President Donald Trump has moved to reshape US trade policy on two major fronts, signing executive orders that both ease tariffs on India and threaten new levies on countries that continue to trade with Iran.

The rollback of tariffs on India follows New Delhi’s commitment to halt imports of Russian oil, a move welcomed by Washington as it seeks to tighten pressure on Moscow’s energy revenues. The decision signals a thaw in trade tensions between the two nations and underscores the administration’s willingness to reward partners that align with US foreign policy priorities.

At the same time, Trump warned that nations maintaining commercial ties with Iran could face fresh US tariffs, escalating economic pressure on Tehran and its trade partners. The move reinforces a hardline strategy aimed at isolating Iran economically, while using trade measures as leverage in broader geopolitical negotiations.

Together, the twin decisions highlight the Trump administration’s increasingly assertive use of tariffs as a diplomatic tool, targeting both allies and adversaries. From the Indo-Pacific to the Middle East, the approach underscores how trade policy is being deployed not just to protect US industries, but to advance America’s strategic interests on the global stage.

#Trump #India #TradePolicy #Tariffs #USIndiaRelations #GlobalTrade #RussiaOil #Ticker

The United States has announced an additional $6 million in humanitarian aid for Cuba, bringing total assistance since Hurricane Melissa struck the island in October to $9 million. The new relief package will focus on Cuba’s eastern provinces, including Holguín, Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo, providing staples like rice, beans, pasta, canned tuna, and solar lamps. U.S. officials said embassy staff will monitor distribution to prevent the government from diverting supplies.

The announcement comes amid worsening energy and fuel shortages. Cuba has faced widespread blackouts, leaving millions without electricity in several provinces, while rising food prices and limited fuel supplies have intensified humanitarian pressures. Officials warn that without sufficient oil imports, hospitals, transport, and essential services could be severely affected. The crisis has escalated following U.S. restrictions on Cuba’s oil shipments and Venezuela’s inability to supply fuel, forcing Cuba to turn to Mexico as its primary energy partner.

Humanitarian situation

Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz‑Canel accused the U.S. of imposing an “energy blockade,” while Mexican officials work to deliver fuel without triggering U.S. tariffs. Díaz‑Canel expressed willingness to engage in dialogue but insisted talks must respect Cuba’s sovereignty. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced serious concern, warning that the humanitarian situation could deteriorate further if oil supplies remain restricted.

As Cuba struggles to balance disaster recovery with an ongoing energy crisis, the international community faces a delicate challenge: providing humanitarian support while navigating complex geopolitical tensions.

SpaceX expands Starlink with a mobile device and space tracking, raising concerns over revenue and US government reliance.

SpaceX is pushing Starlink beyond internet from space, with plans underway for new consumer facing services that could reshape the telecom landscape.

The company is reportedly exploring a Starlink mobile device, positioning it as a potential rival to established smartphone players as it looks to extend its reach from orbit to everyday tech.

Starlink has become SpaceX’s financial powerhouse, generating an estimated $8 billion in revenue last year, with fresh trademark and patent filings signalling even more ambitious expansion ahead.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker