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Japan Posts June Trade Deficit 406.9B Yen

Japan posted a June 2026 trade deficit of about 406.9 billion yen, the second consecutive shortfall as imports surged 25.4% and exports rose 19.3%, underscoring the impact of a weaker yen and higher oil costs on trade. The result surpassed forecasts for a 120 billion yen deficit and reflects robust import demand alongside resilient export activity, including semiconductors, amid ongoing global pressures.

13 sources

Photo: ADPDigital / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

US Private Payroll Growth Slows in June

ADP reported June private-sector hiring rose 98,000, below the 110,000 consensus, signaling cooling in payroll growth, while early July figures point to a continued slowdown at roughly 16.5k per week. Markets reacted with dollar moves as wage trends and payroll data continue to shape expectations for upcoming inflation and policy actions.

7 sources

Photo: United States Department of the Treasury / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

China reportedly cuts Iranian oil purchases by 40%

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says China reduced its imports of Iranian crude by about 40% in recent months, driven by sanctions on privately owned teapot refineries and China’s strategic petroleum reserves. The remarks underscore intensified sanctions enforcement targeting Tehran’s energy sector and could pressure Iran’s oil revenues while signaling potential shifts in global oil dynamics.

9 sources

Photo: Zairon / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Iran Attacks Kuwait Power, Water Plants Fourth Day

Iran has attacked Kuwait's power-generation and water-desalination facilities for a fourth consecutive day, causing fires and damage that authorities say are being controlled and repaired. The strikes jeopardize critical desalination-driven water supplies for Kuwait, while diplomacy and broader regional tensions persist amid ongoing U.S. and allied actions.

14 sources

Photo: Daniel Torok / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Trump Imposes 50% Tariffs on Canada Goods

President Donald Trump invoked Section 338 of the Tariff Act to impose 50% tariffs on a wide range of Canadian goods in retaliation for Canada’s actions against American autos, dairy, and alcohol, with the levies taking effect in 30 days and exemptions for energy, potash, fish, and critical minerals. The move, described as a response to retaliation rather than a full-blown trade war, signals renewed tensions with Canada and could affect cross-border trade and prices as negotiations continue.

18 sources

Netanyahu warns Iran of stronger response

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran that any future attack would trigger a far stronger Israeli response, emphasizing readiness to act decisively and promising no repeat of past outcomes. The remarks, delivered at the Negev conference amid ongoing tensions and recent Israeli strikes in Iran and regional hostilities, signal a renewed posture of deterrence as the ceasefire remains fragile and the risk of escalation persists.

8 sources