Trade War Fears: Trump's Tariffs Threaten Markets; Copper Prices Plunge
Key Takeaways
- Trump's tariff threats on China caused copper futures to plunge 3.4% on October 10.
- Global markets fell October 10 due to escalating US-China trade tensions.
- US and China escalated sanctions and export controls on October 10.
- China invests in EV hubs in Southeast Asia for regional interdependence.
- China expands its AI ecosystem in Central Asia via Digital Silk Road.
Top Stories
Trump's tariff threats on China cause copper plunge.
On October 10, 2025, Donald Trump's threat of increased tariffs on Chinese goods caused copper futures to fall by up to 3.4% to $10,496 per ton. This reflects market sensitivity to geopolitical risks related to US-China trade policies.
Global markets fall on US-China trade escalation fears.
On October 10, 2025, international stock markets, including the US and Europe, declined due to escalating US-China trade tensions. The Dow Jones Industrial fell 0.4%, while the Dax and EuroStoxx 50 dropped over 1% as Donald Trump questioned a meeting with Xi Jinping and threatened higher tariffs.
US and China escalate sanctions in trade and tech.
On October 10, 2025, the US and China increased economic sanctions and export controls. The US sanctioned Chinese entities for alleged Iranian oil trade, while China expanded export controls on rare earth and battery technologies.
China's EV investments in Southeast Asia.
On October 10, 2025, China is investing in EV and battery production hubs in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. This expansion aims to establish regional interdependence and resilience, contrasting with Western decoupling efforts.
China's AI ecosystem expansion in Central Asia.
Throughout 2025, China is expanding its AI ecosystem in Central Asia through the Digital Silk Road initiative. Agreements include AI labs and cooperation centers in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, raising concerns about technological dependence.
China's Strategy
Chinese firms integrate into foreign ecosystems.
On October 9, 2025, Chinese firms are strengthening supply chains by integrating into foreign ecosystems. They are leveraging the One Belt One Road initiative and trade agreements, using the 'China Plus One' model in countries like Indonesia, Romania, Thailand, and Vietnam.