China extended a credit line of $9.2 billion (€8.3 billion) to Latin American and Caribbean countries at a summit in Beijing on Tuesday, with one catch — the credit would be in the Chinese yuan currency.

The move, which excludes the global reserve currencies like the US dollar, is meant to push Chinese currency domination at a time the Asian superpower has been deepening its strategic ties in Latin America.

"Although China lies far from the Latin American and Caribbean region, the two sides have a time-honored history of friendly exchanges," Chinese President Xi Jinping told the opening ceremony of the China-CELAC Forum.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://static.dw.com/image/72524586_906.jpg" alt="Chinese President Xi Jinping, center, Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, second left, Chile President President Gabriel Boric, left, and Colombia President Gustavo Petro at the China-CELAC Forum ministerial meeting in Beijing" title="Chinese President Xi Jinping, center, Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, second left, Chile President President Gabriel Boric, left, and Colombia President Gustavo Petro at the China-CELAC Forum ministerial meeting in Beijing" class="hq-img loaded"><figcaption class="img-caption">China has been increasing its trade and strategic ties with Latin America</figcaption></figure>

Leaders such as Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Chilean President Gabriel Boric and Colombian President Gustavo Petro were among those in attendance.&nbsp;

Xi likened the summit with the Latin American and Caribbean nations to a "great, sturdy tree."&nbsp;He then announced that China will implement a visa-free policy for five nations from the region and eventually extend it to more countries. Xi did not name the five countries at the summit.

Two-thirds of Latin American countries have joined Beijing's massive Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) infrastructure program. In countries like Brazil, Peru and Chile, China has surpassed the US as the biggest trading partner.&nbsp;

<h2>'Bullying' will cause 'self-isolation,' says Xi</h2>

In a thinly veiled dig at the United States, Xi said, "There are no winners in tariff wars or trade wars. Bullying and hegemony will only lead to self-isolation."

"The world today is undergoing accelerated transformations unseen in a century, with multiple risks intertwined and overlapping," the Chinese leader said.

This comes a day after China and the US agreed to halt new import levies for at least 90 days — a move which US President Donald Trump claimed was a "total reset."

Under this agreement, they will both slash tariffs by 115% which means that Washington now levies a 30% tax on Chinese goods while Beijing has a 10% tax on American goods.

Edited by: Wesley Dockery

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China deepens ties with Latin America during Beijing forum

Nigeria's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 3.4%&nbsp;in 2024, the World Bank said in a new report published Monday<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20"><path d="M11.5 3.5 11.5 4.233C14.342 4.233 15.167 4.245 15.167 4.258L8.984 10.467 10.033 11.516C14.826 6.725 16.228 5.333 16.242 5.333L16.267 9 17.733 9 17.733 2.767 11.5 2.767 11.5 3.5M2.267 11 2.267 17.233 16.733 17.233 16.733 12 15.267 12 15.25 15.75 9.5 15.75 3.75 15.75 3.75 6.25 9.5 6.233 9.5 4.767 2.267 4.767 2.267 11 "></path></svg>.

That's the highest rate of growth since 2014, excluding the 2021-2022 COVID-19 rebound, the bank said.

The acceleration in Nigeria's GDP growth was driven mainly by a continued oil and gas sector recovery and strong growth in the tech and finance industries, according to the latest Nigeria Development Update. 

The World Bank expects the rate of growth of Nigeria's economy to slightly increase in 2025 to 3.7%.

At the same time, the country's agriculture sector showed slow growth, the bank warned, because of insecurity in the Middle Belt and high input costs.

The Middle Belt refers to a broad sweep of 14 states across the center of Nigeria.

Hundreds of thousands of hectares of farmland have been abandoned there because of ongoing violent clashes, often between farmers and nomadic herdsmen.<figure class="image"><img src="https://static.dw.com/image/71982300_906.jpg" alt="Farmworkers select potatoes before placing them in bags in the Lamingo Dam fields in Jos, on February 26, 2025." title="Farmworkers select potatoes before placing them in bags in the Lamingo Dam fields in Jos, on February 26, 2025." class="hq-img loaded"><figcaption class="img-caption">The agricultural output of Nigeria's Middle Belt is plummeting because of insecurity, making inflation worse</figcaption></figure>

<h2>Nigeria suffers through tough reforms</h2>

At a presentation of its report in the capital Abuja, the World Bank praised government reforms in Africa's largest economy.

