in Shanghai between US and Chinese personnel.

videocam
11
US military activities in the waters near China are raising the risk of miscalculation, the Chinese military says. Photo: US Navy

United States & Canada

Trump says China could get tariff relief if it approves TikTok deal

‘We could use tariffs … to get something in return,’ Trump said. TikTok faces April 5 deadline to find non-Chinese buyer or risk US ban.

Diplomacy

US-China decoupling: Washington bans diplomats from romance and sex with Chinese

Those who do not receive exemption and are found violating the ban will be subject to immediate expulsion from China, according to report.

videocam
53

China Economy

With Trump’s trade war going global, how will China respond?

After a ‘Liberation Day’ ceremony that saw the US’ trade war expand worldwide overnight, analysts ask how China will defend itself.

videocam
28
US President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs on over 100 countries have thrown the global economy into turmoil. Photo: dpa

Tech Trends

China’s biotech firms record surge in overseas licensing deals in first quarter

Chinese drug makers landed 33 licensing deals with overseas pharmaceutical firms, with transactions totalling US$36.2 billion.

The largest deal in the first quarter, with a contract value of US$13 billion, was between Chinese firm GeneQuantum, Nasdaq-listed Biohaven and Seoul-based AimedBio. Photo: Shutterstock

Africa

Prince Harry blasts ‘blatant lies’ as watchdog launches charity investigation

Harry, accused of bullying by Sentebale’s chairwoman, said investigation would ‘unveil the truth’ of why he had to resign as a patron.

China Economy

Fitch cuts China rating on weakening finances, debt concerns

China’s Ministry of Finance reacted strongly, describing the decision to downgrade from “A+” to “A” as biased and not reflective of reality.

6

United States & Canada

Pentagon watchdog opens investigation into use of Signal for Yemen attack plans

Defence chief Pete Hegseth and others coordinated March 15 US military strikes in messaging app conversation that included journalist.

videocam
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Photo: AFP

Russia & Central Asia

Russia bans Elton John’s Aids foundation to defend ‘spiritual and moral values’

British singer has spoken out against what he has said is unacceptable discrimination against gay people by Russian authorities.

videocam
British singer-songwriter Elton John. Photo: Getty Images / TNS

Travel & Leisure

Fancy getting hands-on conserving African rhinos and elephants?

In drought-stricken Namibia, where conservation groups are fighting to preserve endangered species, paying tourists can join ranger patrols.

United States & Canada

Canada hits US car sector with 25 per cent tariffs, mirroring Trump’s move

Canada was spared Trump’s ‘reciprocal tariffs’, but new 25 per cent US tariffs on foreign-produced vehicles still took effect on Thursday.

6
Advertisement
Advertisement
OPINION
Richard Heydarian

Opinion | Why the Philippines can’t count on the US’ strategic love

Richard Heydarian
SCMP Editorial

Editorial | China’s tactics may yet spell opportunity for Hong Kong in US trade war

SCMP Editorial
SCMP Editorial

Editorial | Integrity of Hong Kong’s district councils on the line

SCMP Editorial
Bernard Chan

Opinion | An Asia racked by natural disasters needs insurers to step up

Bernard Chan
Nicholas Spiro

Macroscope | 3 reasons investors are falling in love with Chinese stocks again

Nicholas Spiro
Harry’s View | 4 Apr 2025
April 4, 2025
MORE COMMENT
LATEST

Comment

Editorial | Integrity of Hong Kong’s district councils on the line

Tech Trends

China’s biotech firms record surge in overseas licensing deals in first quarter

United States & Canada

Trump: things ‘going very well’ after worst stock market drop in years

Comment

Editorial | China’s tactics may yet spell opportunity for Hong Kong in US trade war

Africa

Prince Harry blasts ‘blatant lies’ as watchdog launches charity investigation

Global Economy

From Guangdong to LA, tariff superstorm alters course of business expansions

MORE LATEST NEWS
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Focus
Illustration: Henry Wong

As Trump torches relations with EU, bloc seeks to redefine approach to China

Trump has torched relations with the European Union, and the bloc’s new-found pragmatism is said to be defining its strategy on Beijing.

videocam
40

Why are Hong Kong cinemas closing despite box office hits?

10

What’s in a Chinese name: scientists bid for identity when using Latin alphabet

videocam
11
Open Questions series

Science

Open Questions | China ‘still far behind’ US in maths prowess but is on the rise: Shing-Tung Yau

When the 75-year-old maths genius left Harvard, many thought he would retire. Instead, he is nurturing the next generation of Chinese talent.

videocam
36
Illustration: Henry Wong

Diplomacy

Open Questions | US sentiment on China does not equal consensus, analyst Rick Waters says

Ex-US Department of State official discusses the role of civil diplomats and whether US should have an end-state goal in its China strategy.

videocam
39

China Economy

Open Questions | Michael Pettis on China’s consumption paradox and the pitfalls of a trade war

The professor of finance and author talks China’s economy and argues the US dollar’s monopoly role in trade is an ‘unsustainable’ anomaly.

videocam
42

China Economy

Open Questions | Why China’s economic recovery is captivating investors again: Robin Xing

Morgan Stanley’s chief China economist sees green shoots in China thanks to innovation, but highlights need for social security reform.

videocam
5
Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
China Future Tech
China Future Tech
Key Industries:
EVs
AI
Semiconductors
Aerospace
Robotics
Biomedicine
Live Q&A webinars

Big Tech

Microsoft shutters AI lab in Shanghai, continuing China retreat

The IoT & AI Insider Lab in the Zhangjiang hi-tech zone likely closed in January or February, nearby workers say.

5
Microsoft has closed its research lab in Shanghai’s Zhangjiang hi-tech zone, and has already removed its logo from the entrance. Photo: Wency Chen

Tech Trends

China’s biotech firms record surge in overseas licensing deals in first quarter

Chinese drug makers landed 33 licensing deals with overseas pharmaceutical firms, with transactions totalling US$36.2 billion.

Science

Pentagon urges faster militarisation of space, citing China’s advances

In separate hearings, generals say Washington should regard space less as a strategic resource and more as a potential battlefield.

videocam

China EVs

China’s lidar sensor firms Hesai, RoboSense stand to gain after fatal EV crash

Adoption of the laser-based sensors will increase as consumers demand safe self-driving systems, analysts say.

A long-range automotive lidar (light detection and ranging) sensor made by Hesai. Photo: Handout

Military

Are Beijing’s hypersonic anti-ship missiles in Taiwan Strait a warning for US?

Two YJ-21 missiles were on board an H-6K strategic bomber as it took off from an unidentified airfield in PLA video on opening day of drills.

videocam
13
Two YJ-21 hypersonic anti-ship ballistic missiles can be seen on board a Chinese H-6K bomber in a video released by the People’s Liberation Army on Tuesday. Photo: PLA Eastern Theatre Command

China Economy

Fresh US tariffs on China may be ‘too large to absorb, too conspicuous to dodge’

Donald Trump’s deadline for China report has arrived, ahead of his ‘Liberation Day’ to free US economy from what he sees as unfair practices.

videocam
46

Science

FBI raids on Chinese-American scientist revives China Initiative fears

Two Indiana homes of cybersecurity researcher and professor raided by FBI and Homeland Security but no reason cited, local media report.

videocam
136

Science

Beijing almost ready to switch on world’s most powerful X-ray light source

As construction finishes on China’s High Energy Photon Source, scientists are lining up to use it to further their research.

videocam
10
China’s High Energy Photon Source, an X-ray light source that will be able to generate beams with a photon density a trillion times brighter than the surface of the sun, has entered its final phase of construction. Photo: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement