Stories that are getting the most attention from our readers this week.
A year into Sudan’s civil conflict, millions remain displaced and humanitarian aid is still blocked from many regions. The U.N. renewed calls today for a ceasefire and international mediation.
The US has imposed a 104% tariff on Chinese goods, escalating trade tensions between the two nations. This move follows a series of retaliatory measures from both sides, with neither showing interest in negotiating a resolution. The tariffs are part of President Trump's strategy to pressure China into more favorable trade terms. However, the increased duties could have significant economic repercussions, affecting global supply chains and consumer prices.
Russia unleashed its deadliest attack on Kyiv in nearly a year, killing at least 12 and injuring dozens more. President Donald Trump responded with a rare rebuke, urging Vladimir Putin to cease strikes—only to later portray Russia’s forbearance from seizing “the whole country” as a major concession. While US-backed peace proposals call for Ukraine’s acceptance of Russian-held land, Kyiv remains adamant about preserving territorial integrity. Observers see little prospect of a breakthrough as each side accuses the other of stalling.
The IMF trimmed its 2025 global growth outlook to 2.2 percent, blaming U.S.–China tariff escalation and currency volatility. South Korea added evidence of slowdown, reporting exports down 5.2 percent in April’s first 20 days.