On Jan 28 local time in Berlin, German officials noted US tariff hikes pressure global trade and hinder supply chains. Germany's exports to the US dropped 9.4% Jan-Nov 2025. US tariff threats and Ukraine conflict add uncertainty; German industry faces headwinds.

On January 28, 2026, the China Council for Promotion of International Trade announced the 2025 November global economic and trade friction index (still high). The index was 101, with involved amount up 7.2% YoY and down 2% MoM. EU, US, South Korea top countries; EU leads in involved amount for 16 months. Electronics, pharmaceutical, chemical industries are key points.

According to preliminary data from a US research institution on Jan 27, US consumer confidence index dropped from Dec's revised 94.2 to 84.5 (lowest since May 2014). Current condition and expectations indices fell; expectations index stayed below 80 (recession threshold) for 12 months. Economist Dana Peterson noted concerns drove the plunge.

US President Trump announced on Jan 29 that the US will impose a 50% tariff on Canadian-made aircraft if Canada fails to resolve licensing issues for multiple Gulfstream business jets immediately.

EU 27 member states passed regulations on Jan 26 to gradually ban Russian pipeline and LNG imports (full LNG ban early 2027, pipeline ban autumn 2027), with measures on supervision, energy diversification, emergency suspension, and member states to make supply diversification plans by March 1, 2026.

US President Trump threatened 100% tariffs on all Canadian imports if Canada reaches a trade agreement with China. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson advocated win-win cooperation, noting the China-Canada new strategic partnership is non-targeted, beneficial to both peoples and global peace/stability/prosperity.

Leaders of CEMAC member states held a special summit in Brazzaville on Jan 22, calling for measures to enhance economic governance amid declining revenue, worsening deficits and debt pressure. They also urged promoting diversification and structural reforms. CEMAC, established in 1999 with 6 members, uses Central African Franc.

The World Economic Forum's 2026 Annual Meeting concluded in Davos. Attendees noted the global economy is at a critical transition, with AI, green transformation as future engines. Geopolitical risks top 2026 global risks; dialogue and cooperation are needed for inclusive growth, and tech governance to address new risks.

After Trump threatens 100% tariffs on Canadian goods, Canadian PM Carney calls on people to buy domestic, reviews recent visits/meetings, and works to diversify trade/attract investment for Canada.

According to Xinhua, Trump said US will impose 100% tariffs on Canadian imports if Canada reaches a trade deal with China. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun responded on 26th, advocating win-win cooperation, noting Sino-Canada new strategic partnership is equal, inclusive, not targeting third parties, beneficial to both peoples and world peace.

在2026达沃斯世界经济论坛上，WTO总干事指出全球贸易受地缘冲突影响但仍有韧性（72%贸易在WTO框架内）；2025货物贸易增长2.4%（AI驱动），2026预计0.5%（谨慎），服务贸易更稳健；成员对WTO改革有共识，聚焦决策机制、发展与公平竞争。

The Ministry of Commerce reports 2025 Chinese outbound investment (under Belt and Road) was healthy: 50k+ overseas enterprises, $174.38b ODI (up 7.1%), 2m annual jobs. 2026 (15th Five-Year Plan start) will boost foreign investment management, trade-investment integration, and emerging field cooperation.

Bloomberg reported Latin American economies' exports strengthened amid US tariff policies, with Argentina, Brazil, Chile's 2025 exports reaching/approaching historical highs. Mexico/Peru may also hit temporary highs. Exporters benefit from better logistics, emerging markets, and deepening trade with China, which increased procurement of commodities like Brazil's frozen beef and Peru's gold/copper.

Global trading system faces trust crisis; US tariffs distort patterns, harm developing countries, weaponize economic power with double standards. Developing countries seek fair, reciprocal frameworks. Call for fair, inclusive, sustainable global trade system for common prosperity.

On January 17, Mercosur and the EU signed a free trade agreement after over 25 years of talks, targeting a large global trade zone. It faces EU parliamentary approval challenges, with tariff elimination for most goods, economic benefits, but EU agricultural concerns and safeguard measures exist.

Brussels, Jan 21 (Xinhua) -- Due to Trump's tariffs on 8 European countries over Greenland, the European Parliament postponed US-EU trade agreement approval on 21st. Bernd Lang said it will suspend related proposals until US returns to cooperation. EU leaders will hold an emergency summit in Brussels on 22nd evening to discuss US' "island seizure" threat.

The European Commission proposed the "Digital Network Act" on Jan 21, simplifying/unifying connected network rules, supporting fiber optic/mobile network investment, strengthening the single market, establishing an EU-level spectrum framework, and requiring phasing out traditional copper cables by 2035, with the proposal to be reviewed by the European Parliament and Council.

China's Foreign Ministry responds to EU's Jan 20 new cybersecurity policy proposals, stating Chinese companies operate lawfully in Europe without endangering security. The EU's move is protectionist, violates market principles, harming its own development and open image.

Danish Prime Minister Fredrickson stated Denmark won’t negotiate Greenland’s sovereignty and borders, and is prepared for a trade war. She warned US tariffs (over Greenland acquisition) will reduce jobs, and Denmark will respond if provoked. Opposition supports the government’s stance.

A Kiel Institute for the World Economy report shows US tariffs' extra costs are mainly borne by US importers/consumers (96% burden), foreign exporters only 4%. The tariffs may push up US inflation, with last year's $200b tariff revenue almost entirely paid by Americans.