President Bola Tinubu implemented a broad swath of economic reforms after winning the 2023 elections.

These include ending costly petrol subsidies, slashing electricity allowances and twice devaluing the naira currency.

A recent report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Nigeria also praised the reforms and issued a warning about high levels of poverty.

Tinubu recently justified his reforms, stressing that he made what he called "tough decision" so that Nigeria could grow.

"We are gradually seeing the light at the end of the tunnel," Tinubu said on Friday.<figure class="image"><img src="https://static.dw.com/image/72245841_906.jpg" alt="Nigerian President Bola Tinubu wears his signature cap and glasses in November 2024. " title="Nigerian President Bola Tinubu wears his signature cap and glasses in November 2024. " class="hq-img loaded"><figcaption class="img-caption">Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has justified his tough reforms</figcaption></figure>

<h2>Inflation to remain high</h2>

But the&nbsp;reforms have come at a cost for many ordinary Nigerians, who are facing the worst cost-of-living crisis in a nearly 30 years, according to Human Rights Watch<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20"><path d="M11.5 3.5 11.5 4.233C14.342 4.233 15.167 4.245 15.167 4.258L8.984 10.467 10.033 11.516C14.826 6.725 16.228 5.333 16.242 5.333L16.267 9 17.733 9 17.733 2.767 11.5 2.767 11.5 3.5M2.267 11 2.267 17.233 16.733 17.233 16.733 12 15.267 12 15.25 15.75 9.5 15.75 3.75 15.75 3.75 6.25 9.5 6.233 9.5 4.767 2.267 4.767 2.267 11 "></path></svg>.

Successive years of rising inflation and &nbsp;surges in food prices&nbsp;have seen poverty soar in the West African nation — although some key staples have become cheaper in the past few months.

Nearly half of all Nigerians lived in poverty in 2024, the World Bank update found, making Nigeria home to the world's second-largest poor population after India.

The 2024 Global Hunger Index ranks Nigeria<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20"><path d="M11.5 3.5 11.5 4.233C14.342 4.233 15.167 4.245 15.167 4.258L8.984 10.467 10.033 11.516C14.826 6.725 16.228 5.333 16.242 5.333L16.267 9 17.733 9 17.733 2.767 11.5 2.767 11.5 3.5M2.267 11 2.267 17.233 16.733 17.233 16.733 12 15.267 12 15.25 15.75 9.5 15.75 3.75 15.75 3.75 6.25 9.5 6.233 9.5 4.767 2.267 4.767 2.267 11 "></path></svg> 110th out of 127 countries. Nearly a third of its children are stunted because of chronic undernutrition.

While inflation is expected to fall over the course of this year, it is still forecast to remain high at an average of 22.1%, the World Bank said.

"Labor incomes have not kept up with inflation, depleting the purchasing power of Nigerians. Poverty has deepened and broadened, especially among urban Nigerians," it said.

There is a need for the economy to generate more and better jobs at scale and reduce poverty, the bank noted, especially if it wants to reach its goal of achieving a $1 trillion (€900 billion)&nbsp;economy by 2030.<figure class="image"><img src="" alt="A man stands at a stall selling fruit, including mangos, bananas, watermelon and pineapple at the Wuse Bazaar in Abuja in February 2024." title="A man stands at a stall selling fruit, including mangos, bananas, watermelon and pineapple at the Wuse Bazaar in Abuja in February 2024." class="hq-img"><figcaption class="img-caption">Nigeria has seen some relief from soaring food prices, but many are still undernourished</figcaption></figure>

Edity by: Alex Berry

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Nigeria sees highest growth in 10 years — World Bank report

The United States and China have agreed to significantly reduce tariffs in the next 90 days, top US officials said on Monday.

The move comes after President Donald Trump signaled that trade talks with Beijing were going well over the weekend.

"We have reached an agreement on a 90-day pause," US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told journalists, adding that "both sides will move their tariffs down" 115%.

Bessent continued: "We both have an interest in balanced trade, the US&nbsp;will continue moving toward&nbsp;that."

Beijing, for its part, announced "substantial progress" in trade talks with Washington.

<h2>Why does the US have tariffs on China?</h2>

Tariffs launched by Trump against Beijing prompted the latter to retaliate, resulting in major price increases for basic goods across the US.

The news saw the US dollar, which has dipped significantly since Trump began his second term in January, rebound somewhat against the yen and the euro.

Despite warnings from economists on the deleterious effect tariffs hikes would have on ordinary Americans, Trump has forged ahead with his trade war.

Targeting rivals like China and allies alike, the tariffs have caused&nbsp;billions of dollars of losses to the US economy and sent stock markets tumbling.

Following the tariff announcements, the Trump administration has sought to create new trade deals with its top partners, including the UK last week.

Edited by: Saim Dušan Inayatullah

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US, China to slash tariffs for 90 days

Washington has wrapped a weekend of trade talks with China in Geneva, Switzerland with optimism, with both US and Chinese officials citing "progress."

US President Donald Trump's top economic and trade advisors have taken to the airwaves to announce that everything is going according to plan and the president's unorthodox approach to trade negotiations is working.

Top White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett told Fox News:&nbsp;"It looks like the Chinese are very, very eager to play ball and to re-normalize things."

<h2>What do we know about the talks?</h2>

The US negotiating team was led by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Beijing was represented by&nbsp;Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and his advisors.

Speaking after the Sunday negotiating session, Treasury Secretary Bessent noted "a great deal of productivity."&nbsp;

"I'm happy to report that we've made substantial progress between the United States and China in the very important trade talks," he said.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said:&nbsp;"It's important to understand how quickly we were able to come to agreement, which reflects that perhaps the differences were not so large as far as maybe thought."

A statement issued by Bessent and&nbsp;Greer on Sunday&nbsp;lacked details, which the&nbsp;US team says will be provided at an official&nbsp;briefing&nbsp;on Monday morning.

Later on Sunday, Chinese Vice Premier He also expressed optimism at the talks, reporting "important progress."

Speaking to reporters in Geneva, He said the atmosphere of the talks had been candid, in-depth, and substantive. The two countries are due to announce more details in a joint statement on Monday, he added, echoing Bessent's promise.

<figure class="image"><img src="https://static.dw.com/image/72510395_906.jpg" alt="A man in a navy suit and blue tie (Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng) sits at a table during a discussion, other people can be seen around him " title="A man in a navy suit and blue tie (Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng) sits at a table during a discussion, other people can be seen around him " class="hq-img loaded"><figcaption class="img-caption">Vice Premier He Lifeng is leading China's negotiating team </figcaption></figure>

<h2>US 'optimism' over tariffs as partners file WTO complaints</h2>

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Sunday said the talks were designed to "de-escalate" tensions between the world's two largest economies.

The talks come after Trump slapped 145% tariffs on China — which Beijing responded to with 125% tariff on US goods — amid a global onslaught designed to reset perceived US trade imbalances around the world.

Fittingly, Geneva is also home to the World Trade Organization (WTO), where numerous countries and even the European Union have filed complaints against Trump's approach, arguing his tariffs violate WTO rules.

Trump himself said that "great progress" had been made so far, claiming "many things discussed, much agreed to."

Commerce Secretary Lutnick said he was "optimistic," without offering details.

Earlier this week, Washington and London&nbsp;announced a trade deal that was praised as a "breakthrough" by Trump and "historic" by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer,&nbsp;though no final deal has actually been signed, rather a commitment to get one done.

Edited by: Rana Taha

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Trump team, China report 'progress' following trade talks

Washington has wrapped a weekend of trade talks with China in Geneva, Switzerland with optimism, with US officials citing "progress."

US President Donald Trump's top economic and trade advisors have taken to the airwaves to announce that everything is going according to plan and the president's unorthodox approach to trade negotiations is working.

Top White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett told Fox News:&nbsp;"It looks like the Chinese are very, very eager to play ball and to re-normalize things."

<h2>What do we know about the talks?</h2>

The US negotiating team was led by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Beijing was represented by&nbsp;Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and his advisors.

Speaking after the Sunday negotiating session, Treasury Secretary Bessent noted "a great deal of productivity."&nbsp;

"I'm happy to report that we've made substantial progress between the United States and China in the very important trade talks," he said.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said:&nbsp;"It's important to understand how quickly we were able to come to agreement, which reflects that perhaps the differences were not so large as far as maybe thought."

A statement issued by Bessent and&nbsp;Greer on Sunday&nbsp;lacked details, which the&nbsp;US team says will be provided at an official&nbsp;briefing&nbsp;on Monday morning.

Beijing has yet to comment on Sunday. On Saturday,&nbsp;Chinese state news agency Xinhua described the talks as "an important step in promoting the resolution of the issue."

<figure class="image"><img src="https://static.dw.com/image/72510395_906.jpg" alt="A man in a navy suit and blue tie (Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng) sits at a table during a discussion, other people can be seen around him " title="A man in a navy suit and blue tie (Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng) sits at a table during a discussion, other people can be seen around him " class="hq-img loaded"><figcaption class="img-caption">Vice Premier He Lifeng is leading China's negotiating team </figcaption></figure>

<h2>US 'optimism' over tariffs as partners file WTO complaints</h2>

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Sunday said the talks were designed to "de-escalate" tensions between the world's two largest economies.

The talks come after Trump slapped 145% tariffs on China — which Beijing responded to with 125% tariff on US goods — amid a global onslaught designed to reset perceived US trade imbalances around the world.

Fittingly, Geneva is also home to the World Trade Organization (WTO), where numerous countries and even the European Union have filed complaints against Trump's approach, arguing his tariffs violate WTO rules.

Trump himself said that "great progress" had been made so far, claiming "many things discussed, much agreed to."

Commerce Secretary Lutnick said he was "optimistic," without offering details.

Earlier this week, Washington and London&nbsp;announced a trade deal that was praised as a "breakthrough" by Trump and "historic" by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer,&nbsp;though no final deal has actually been signed, rather a commitment to get one done.

Edited by: Rana Taha

US: Trump trade team reports 'progress' with China

Top officials from the United States&nbsp;and China&nbsp;met in Geneva on Saturday, aiming to cool a trade war ignited by President Donald Trump's broad tariff hike and stoked by Beijing's fierce retaliation.

The talks are the first high-level meeting for Beijing and Washington&nbsp;since Trump's steep new levies hit China last month.

<h2>What do we know about the meeting?</h2>

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer sat&nbsp;down for talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng.

Bessent, Greer, and about a dozen US&nbsp;delegates swept through the lobby of Geneva’s upscale Intercontinental Hotel, brushing off reporters’ questions before slipping into waiting cars and speeding away.

The Chinese team depared from the President Wilson Hotel, flanked by heavy police escorts as both convoys wove through the city, halting traffic along the route.

Chinese state media confirmed by late morning that the talks had officially begun.&nbsp;While the exact venue was kept under wraps, AFP tracked the delegations to a discreet location across town.

<h2>Reduction in tariffs unlikely</h2>

While a major breakthrough looks unlikely, hopes remain that the two sides will ease the punishing tariffs they have slapped on each other. 

Such a move would soothe troubled global markets and reassure companies reliant on US-China trade.

Last month, Trump hiked US&nbsp;tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%, prompting Beijing to hit back with a 125% levy on US imports. 

The sky-high duties have effectively shut down trade between the two economic giants, disrupting flows that topped $660 billion (about €590 billion) last year.

Even before talks kicked off, the US president&nbsp;hinted Friday that the US might ease tariffs on China.

Edited by: Louis Oelofse

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US and China seek to de-escalate trade war

US President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;announced what he called a "breakthrough"&nbsp;trade deal with the United Kingdom on Thursday.

"The agreement with the United Kingdom is a full and comprehensive one that will cement the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom for many years to come," Trump said on his social media platform Truth Social.

"Because of our long time history and allegiance together, it is a great honor to have the United Kingdom as our FIRST announcement."

Trump said the deal affirms that "reciprocity and fairness is a vital principle of international trade," adding that it will increase access for US agricultural products.

The US president said the "final details" of the agreement were still being written up but promised they would be finalized "in the coming weeks."

<h2>Starmer vows to defend UK workers and businesses</h2>

UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer&nbsp;on Thursday said, "This is a really fantastic, historic day," as he appeared in a joint video link with Trump during simultaneous news conferences in London and Washington.

