Latest news for 9 July 2025

UNITED STATES

Tariffs ahoy.

President Trump has flagged a possible 200% tariff on pharmaceuticals, and a 50% tariff on copper. The copper levy could kick in this month, while drug manufacturers might get an 18-month grace period to relocate factories to the US. (USA Today)

Comment: These two sectors have been exempt so far, pending investigations by the Commerce Department that are almost finalised. But this news will still spook dozens of nations, whether it’s America’s top copper supplier (Chile) or its top pharma suppliers like Ireland, Switzerland, Germany, Singapore, and India.

ITALY

Stop right there.

At DC’s request, Italian authorities have arrested a Chinese national accused of hacking US vaccine research for China’s intelligence back in 2020. (DoJ)

Comment: Governments at the time were scrambling to get any Covid edge given the stakes. Anyway, this could get awkward for Rome, which will face US pressure to extradite, while China will push for his release. Meanwhile, you can bet Italy’s embassy in Beijing will be wondering if China might pull another Meng Wanzhou (ie, arrest some random Italian in China as leverage), though Meng was way more senior.

TAJIKISTAN

Hook us up.

Tajikistan is apparently looking to get in on the new 500km (310mi) China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) railway, which began construction in December. (The Times of Central Asia)

Comment: Besides the obvious logistical and trade benefits, Tajikistan will be keen to deepen ties with China as a counterweight to Russia’s traditional local influence.

SWEDEN

Not so fast.

Local outlets are reporting that Swedish bodyguards protecting the PM and other VIPs have been sharing their running routines via a popular fitness app, in turn exposing the leader’s whereabouts and private residence. (Sweden Herald)

COLOMBIA

Bad growth.

A confidential internal security report seen by Reuters suggests Colombia’s illegal armed groups have expanded their membership and territorial control since President Petro took power in 2022 on a platform pledging total peace. (Reuters)

UNITED STATES

Crank caller.

The US State Department is warning counterparts to check the authenticity of any messages from Secretary Marco Rubio, after it emerged someone has used AI to impersonate him in outreach to at least three foreign ministers. (NBC)

WEST AFRICA

Pack your bags!

The leaders of Liberia, Senegal, Gabon, Mauritania, and Guinea-Bissau are in DC for a three-day meeting hosted by President Trump, to discuss what the White House has described as "commercial opportunities". (Africa News)

Comment: The US probably hopes to counter the regional influence of China and Russia, as well as the growing presence of jihadi groups in the Sahel.