MYRTLE BEACH, SC – U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer continued her nationwide America at Work listening tour this week starting on the West Coast in Washington state to discuss artificial intelligence, before heading to the East Coast and stopping in South Carolina, where she spoke with business leaders and manufacturers in Florence, Georgetown, Hartsville, Mullins, and Myrtle Beach.
In Kirkland, Washington, the Secretary met with software developers at ServiceNow to discuss the growing role of artificial intelligence in the workplace. In South Carolina, she visited with manufacturers across multiple industries to hear directly from business leaders and workers about how President Trump’s pro-growth policies are strengthening the American workforce.
“Every sector of our economy is coming back to life under President Trump’s bold, visionary leadership – from artificial intelligence in Washington state to advanced manufacturing in South Carolina,” said Secretary Chavez-DeRemer. “In just over six months, this President has expanded economic opportunity for hardworking Americans by making historic investments in our workforce through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. I’d like to thank my friend, Congressman Fry, for hosting me in the great state of South Carolina to see the positive impacts of these America First policies firsthand. I’m committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure workers have the tools they need to succeed in America’s new Golden Age.”
“South Carolina is home to some of the hardest working people in the country, and the One Big Beautiful Bill puts them first – cutting taxes, growing jobs, and investing in the future of our workforce,” said Rep. Russell Fry. “From touring thriving manufacturing facilities, seeing our tourism and hospitality industries in action, and meeting the workers who keep it all running, we saw firsthand how this legislation delivers for South Carolina families and the American people. Thank you to my good friend Secretary Chavez-DeRemer for visiting the Grand Strand and Pee Dee regions of our state to see just how much this bill will mean for South Carolina’s future.”
Washington
In Kirkland, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer toured ServiceNow’s offices and met with employees to discuss how they are helping power a new AI boom in the U.S. The Secretary emphasized that the Department of Labor will play a central role in implementing President Trump’s AI Action Plan, which aims to boost AI literacy, invest in skills training, and ensure American workers are equipped to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven economy.
South Carolina
In Myrtle Beach, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer joined Rep. Fry for a roundtable discussion with business leaders at the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce. They talked about how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is reinvigorating American industry by eliminating taxes on tips and overtime and expanding access to Pell Grants for technical schools so students can be ready to fill in-demand jobs. The Secretary also provided an update on her America at Work tour, reiterating that listening directly to workers is critical to developing policies that put American workers first.
Following the roundtable, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer visited several local employers that are driving economic growth and job creation:
Envirosep, where she met with engineers and technicians developing next-generation heating system technologies designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs.
SOPACKO, a manufacturer of ready-to-eat meals for the U.S. military, where she observed how recent investments have strengthened domestic production and bolstered manufacturing capacity to support America’s servicemembers.
Buc-ee’s, where she toured the company’s only South Carolina location and saw firsthand how the pride and value of hard work is reflected in top-tier customer service.
Stingray Boats, where she visited with workers to learn more about how one of the nation’s leading independent boat builders has been manufacturing high-performance recreational boats for over four decades.
At each stop, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer highlighted how President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act is creating new pathways to economic prosperity by expanding opportunity and helping more hardworking men and women achieve the American Dream. Learn more about her recent visits to Georgia, Michigan, and Indiana.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)
July 31, 2025
Washington, D.C.—Today, Reps. Mike Levin (D-CA-49) and Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) reintroduced the bipartisan Increasing Nuclear Safety Protocols for Extended Canister Transfers (INSPECT) Act, ahead of the seventh anniversary of the August 3, 2018 near-canister drop at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS). The bill would increase safety and oversight at decommissioning nuclear power plants by requiring the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to keep a resident inspector at decommissioning plants until all spent fuel is transferred from its spent fuel pools to canisters. The INSPECT Act builds on the recommendations made by the SONGS Task Force Rep. Levin convened in January 2019.
“Since I arrived in Congress, ensuring the safe management and ultimate removal of spent nuclear fuel from sites like SONGS has been one of my top priorities,” said Rep. Levin “By requiring an NRC inspector to remain on-site during the fuel transfer process, we can reduce the risk of another canister incident while continuing to work towards long-term storage solutions. I thank Rep. Lawler for his bipartisanship partnership on this bill and look forward to moving it through the legislative process.”
“As Indian Point and other nuclear sites around the country are decommissioned, the public must have confidence in how spent nuclear fuel is being handled. The INSPECT Act is a practical, bipartisan step that assigns a resident inspector to oversee fuel transfers, helping ensure the process is transparent, accountable, and safe. This is about keeping communities informed, building trust, and doing things the right way,” said Rep. Lawler.