Starmer said the deal "delivers on the promise to protect" UK carmakers and and steel manufacturers. &nbsp;

He had hinted at a forthcoming announcement earlier on Thursday.

"Talks with the US have been ongoing and you'll hear more from me about that later today," Starmer told a press conference in London.&nbsp;"But make no mistake, I will always act in our national interest, for workers, businesses and families, to deliver security and renewal for our country."

A British official suggested that the UK was considering lowering its own tariffs on US cars as well as cutting digital sales tax affecting US tech companies, Reuters reported.

<h2>Trump's tariff negotiations put to the test</h2>

Since taking office early this year, the Trump administration has been actively expanding the US tariff policies.

In April, Trump announced broad tariffs on US trading partners, however, most of the tariffs announced were later reversed or paused to allow for trade negotiations. However, the 145% levy on Chinese imports&nbsp;still stands.

The US president has repeatedly said that multiple countries are eager to finalize deals with the US.

Investors will be watching to see if Trump can deescalate the trade war he triggered, sparking&nbsp;chaos in stock markets around the world.

Officials from the US and China are meeting in Switzerland on Saturday to find a resolution&nbsp;to the trade war between the world's two largest economies.



<h2>UK eager for trade deals post-Brexit</h2>

The UK has sought to expand global trade ties ever since it left the European Union. But Brexit also brought some light relief when it came to dealing&nbsp;with Trump's tariffs — with&nbsp;the UK only suffering a 10% hit, half of the 20% announced against the EU.

Nevertheless, a trade deal with the US is seen as key by Starmer's government.

"The United States is an indispensable ally for both our economic and national security," a Downing Street spokesperson said. "Talks on a deal between our countries have been continuing at pace and the Prime Minister will update later today."

Britain earlier this week struck a free trade agreement with India —&nbsp;the biggest trade deal since Brexit.

On Tuesday, a UK official announced good progress amid talks with Washington on lowering tariffs on steel and autos. Discussions are also ongoing regarding Trump's recent announcement of 100% tariff on all movies produced outside the US.

Edited by: Alex Berry

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Trump announces US-UK trade deal amid tariff threats

US President Donald Trump is expected to announce a trade deal with the United Kingdom on Thursday.

Late on Wednesday, Trump posted on Truth Social announcing a "big news conference… concerning a major trade deal" with a "highly respected country."

The news conference at the Oval Office is due at 10 a.m. in Washington DC (1400 GMT) on Thursday.

While the details of the deal remain unclear,&nbsp;a spokesperson for the UK government said that Prime Minister Keir Starmer would provide&nbsp;an update on the ongoing&nbsp;trade negotiations with the US later in the day.

A British official, however, suggested that the UK was considering lowering its own tariffs on US cars as well as cutting digital sales tax affecting US tech companies, Reuters reported.

<h2>Trump's tariff negotiations put to the test</h2>

Since taking office early this year, the Trump administration has been actively expanding the US tariff policies.

In April, Trump announced broad tariffs on US trading partners, however, most of the tariffs announced were later reversed or paused to allow for trade negotiations. However, the 145% levy on Chinese imports&nbsp;still stands.

The US president has repeatedly said that multiple countries are eager to finalize deals with the US.

Investors will be watching to see if Trump can de-escalate the trade war that he triggered which in turn sparked chaos in US stock markets.

Officials from the US and China are meeting in Switzerland on Saturday to find a resolution&nbsp;to the trade war between the world's two largest economies.



<h2>UK eager for trade deals post-Brexit</h2>

Meanwhile, since leaving the European Union, the UK has sought to expand global trade ties. But Brexit also brought some light relief, with Trump's announced tariffs on the UK only reaching 10%, half of the 20% announced against the EU.

Nevertheless, a trade deal with the US is seen as key by Starmer's government.

"The United States is an indispensable ally for both our economic and national security," a Downing Street spokesperson said. "Talks on a deal between our countries have been continuing at pace and the Prime Minister will update later today."

Britain earlier this week struck a free trade agreement with India —&nbsp;the biggest trade deal since Brexit.

On Tuesday, a UK official announced good progress amid talks with Washington on lowering tariffs on steel and autos. Discussions are also ongoing regarding Trump's recent announcement of 100% tariff on all movies produced outside the US.

