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The death toll from the massive earthquake that hit Myanmar nearly a week ago rose Thursday to 3,085 as more bodies were found by search and rescue teams, the military-led government said.

US President Donald Trump has imposed retaliatory tariffs on almost all countries, including its allies, to protect and boost the American economy.

Essential and strategic items such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, copper, and energy products like oil, gas, coal and LNG are exempted from the 26 per cent import duty announced by the US on Wednesday, according to think tank GTRI.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday imposed sweeping tariffs that target key economic partners, escalating global trade tensions.

Ursula von der Leyen says tariffs a ‘major blow’ to world economy after US President Trump targets allies on what he dubbed ‘liberation day’Full report: Trump announces sweeping new tariffsAnalysis: Trump’s tariffs likely to raise prices and cause chaosWhat are tariffs and why do they matter?The new US tariffs “will only create losers” with US consumers particularly hard hit, the German Automotive Industry Association (VDA), has said in a statement, calling on the EU “to act together and with the necessary force, while continuing to signal its willingness to negotiate.”The body, which represents the powerful German auto industry, said the tariffs markedthe United States’ departure from the rules-based global trade order – and thus a departure from the foundation for global value creation and corresponding growth and prosperity in many regions of the world.This is not America first; this is America alone. Continue reading...

Prime minister says the UK government is ‘prepared’ and would not agree economic deal with US if he does not think it is good for UKGood morning. Today we are getting the considered UK government response to the colossal announcement from President Trump last night about global tariffs that could reset the way the world economy works. Rather, we are getting the considered initial response. Keir Starmer has ruled out immediate retaliation, and he promises to keep a “cool head” as he decides how to respond “in the coming days and weeks’.Here is Pippa Crerar’s overnight story about the Trump announcement.Starmer said that the government would act with “cool and calm heads” as it decides how to respond to Trump’s tariffs “in the coming days and weeks”. He said:I want to be crystal clear – we are prepared.Indeed, one of the great strengths of this nation is our ability to keep a cool head.He said there would be “an economic impact” from the tariffs on the UK. But he did not say how serious they would be.He insisted that has “a range of levers” available that it can use in response, and he said retaliatory tariffs were not “off the table”.We move now to the next phase of our plan …We have a range of levers at our disposal, and we will continue our work with businesses across the country to understand their assessment of these options.Starmer said he would not agree an economic deal with the US if he did not think it was good for the UK.Negotiations on an economic prosperity deal, one that strengthens our existing trading relationship – they continue, and we will fight for the best deal for Britain.Nonetheless, I do want to be clear I will only strike a deal if it is in the national interest and if it is the right thing to do for the security of working people.Starmer said that he would be guided only by the UK national interest.Last night, the President of the United States, acted for his country. That is his mandate.Today, I will act in Britain’s interests, with mine … Continue reading...

European Commission president hopes to move from confrontation to negotiation after Trump attack on ‘pathetic’ EUWhat are tariffs and why do they matter?The EU has some options when considering its response to overnight announcements, including retaliating with tariffs on US goods and services and forming closer ties with other countries.The bloc has already rejected one possible option: fold your cards. But vowing retaliation is only the start.“The announced tariffs are an unprecedented attack on the international trading system, free trade, and global supply chains. The rationale for this protectionist escalation is incomprehensible. It threatens our export-oriented companies and jeopardizes prosperity, stability, jobs, innovation, and investment worldwide. The European Union can only act as a united front. This applies to the 27 member states as well as across sectors. The EU has its own instruments for an effective counter-reaction, which it can use decisively. We support the Commission’s strategy of remaining willing to negotiate, aware of Europe’s strengths, and responding flexibly to potential offers. Continue reading...

Prime minister says tariffs will be ‘a challenge’ but UK is better placed with 10% rate than EU at 20%Business live – latest updatesKeir Starmer has told heads of business in Downing Street that “clearly there will be an economic impact” from US tariffs but that ministers would respond with “cool and calm heads”.The prime minister gathered senior business figures in No 10 after Donald Trump announced he would introduce 10% blanket tariffs on imports from the UK, and 25% on car imports. Continue reading...