AGN Morning Update | 15th April 2025
Malaysia Readies for Xi Jinping’s Visit | Trump Pauses Tariffs | Thailand Plans US Trade Talks

This morning on ALPS Global News:

🇲🇾 Malaysia is preparing for a high-level diplomatic visit as Chinese President Xi Jinping begins his three-day state tour. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged citizens to plan their routes ahead, with 17 major roads in Klang Valley and Putrajaya expected to experience closures. Public transport services are being reinforced to manage traffic flow, while the visit also emphasizes Malaysia’s role as ASEAN Chair in promoting regional unity. Following the visit, Anwar will travel to Thailand for humanitarian talks on the Myanmar earthquake response.

🇺🇸 In the United States, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has emerged as the voice of reason behind President Trump’s dramatic decision to pause a wave of tariffs. Bessent’s intervention not only soothed volatile markets but also signaled a power shift in Trump’s economic advisory team. His moderate stance contrasts with hardliners like Navarro and Lutnick, raising questions about the White House’s evolving trade strategy.

🇹🇭 In Asia, Thailand is taking swift action to counteract a proposed 36% US tariff. Finance and commerce ministers are set to lead a delegation to Washington on April 21. With the US being Thailand’s largest export market, the delegation will focus on negotiating tariff relief, increasing US imports, and enhancing bilateral trade, especially in sectors like pet food and agriculture.

Stay informed.