Edited by: Alex Berry

Trump set to announce US-UK trade deal amid tariff threats

Mining in Pataz in Peru's north will be suspended for 30 days, the country's President Dina Boluarte said on Monday.

She made the announcement&nbsp;after the&nbsp;bodies of 13 security guards working at a gold mine were found by policein a&nbsp;mine tunnel on Sunday.

The workers had been held captive for more than a week after being kidnapped.

Peru's government also plans to impose&nbsp;an overnight curfew and set up a military base in Pataz, located around 560 miles (900 kilometers) from the capital Lima.

The 13 people found dead on Sunday were employees of a subcontractor of mining company Ponderosa, one of Peru's top gold producers.

<h2>Illegal miners accused of using 'terrorist' methods</h2>

"The armed forces will take control of the area where Poderosa operates," Boluarte said. "We all know that illegal activity in our mining sector generates millions and millions, much more than drug trafficking."

She added that the government would ask congress to pass legislation to allow it to combat what she called "urban terrorism."&nbsp;

She didn't provide details on how the mining pause would work.

Poderosa says that 39 of its workers, including contractors and artisanal miners, have been killed recently in the gold-rich Pataz region at the hands of criminal gangs believed to be linked to illegal mining.

This is despite the region being under a state of emergency for more than two years.

Poderosa told the Reuters news agency that the mining suspension only applied to informal miners.

Peru's mining and energy minister, Jorge Montoro, said the 30-day pause could be extended.

Edited by: John Silk

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Peru suspends gold mining in north after massacre

The United Kingdom and India announced Tuesday that they have agreed on a free trade deal, over &nbsp;three years since negotiations began&nbsp;andthen stalled under the&nbsp;previous UK government.

The talks between London and New Delhi resumed in February after US tariff threats.

Britain called the deal the "biggest and most economically significant" bilateral trade agreement it has signed since leaving the European Union in 2020.

The two nations hope that, by 2040, the deal will be adding 25.5 billion pounds (€30 billion or $34 billion) a year to bilateral trade between the India&nbsp;and the United Kingdom.&nbsp;Trade between the countries totaled 42 billion pounds in 2024.

<figure class="image"><img src="https://static.dw.com/image/72454757_906.jpg" alt="Prime Minister Keir Starmer gestures while speaking with UK and Indian flags in the background" title="Prime Minister Keir Starmer gestures while speaking with UK and Indian flags in the background" class="hq-img loaded"><figcaption class="img-caption">UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the agreement with India 'will grow the economy and deliver for British people and business'</figcaption></figure>

<h2>What did Modi and Starmer say about the deal?</h2>

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed "a new era for trade and the economy."

"Today we have agreed a landmark deal with India — one of the fastest growing economies in the world, which will grow the economy and deliver for British people and business," he added.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the deal as a "historic milestone" that will "catalyse trade, investment, growth, job creation and innovation in both our economies."

"I look forward to welcoming PM Starmer to India soon," he added on X. Later, Starmer's office confirmed that the British prime minister had&nbsp;accepted an invitation to visit India.

<h2>What UK exporters stand to gain</h2>

India will slash tariffs on 90% of British products sold in the country, including whisky and lamb meat, but also&nbsp;medical equipment and goods produced by the aerospace industry.

India is one of the world's biggest whisky markets.&nbsp;Tariffs on whisky and gin are to be halved from 150% to 75% before falling to 40% by the tenth year of the deal, New Delhi&nbsp;will also cut tariffs on cars to 10% from over 100% at present.

Other products set to see lower tariffs include British cosmetics,&nbsp;salmon,&nbsp;soft drinks, chocolate and biscuits.

<h2>No social contributions required from new Indian workers in UK</h2>

Under the latest deal, 99% of Indian exports to the UK will face zero tariffs. Notably, Britain will remove a tariff on textile imports, benefiting India's large garment industry.

The deal will also open up export opportunities for Indian sectors such as marine products, leather, sports goods, toys, gems and jewelry, engineering goods and auto parts, India said.

The agreement will also exempt temporary Indian workers in Britain and their employers from paying social security contributions in Britain for three years.