In 2019, Rep. Levin called on then-NRC Chairwoman Kristine Svinicki to implement a resident inspector at SONGS following the announcement of two violations resulting from the 2018 incident. Rep. Levin continued to press Svinicki to implement a resident inspector throughout the transfer process at SONGS, and secured an amendment to an appropriations bill that would prevent the NRC from removing inspectors from nuclear power plants while spent nuclear fuel is being transferred. The INSPECT Act is a culmination of Rep. Levin’s efforts to protect public safety at decommissioning plants like SONGS across the country.
Rep. Levin has been committed to oversight and accountability at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station since entering Congress in 2019, and he remains a leader on the issue as founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Spent Nuclear Fuel Solutions Caucus that aims to address the challenges associated with stranded commercial spent fuel across the country. He has also introduced the bipartisan Nuclear Waste Administration Act to establish an independent agency to modernize nuclear waste management and finally solve our country’s spent fuel challenges by basing the effort in collaboration with communities.
To learn more about Rep. Levin’s work to remove spent nuclear fuel from SONGS click here.
ALAMEDA, Calif. — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752) and crew returned to their Base Alameda home port, Wednesday, following a 134-day patrol in the Indo-Pacific. Stratton’s crew engaged in professional exchanges, cultural events, and joint exercises with Japan, Republic of Korea, and the Philippines, including at-sea search-and-rescue and interdiction exercises.
For breaking news follow us on twitter @USCGHawaiiPac
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3
Press release
UK outshines global competitors as Arbitration Act comes into effect
Businesses will benefit from faster and cheaper dispute resolution as major reforms to arbitration law come into effect today.
New law comes into force today to strengthen UK’s world-leading status in arbitration
Businesses can now settle disputes faster and at less cost
Part of Government’s Plan for Change to drive new business straight into £42.6 billion legal sector
The modernisation of the Arbitration Act is set to boost the UK economy by millions while creating new employment opportunities within the legal sector.
The new law will reinforce Britain’s position as the world’s number one destination for arbitration – building on London’s status as the globally preferred location for these services over competitors like Singapore, Hong Kong and Paris.
This will attract further investment to the UK’s £42.6 billion legal services economy and create highly-skilled jobs, supporting the sector’s existing 384,000 workforce.
Minister for Courts and Legal Services, Sarah Sackman KC MP, said:
Businesses around the world already look to the UK as the gold standard in arbitration, and this new law cements our place as the global jurisdiction of choice – competing globally and keeping British companies on top.
As part of our Plan for Change, we will continue to drive new business straight into the UK to boost jobs and support economic growth.
As the largest legal services market in Europe, international arbitration represents a major growth sector for the UK economy. England and Wales handle at least 5,000 domestic and international arbitrations annually, contributing £2.5 billion in fees alone.
From today, arbitrators have the power to dismiss weak cases quickly, preventing businesses from wasting time and money on disputes with no chance of success.
The reforms also require arbitrators to declare any potential conflicts of interest upfront, ensuring fairer outcomes for businesses.
Courts have gained new powers to better support the arbitration process, while simplified procedures will cut delays and costs for all parties involved.
The Arbitration Act received Royal Assent in February and has now been fully implemented.
Cristen Bauer, Director of External Affairs, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
As the leading professional body globally for dispute resolvers, we are delighted to see the Arbitration Act 2025 come into force. We commend the Government’s commitment to modernise the Arbitration Act and to engage in a collaborative reform process with stakeholders from across the dispute resolution ecosystem.
Ciarb is proud to have contributed to this important reform and stands ready to support the global arbitration community in harnessing the full potential of this new framework. This milestone not only strengthens arbitration in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, but also reinforces global efforts to uphold high standards of fairness, efficiency, and integrity across the profession.
RESTRUCTURING GLOBAL TRADE TO BENEFIT AMERICAN WORKERS: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order modifying the reciprocal tariff rates for certain countries to further address our exploding, annual U.S. goods trade deficits. This decisive action reflects the President’s continued efforts to protect the United States against foreign threats to the national security and economy of the United States by securing fair, balanced, and reciprocal trade relationships to benefit American workers, farmers, and manufacturers and to strengthen the United States’ defense industrial base.
On April 2, President Trump announced an additional 10% tariff on all countries, and for countries with which the United States has large trade deficits, he announced higher additional tariffs individualized to each country, effective April 9.
A lot has happened since then. For example:
Several countries have agreed to, or are on the verge of agreeing to, meaningful trade deals and security agreements with the United States.
Some countries, through negotiations, have offered terms that, in the President’s judgment, do not sufficiently address the national emergency he declared on April 2.
Some countries have not negotiated at all with the United States.
Based on this additional information and recommendations from senior officials, among other things, the President has determined that it is necessary and appropriate to modify the reciprocal tariff rates for certain countries.
Countries listed in Annex I of the Executive Order will be subject to the tariff specified therein.
Countries not listed in Annex I will be subject to a 10% tariff.
STRENGTHENING AMERICA’S POSITION IN THE GLOBAL MARKET: President Trump has reset decades of failed trade policy. Today’s Order underscores President Trump’s commitment to take back America’s economic sovereignty by addressing the many nonreciprocal trade relationships that impact foreign relations, threaten our economic and national security, and disadvantage American workers.
President Trump’s bold trade strategy has yielded historic agreements with major trading partners, unlocking unprecedented investments in the United States and expanding market access for American goods. These deals strengthen America’s economic and security positions and create opportunities for American workers, farmers, and businesses.
In a massive deal with the European Union, the EU has agreed to purchase $750 billion in U.S. energy and make new investments of $600 billion in the United States, all by 2028, while accepting a 15% tariff rate.
Japan has agreed to invest $550 billion in the United States to rebuild and expand core American industries, as well as to further open its own market to U.S. exports, all while paying a baseline 15% tariff rate.
The United States-United Kingdom trade deal includes billions of dollars of increased market access for American exports.
Additional trade deals with Indonesia, the Philippines, South Korea, Vietnam, and others will protect our industries, open foreign markets, and encourage foreign investment in American industries.
These investments position the United States as the world’s premier destination for innovation, manufacturing, and economic growth.
President Trump is using tariffs as a necessary and powerful tool to put America First after many years of unsustainable trade deficits that threaten our economy and national security.
President Trump encourages businesses to build and manufacture on American soil: as these countries are aware, they will face no tariff if they decide to build or manufacture products in our country.
President Trump has committed that the United States will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely to bring back manufacturing jobs for Americans.
DELIVERING FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE: President Trump’s tariff policies have generated significant investment into the United States, strengthening the U.S. economy while addressing unfair trade practices that have disadvantaged American workers for decades.
By imposing tariffs on countries with nonreciprocal trade practices, President Trump is incentivizing manufacturing on American soil and defending our industries.
With billions in reshoring investments already announced, President Trump is bringing manufacturing jobs back to America, revitalizing communities, and strengthening supply chains.
The Administration will continue to use all available tools to protect our national security, advance our economic interests, and uphold a system of trade based in fairness and reciprocity.
SINGAPORE, Aug. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In Southeast Asia, where up to 90% of food loss occurs during transportation due to poor cold chain infrastructure, tackling waste within the temperature-controlled supply chain is critical. Geotab Inc. (“Geotab”), a global leader in connected vehicle and asset solutions, today announced a significant upgrade to its cold chain solution, featuring new hardware and enhanced software capabilities designed to provide businesses with more visibility, control, and compliance assurance for their temperature-sensitive shipments.
Geotab’s enhanced cold chain solution addresses the evolving market need – driven by stricter regulations and higher customer expectations – for more comprehensive, simple, and granular temperature monitoring. The relaunch introduces the advanced IOX-COLD (in-cabin) and IOX-COLD RUGGED (IP67-rated for external mounting) hardware devices. These devices offer deeper, direct integration with refrigeration units from major OEMs, simplifying installation, improving data accuracy, and reducing potential points of failure compared to solutions requiring multiple sensors.
Complementing the new hardware are several changes within the MyGeotab platform to further streamline processes:
Near Real-Time Monitoring: Gain an up-to-the-minute view of cargo conditions for proactive decision-making.
Multi-Zone Temperature Support: Ensure the integrity of multi-temperature loads with monitoring for each zone directly from the refrigeration unit – often eliminating the need for extra sensors.
Advanced Alerts & Remote Commands: Set custom temperature alerts and utilise remote command capabilities (for supported units) to take immediate corrective action.
Dynamic Historical Data: Analyse past shipment performance through interactive graphs, grids, and maps to identify trends and optimise logistics.
Improved Installation Process: An updated MyInstall tool streamlines the configuration and verification process.
“The impact of inadequate cold chain management is felt across industries, especially in regions where long distances, fragmented infrastructure and climate extremes challenge food and pharmaceutical logistics,” said David Brown, AVP APAC at Geotab. “Our cold chain solution is designed to give businesses in Asia Pacific the visibility and assurance they need to protect temperature-sensitive goods, streamline compliance, and operate more sustainably. It’s about making smarter, data-driven decisions that improve outcomes every step of the way.”
The integrated hardware and software solution supports businesses across various sectors, including food and beverage, to mitigate the risks of spoilage, help meet regulatory compliance, protect brand reputation, and gain peace of mind.
Geotab is a global leader in connected vehicle and asset solutions, helping fleets boost their efficiency and management. We use advanced data analytics and AI to transform fleet performance, safety, and sustainability, reducing costs and driving efficiency. Supported by top data scientists and engineers, we serve over 55,000 customers worldwide, processing 80 billion data points daily from more than 4.7 million vehicle subscriptions. Geotab is trusted by Fortune 500 companies, mid-sized fleets, and the biggest public sector fleets globally, including the US Federal Government. Committed to data security and privacy, we hold FIPS 140-3 and FedRAMP authorisations. Our open platform, network of excellent partners, and Marketplace deliver hundreds of ready-to-go third-party solutions for fleets. This year, we are celebrating 25 years of innovation. Find out more at https://www.geotab.com/apac, and follow us on LinkedIn.
Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
Senator Marshall Joins Newsmax to Discuss Trump Trade Deals and the MAHA Movement
Washington – On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Newsmax to discuss President Trump’s trade deal winning streak, where the Canada trade deal stands following their recent stance on Gaza, and American companies joining the MAHA movement.
Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.
On Trump trade deals:
“Great to be with you. Are you tired of winning yet? Another big deal in South Korea. We had a $60 billion trade deficit with them last year, so this is going to help close that gap. With 15% tariff coming in on South Korean products. Guess what this tariff is for U.S. products going in there? Well, it’s zero. But more importantly, what they’re going to remove is their non-tariff barriers and allow us to sell more energy in there. Beyond that, as you all mentioned, is that they’re going to invest in America $350 billion. I think part of this will be used on a ship fund. Right now, very few ships are made in America. I have a feeling President Trump is rallying some finances to start building ships in America again.
On how Canada’s stance on the Israel and Gaza conflict affects a potential trade deal:
“Look, I think Americans are tired of the killing in Gaza, that Israel needs to end this war one way or another. We need to stop this famine. I would just ask, and Canada is making this really complicated. They’re hamstringing President Trump. And I would ask our friends in Canada, what type of statehood are they talking about? If you look at Palestinians’ past, they’ve been a failed government. They paid no attention to water, to sewers, to schools, to the economics of their country. I’ve been over there, and it’s a disaster right now. Instead, they focused on chaos, on terrorism, so I don’t think that’s a viable solution right now. Again, I think President Trump, if anyone can solve this, I think it’s going to be President Trump. And what Canada is doing there is not very helpful for the cause.”
On American companies joining the MAHA movement:
“Yeah, I think they’re more interested in marketing than they are on making America healthy. And my favorite thing to do is to go into a Starbucks and order an iced latte with almond juice in it. I won’t buy Starbucks, it’s too expensive. But for my wife; she deserves it. When I ask them for the almond juice, they say, well, we don’t have any, and I’ll say, ‘look behind the counter,’ there it is. Oh, the almond [milk]. No, it’s almond juice. Look, I think there’s nothing healthier out there than whole milk, as far as strong nutrients as well. I’m not sure what they’re up to here. I appreciate them hopping on the bandwagon. I’m absolutely committed to making America healthy.”
class=”has-text-align-left”>By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby determine and order:
Section 1. Background. In Executive Order 14257 of April 2, 2025 (Regulating Imports With a Reciprocal Tariff To Rectify Trade Practices That Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits), I found that conditions reflected in large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and economy of the United States that has its source in whole or substantial part outside the United States. I declared a national emergency with respect to that threat, and to deal with that threat, I imposed additional ad valorem duties that I deemed necessary and appropriate.
I have received additional information and recommendations from various senior officials on, among other things, the continued lack of reciprocity in our bilateral trade relationships and the impact of foreign trading partners’ disparate tariff rates and non-tariff barriers on U.S. exports, the domestic manufacturing base, critical supply chains, and the defense industrial base. I also have received additional information and recommendations on foreign relations, economic, and national security matters, including the status of trade negotiations, efforts to retaliate against the United States for its actions to address the emergency declared in Executive Order 14257, and efforts to align with the United States on economic and national security matters.
For example, some trading partners have agreed to, or are on the verge of agreeing to, meaningful trade and security commitments with the United States, thus signaling their sincere intentions to permanently remedy the trade barriers that have contributed to the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14257, and to align with the United States on economic and national security matters. Other trading partners, despite having engaged in negotiations, have offered terms that, in my judgment, do not sufficiently address imbalances in our trading relationship or have failed to align sufficiently with the United States on economic and national-security matters. There are also some trading partners that have failed to engage in negotiations with the United States or to take adequate steps to align sufficiently with the United States on economic and national security matters.
After considering the information and recommendations that I have recently received, among other things, I have determined that it is necessary and appropriate to deal with the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14257 by imposing additional ad valorem duties on goods of certain trading partners at the rates set forth in Annex I to this order, subject to all applicable exceptions set forth in Executive Order 14257, as amended, in lieu of the additional ad valorem duties previously imposed on goods of such trading partners in Executive Order 14257, as amended.
Sec. 2. Tariff Modifications. (a) The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) shall be modified as provided in Annex II to this order. These modifications shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time 7 days after the date of this order, except that goods loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transit before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time 7 days after the date of this order, and entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on October 5, 2025, shall not be subject to such additional duty and shall instead remain subject to the additional ad valorem duties previously imposed in Executive Order 14257, as amended.
(b) Certain foreign trading partners identified in Annex I to this order have agreed to, or are on the verge of concluding, meaningful trade and security agreements with the United States. Goods of those trading partners will remain subject to the additional ad valorem duties provided in Annex I to this order until such time as those agreements are concluded, and I issue subsequent orders memorializing the terms of those agreements.
(c) As provided in Annex I to this order, the additional ad valorem rate of duty applicable to any good of the European Union is determined by the good’s current ad valorem (or ad valorem equivalent) rate of duty under column 1 (General) of the HTSUS (“Column 1 Duty Rate”). For a good of the European Union with a Column 1 Duty Rate that is less than 15 percent, the sum of its Column 1 Duty Rate and the additional ad valorem rate of duty pursuant to this order shall be 15 percent. For a good of the European Union with a Column 1 Duty Rate that is at least 15 percent, the additional ad valorem rate of duty pursuant to this order shall be zero.
(d) Goods of any foreign trading partner that is not listed in Annex I to this order will be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 10 percent pursuant to the terms of Executive Order 14257, as amended, unless otherwise expressly provided. This rate shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time 7 days after the date of this order.
(e) The HTSUS shall also be modified by continuing to suspend headings 9903.01.43 through 9903.01.62 and 9903.01.64 through 9903.01.76, and subdivisions (v)(xiii)(1)–(9) and (11)‑(57) of U.S. note 2 to subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS, until the effective date of the modifications provided in Annex II to this order. Upon the effective date of the modifications provided in Annex II to this order, to facilitate implementation of the rates of duty provided in Annex I to this order, headings 9903.01.43 through 9903.01.62 and 9903.01.64 through 9903.01.76, which are organized by rate of duty, and subdivisions (v)(xiii) (1)-(9) and (11)-(57) of U.S. note 2 to subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS shall be terminated as to future entries and replaced by the new trading partner-specific headings provided in Annex II to this order.
(f) Excluding the changes set forth in subsections (a) through (d) of this section, the terms of Executive Order 14257, as amended, shall continue to apply.
(g) Nothing in this order shall be construed to alter or otherwise affect Executive Order 14298 of May 12, 2025 (Modifying Reciprocal Tariff Rates To Reflect Discussions With the People’s Republic of China).
(h) The Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Chair of the United States International Trade Commission, shall determine whether any additional modifications to the HTSUS are necessary to effectuate this order and may make such modifications through notice in the Federal Register.
Sec. 3. Transshipment. (a) An article determined by CBP to have been transshipped to evade applicable duties under section 2 of this order shall be subject to (i) an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 40 percent, in lieu of the additional ad valorem rate of duty applicable under section 2 of this order to goods of the country of origin, (ii) any other applicable or appropriate fine or penalty, including those assessed under 19 U.S.C. 1592, and (iii) any other United States duties, fees, taxes, exactions, or charges applicable to goods of the country of origin. CBP shall not allow, consistent with applicable law, for mitigation or remission of the penalties assessed on imports found to be transshipped to evade applicable duties.
(b) The Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Commissioner of CBP, in consultation with the United States Trade Representative, shall publish every 6 months a list of countries and specific facilities used in circumvention schemes, to inform public procurement, national security reviews, and commercial due diligence.
Sec. 4. Implementation. The Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the United States Trade Representative, as applicable, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, the Assistant to the President and Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and the Chair of the International Trade Commission, are directed and authorized to take all necessary actions to implement and effectuate this order, consistent with applicable law, including through temporary suspension or amendment of regulations or notices in the Federal Register and by adopting rules, regulations, or guidance, and to employ all powers granted to the President by IEEPA, as may be necessary to implement this order. Each executive department and agency shall take all appropriate measures within its authority to implement this order.
Sec. 5. Monitoring and Recommendations. (a) The Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative shall monitor the circumstances involving the emergency declared in Executive Order 14257 and shall regularly consult on such circumstances with any senior official they deem appropriate. The Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative shall inform me of any circumstance that, in their opinion, might indicate the need for further action by the President. The Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative shall also inform me of any circumstance that, in their opinion, might indicate that a foreign trading partner has taken adequate steps to address the emergency declared in Executive Order 14257.
(b) The Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative, in consultation with any senior official they deem appropriate, shall recommend to me any necessary additional action if this action is not effective in resolving the emergency declared in Executive Order 14257.
(c) The Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative, in coordination with the appropriate senior officials, shall recommend additional action, if necessary, should a foreign trading partner fail to take adequate steps to address the emergency declared in Executive Order 14257 or should a foreign trading partner retaliate against the United States in response to the actions taken to address the emergency declared in Executive Order 14257 or any subsequent order issued to address that emergency.
Sec. 6. Severability. If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision of this order to any individual or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its provisions to any other individuals or circumstances shall not be affected.
Sec. 7. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
(d) The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Office of the United States Trade Representative.
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
July 31, 2025.
ANNEX I
Countries and Territories
Reciprocal Tariff, Adjusted
Afghanistan
15%
Algeria
30%
Angola
15%
Bangladesh
20%
Bolivia
15%
Bosnia and Herzegovina
30%
Botswana
15%
Brazil
10%
Brunei
25%
Cambodia
19%
Cameroon
15%
Chad
15%
Costa Rica
15%
Côte d`Ivoire
15%
Democratic Republic of the Congo
15%
Ecuador
15%
Equatorial Guinea
15%
European Union: Goods with Column 1 Duty Rate[1] > 15%
0%
European Union: Goods with Column 1 Duty Rate < 15%
15% minus Column 1 Duty Rate
Falkland Islands
10%
Fiji
15%
Ghana
15%
Guyana
15%
Iceland
15%
India
25%
Indonesia
19%
Iraq
35%
Israel
15%
Japan
15%
Jordan
15%
Kazakhstan
25%
Laos
40%
Lesotho
15%
Libya
30%
Liechtenstein
15%
Madagascar
15%
Malawi
15%
Malaysia
19%
Mauritius
15%
Moldova
25%
Mozambique
15%
Myanmar (Burma)
40%
Namibia
15%
Nauru
15%
New Zealand
15%
Nicaragua
18%
Nigeria
15%
North Macedonia
15%
Norway
15%
Pakistan
19%
Papua New Guinea
15%
Philippines
19%
Serbia
35%
South Africa
30%
South Korea
15%
Sri Lanka
20%
Switzerland
39%
Syria
41%
Taiwan
20%
Thailand
19%
Trinidad and Tobago
15%
Tunisia
25%
Turkey
15%
Uganda
15%
United Kingdom
10%
Vanuatu
15%
Venezuela
15%
Vietnam
20%
Zambia
15%
Zimbabwe
15%
[1] For purposes of this Executive Order and its Annexes, “Column 1 Duty Rate” means the ad valorem (or ad valorem equivalent) rate of duty under column 1-General of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).
ANNEX II
Effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time 7 days after the date of the executive order, excluding the day the executive order is signed, subchapter III of chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) is modified as follows:
Heading 9903.01.25 of the HTSUS shall be amended by deleting the article description and by inserting “Articles the product of any country, except for products described in headings 9903.01.26–9903.01.33, 9903.02.02–9903.02.71, and 9903.96.01, and except as provided for in headings 9903.01.34 and 9903.02.01, as provided for in subdivision (v) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter . . . . . . .” in lieu thereof; and
Headings 9903.01.43–9903.01.62 and 9903.01.64–9903.01.76 and corresponding subdivisions (v)(xiii)(1)–(9) and (11)–(57) of U.S. note 2 to subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS are hereby terminated as to any future entries.
Subdivision (v) of U.S. note 2 to subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS shall be amended by:
Deleting “and 9903.01.43–9903.01.76” each place that it appears and inserting “9903.01.63, and 9903.02.01–9903.02.71” in lieu thereof;
Inserting the following new subdivision in numerical sequence at the end of subdivision (v) of U.S. note 2:
“As provided in headings 9903.02.19 and 9903.02.20, for any good of the European Union subject to a specific or compound rate of duty under column 1-General, the ad valorem equivalent rate of duty of such good shall be determined by dividing the amount of duty payable under column 1-General by the customs value of the good. For example, if a good were subject to a specific duty of 50 cents per kilogram, and one kilogram of the good were entered with a customs value of $10, then the ad valorem equivalent rate of duty would be obtained by dividing 50 cents by $10, yielding 5 percent.”
The following new headings shall be inserted in numerical sequence, with the material in the new heading inserted in the columns of the HTSUS labeled “Heading/Subheading”, “Article Description”, “Rates of Duty 1-General”, “Rates of Duty 1-Special”, and “Rates of Duty 2”, respectively:
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 31 — China has broken new ground in work related to veterans and martyrs affairs during the 14th Five-Year Plan period from 2021 to 2025, Minister of Veterans Affairs Pei Jinjia said at a news conference on Thursday.
In 2022, China issued the first national-level special plan in the field of veterans’ affairs to bolster services and support for retired servicemen. Efforts in employment assistance, training, and rights protection have achieved the expected outcomes since the introduction of the plan, Pei said.
IMPROVING JOB SUPPORT
During the five-year period, China has rolled out a series of regulations and policies to support the employment of retired military personnel and broaden their career opportunities.
Veterans are playing an increasingly important role in the country’s economic and social development, said Vice Minister of Veterans Affairs Xu Yao at the press conference.
China has provided job placements to over 250,000 demobilized officers and veterans since 2021, Xu said, adding that more efforts will be made to expand job opportunities and streamline placement procedures for veterans.
According to Sheng Baochen, an official from the ministry’s employment and entrepreneurship department, more than 50,000 job fairs have been held, helping over 1.4 million veterans secure employment opportunities.
The ministry has guided localities to establish 1,988 business incubation bases to support veterans in business startups nationwide over the past five years, Sheng said.
Approximately 370,000 veterans now serve as officials of villages and communities, more than 14,800 have become teachers in primary and secondary schools, and over 18,000 have joined China’s national comprehensive fire and rescue teams, he added.
ENHANCING VETERAN SERVICES
Pei also highlighted the ministry’s strong focus on improving the construction of service centers in the past five years.
Efforts have been made to ensure nationwide coverage of veteran services through a six-tiered network of service centers and stations, extending from the national level to villages and communities, with a total of 610,000 units established so far, Pei said.
In addition, service delivery has been streamlined through the development of mobile apps tailored for veterans, and this digital approach has enhanced service efficiency and improved overall service quality, Pei added.
Veteran affairs coordinators have been recognized by the government as a new occupation, he said, referring to personnel working at veterans service centers and stations handling tasks such as policy consultation, employment and entrepreneurship support, and rights protection for veterans.
“The continuous improvement of veteran service centers and stations and their work standards has brought closer ties between veterans and the Party and government,” Pei said.
HONORING FALLEN HEROES
From 2021 to 2025, China took back home the remains of 265 soldiers of the Chinese People’s Volunteers (CPV) who died in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) and honored them with solemn burial ceremonies.
According to Pei, DNA samples from the returned remains of 981 CPV soldiers and DNA samples of over 1,300 family members of martyrs have been collected, forming a refined, dynamic database.
Additionally, China has set up a center for searching and identifying fallen soldiers’ remains, along with a national DNA laboratory for the identification of the remains of martyrs.
Pei also highlighted that the country has identified burial sites or found relatives for 7,000 fallen soldiers.
This achievement was made possible through a public service platform launched by the ministry, which encourages and guides public participation in such search efforts, he noted.
The ministry is committed to strengthening the preservation and utilization of martyr memorials, said Chen Erwei, an official with the ministry, at the press conference.
Furthermore, China plans to unveil new national-level memorials, historical sites, and a list of prominent heroes from the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945), Chen said.
At the request of the government of the Philippines, U.S. Marines with the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) 25.3 Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) are working alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to provide urgent lifesaving support to communities affected by typhoons, tropical storms, and the Southwest Monsoon. The forward presence and ready posture of United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) in the region facilitates rapid and effective response to crisis, demonstrating the U.S.’s commitment to allies and partners during times of need.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China’s Chen Yuxi captured her fourth world title in the women’s 10-meter platform, while Romania’s David Popovici delivered a historic swim in the men’s 100-meter freestyle at the World Aquatics Championships on Thursday.
Chen, who led both the preliminary and semifinal rounds, secured gold with a score of 430.50 points. Germany’s Pauline Alexandra Pfeif earned silver with 367.10 points, while 15-year-old Chinese diver Xie Peiling took bronze with 358.20 in her world championships debut.
Chen Yuxi of China kisses the medal after the awarding ceremony for the women’s 10m platform final of diving at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, July 31, 2025. (Xinhua/Luo Yuan)
“Every world championship holds a special place in my memory,” Chen said. “This time, under physical strain and the challenge of maintaining form, I was still able to deliver a 430-point performance. I’m very satisfied.”
Chinese swimmers added two bronze medals on the fifth day of competition. In the women’s 50-meter backstroke final, Wan Letian finished third in 27.30 seconds, behind American swimmers Katharine Berkoff and Regan Smith, who claimed gold and silver, respectively.
“I’ve overcome a mental hurdle,” Wan said. “I wasn’t very confident before, but standing on the podium at an international event has given me courage and helped me identify areas for improvement. I hope to go further in future competitions.”
In the women’s 4×200-meter freestyle relay final, the Chinese team of Liu Yaxin, Yang Peiqi, Yu Yiting and Li Bingjie finished third behind Australia and the United States. Li, who previously won silver in the 200m and 400m freestyle, anchored the final leg.
“This was my first time swimming the anchor leg,” Li said. “My teammates swam really well, so I just wanted to fight for the best possible result.”
The men’s 100-meter freestyle final was one of the most anticipated races of the day. Popovici clocked a blistering 46.51 seconds, setting a new championship record and securing gold. Jack Alexy of the United States took silver, and Australia’s Kyle Chalmers earned bronze.
Popovici’s time is the second-fastest ever in the event, just behind the world record of 46.40 seconds set by China’s Pan Zhanle at the Paris Olympics.
“I’d give myself a 10 tonight,” Popovici said. “I’m not the kind of person who usually says something is perfect, but I think today really was.”