Edited by: Darko Janjevic

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UK, India cut tariffs on whisky, textile in landmark deal

Singapore's ruling People's Action Party won another sweeping victory in Saturday's general elections.

The PAP has governed the wealthy city-state since before the country became independent from Malaysia in 1965.

Official results showed the&nbsp;PAP won 87 out of 97 seats in parliament.

"We are grateful once again for your strong mandate, and we will honor it,"&nbsp;Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said after winning in his constituency.

Meanwhile, the opposition Workers Party was projected to win 10 seats.<figure class="image"><img src="https://static.dw.com/image/72424445_906.jpg" alt="People vote at a polling station during the general election, in Singapore, on May 3, 2025" title="People vote at a polling station during the general election, in Singapore, on May 3, 2025" class="hq-img loaded"><figcaption class="img-caption">Singapore is one of the richest countries per capita in the world, and has a population of about 6 million</figcaption></figure>

<h2>Strong showing for PAP a boon for PM Wong</h2>

The projected result represents an improvement for the PAP compared to the last general election in 2020, when it secured 83 seats.

It also strengthens the mandate of Prime Minister Wong, 52, who was facing his first test at the ballot box since taking office last year.

While the long-ruling PAP was all but certain to remain in power, a younger, more vocal electorate has challenged its previously unchecked dominance.

Ahead of the polls, attention had been focused on whether the opposition would be able to build on the unprecedented gains it made in the previous election five years ago.

<h2>What was at stake?</h2>

Singapore, like many Asian countries, faces the prospect of higher tariffs on its exports to the United States.

US President Donald Trump has imposed a 10% tariff on Singapore-made goods, currently paused for 90 days.&nbsp;

As a major Asian trade hub, Singapore would also be severely impacted by any downturn in global trade, in particular exports from China to the US, which often transit in the tiny city-state.

Wong's government has warned of recession if Singapore becomes collateral damage in the worsening trade war.

Living costs and housing availability were chief among voters' concerns in Singapore, one of the world's most expensive cities.

During campaigning, WP candidates said the government has failed to tackle the cost of living crisis and that more opposition lawmakers are needed so that the PAP is not given a "blank cheque."

The PAP says it has spent billions of dollars to help citizens cope with rising costs, including via cash handouts and grocery vouchers.<figure class="image"><img src="" alt="The Merlion Statue, symbol of Singapore, overlooking Marina Bay, Merlion Park, Singapore, on January 14, 2025" title="The Merlion Statue, symbol of Singapore, overlooking Marina Bay, Merlion Park, Singapore, on January 14, 2025" class="hq-img"><figcaption class="img-caption">Singapore went from third to first world in one generation</figcaption></figure>

<h2>What is&nbsp;the People's Action Party?</h2>

The People's Action Party has won every election since the Asian financial hub was expelled from Malaysia in 1965. While the party steered the island to prosperity, it has also been accused of using an iron fist to suppress dissent.

Known for its clean and effective governance, the PAP saw its share of popular support slip to a near-record low of 61%, at the last election, down from nearly 70% in 2015.

The opposition had acknowledged it cannot unseat the PAP — the WP was fielding 26 candidates — but had appealed to voters to allow it to give a platform to alternative voices, apply greater scrutiny to the PAP and trigger more robust debate in Parliament.<figure class="image"><img src="https://static.dw.com/image/72427711_906.jpg" alt="Workers' Party (WP) supporters react at an assembly center during the general election" title="Workers' Party (WP) supporters react at an assembly center during the general election" class="hq-img loaded"><figcaption class="img-caption">The Workers Party failed to build on the gains from the last election in 2020</figcaption></figure>

<h2>Who is Lawrence Wong?</h2>

Popular after leading Singapore's COVID task force, Wong became the Asian financial hub's fourth prime minister last year.

He took over at the end of the two-decade premiership of Lee Hsien Loong, the son of former leader Lee Kuan Yew, the founder of modern Singapore.

The late Lee built the former colonial backwater into one of the world's richest nations during 31 years in office.

Wong has repeatedly said he needed a strong mandate to navigate Singapore through economic uncertainty.

"If the PAP has a weakened mandate, you can be sure there will be people tempted to push us around. It will be harder for us to advance Singapore's interest. But with a clear mandate from you, my team and I can speak up for Singapore confidently," Wong said while campaigning this week.

Some 2.75 million voters were eligible to elect 97 members of parliament. Voting is compulsory in Singapore.

Polls closed at 8 p.m. local time (1200 UTC/GMT).

Edited by: Rana Taha and Zac Crellin

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Singapore's long-ruling PAP wins another election landslide

Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong faces his first major test against a rejuvenated opposition during Saturday's election in the tiny&nbsp;city-state.

The vote is a bellwether for the popularity of the People's Action Party (PAP), which has ruled since before Singapore's 1965 independence, but also of 52-year-old Wong's leadership style in his first year in the role.

Although Saturday's election is almost certain to return the PAP to power — the party has consistently won in landslides of about 90% of seats&nbsp;— its dominance&nbsp;is increasingly being challenged by a younger, more vocal electorate.

In the last election in 2020, the country's largest opposition group, the Workers' Party (WP), won 10 of the 93 seats at stake, a significant jump from its previously held four seats.

<h2>What's at stake?</h2>

Singapore, like many Asian countries, faces the prospect of higher tariffs on its exports to the United States.

US President Donald Trump has imposed a 10% tariff on Singapore-made goods, currently paused for 90 days.&nbsp;

As a major Asian trade hub, Singapore would also be severely impacted by any downturn in global trade, in particular exports from China to the US, which often transit in the tiny city-state.

Wong's government has warned of recession if Singapore becomes collateral damage in the worsening trade war.

Meanwhile, living costs and housing availability remain chief among voters' concerns in one of the world's most expensive cities.

WP candidates say the&nbsp;government has not done&nbsp;enough to tackle the cost of living crisis and that&nbsp;more opposition lawmakers&nbsp;are needed&nbsp;so that the PAP is not given a "blank cheque."

The PAP says it's spent&nbsp;billions of&nbsp;dollars to help&nbsp;citizens cope with rising costs, including via cash handouts and grocery vouchers.<figure class="image"><img src="" alt="The Merlion Statue, symbol of Singapore, overlooking Marina Bay, Merlion Park, Singapore, on January 14, 2025" title="The Merlion Statue, symbol of Singapore, overlooking Marina Bay, Merlion Park, Singapore, on January 14, 2025" class="hq-img"><figcaption class="img-caption">Singapore went from third to first world in one generation</figcaption></figure>

<h2>What is&nbsp;the People's Action Party (PAP)?</h2>

The People's Action Party has won every election since the Asian financial hub separated from Malaysia in 1965. While the party&nbsp;steered the island to prosperity, it&nbsp;has also been accused of using an iron fist to suppress dissent.

Known for its clean and effective governance, the PAP saw its share of popular support slip&nbsp;to a near-record low of 61%, at the last election, down from nearly 70% in 2015.

The opposition has acknowledged it cannot unseat the PAP — the WP is fielding 26 candidates — but is appealing to voters for a stronger voice in Parliament for alternative voices, greater scrutiny and more robust debate.

A strong PAP performance would help seal Wong's leadership and determine whether the one-party dominance in Singapore could endure over the next decade.

<h2>Who is Lawrence Wong?</h2>

Popular after leading Singapore's COVID&nbsp;task force, Wong&nbsp;became the Asian financial hub's fourth prime minister last year.

He took over at the end of the two-decade premiership of Lee Hsien Loong, the son of former leader Lee Kuan Yew, the founder of modern Singapore.

The now-dead older Lee&nbsp;built the former colonial backwater into one of the world's richest nations&nbsp;during 31 years in office.

Wong has repeatedly said he needed a strong mandate to navigate&nbsp;Singapore through economic uncertainty.

"If the PAP has a weakened mandate, you can be sure there will be people tempted to push us around. It will be harder for us to advance Singapore's interest. But with a clear mandate from you, my team and&nbsp;I can speak up for Singapore confidently," Wong said while campaigning this week.

<h2>What do we know about the vote?</h2>

By noon almost half of 2.75 million eligible&nbsp;voters had cast their ballot at one of 1,240 polling stations.

They are voting to select 97 members of parliament.

Polls are due to close at 8 p.m. local time (1200 UTC/GMT), with a result expected in the early hours of Sunday.

Voting is compulsory in Singapore.

Edited by: Rana Taha