In the men’s 200-meter individual medley final, France’s Leon Marchand, who broke the world record in the semifinals, won gold in 1:53.68. Shaine Casas of the U.S. took silver, and Hungary’s Hubert Kos earned bronze. China’s Wang Shun, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion, finished seventh.
Reflecting on his eighth appearance at the world championships since 2011, Wang noted the rise in competition. “Especially at this edition, you can feel the level has risen a lot – perhaps because everyone refocused after the Olympics.”
Canada’s Summer McIntosh set a new championship record in the women’s 200-meter butterfly, winning gold in 2:01.99. Regan Smith of the U.S. and Australia’s Elizabeth Dekkers rounded out the podium. China’s Yu Zidi narrowly missed a medal, finishing fourth.
In semifinal action, Qin Haiyang advanced to the men’s 200-meter breaststroke final with the eighth-fastest time. Teammate Dong Zhihao finished 15th and did not advance. In the women’s 100-meter freestyle, Cheng Yujie qualified for the final with the fifth-fastest time; Wu Qingfeng placed 15th. In the women’s 200-meter breaststroke, Lyu Qinyao finished 10th and did not move on. Yu Jingming did not advance from the men’s 200-meter backstroke heats.
Volcano Watch — Distant versus local earthquakes and tsunami response times in Hawaii
Earthquakes and tsunamis in the news over the past few days are a reminder that we live on a dynamic planet with different hazards and associated response times. While tsunamis generated by large, distant earthquakes take hours to traverse the Pacific Ocean, it is important to remember that local earthquakes can also generate tsunamis—but with much less warning.
Volcano Watch is a weekly article and activity update written by U.S. Geological SurveyHawaiian Volcano Observatoryscientists and affiliates.
On July 29, 2025 at 1:24 p.m. HST, a magnitude-8.8 earthquake struck the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia. A tsunami warning was issued for the State of Hawaii at 2:43 p.m. HST, and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) issued a forecast for the first waves of a tsunami to arrive on Hawaiian shores a few minutes after 7:00 p.m. HST. With hours to prepare for the eventual arrival of tsunami waves, sirens sounded and cell phones received multiple alarms as coastal areas were evacuated. As PTWC modeled, tsunami waves began moving through the Hawaiian Islands after 7:00 p.m. HST and had a maximum measurement of 1.7 meters (5.7 feet) in Kahului, Maui. There was ultimately no significant damage in Hawaii and the warning was cancelled just before 11:00 p.m. HST.
Large distant earthquakes in the past have generated tsunamis that caused significant damage and deaths in Hawaii. In 1946, a magnitude-7.9 Aleutian Islands, Alaska earthquake generated a tsunami that killed 159 people in the State of Hawaii, with a maximum wave run-up height of 16 meters (55 feet) measured at Pololū Valley on the Island of Hawaiʻi. In 1960, a magnitude-9.5 earthquake in Chile, South America generated a tsunami that killed 66 people in Hilo, with a maximum wave run-up height of 10.6 m (35 feet). Then in 2011, the magnitude-9.0 Tohoku, Japan earthquake generated a tsunami with maximum wave heights of about 3.6 m (12 feet) in Hawaii. Though there was significant damage in Hawaii from the Tohoku tsunami, there were no deaths locally.
Improved earthquake detection and tsunami monitoring, along with streamlined emergency communication techniques—such as the text alarms sent in Hawaii on July 29—reduce the risk of people being injured or killed by tsunamis. Another important factor is the response time; tsunami waves generated by distant earthquakes take hours to reach the Hawaiian Islands, which gives people time to evacuate vulnerable areas. Local tsunamis, however, do not need to travel far to reach our shores, which leaves residents and emergency management agencies a much shorter time to respond.
Large fault slips along the bases of Hawaiian volcanoes have historically produced damaging earthquakes that generated local tsunamis, and they will certainly do so again in the future. These events leave residents little time to evacuate to safety. Researchers from the University of Hawai‘i have modeled that a tsunami generated from the south flank of the Island of Hawai‘i can wrap around and reach Hilo Bay 4–5 minutes after the earthquake, before propagating through the Hawaiian Islands in less than an hour.
In 1868, an estimated magnitude-7.9 earthquake occurred beneath Mauna Loa volcano in the District of Kaʻū. It caused landslides and a local tsunami that affected the entire south coast of the Island of Hawaiʻi, killing nearly 100 people. In 1975, a magnitude-7.2 earthquake beneath the south flank of Kīlauea volcano generated a tsunami with maximum wave run-up heights of about 14 meters (47 feet). Two people were killed and many more were injured. Even the magnitude-6.9 earthquake beneath Kīlauea in 2018 generated a small local tsunami with a maximum wave height of 40 centimeters (15.7 inches) in Hilo.
A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist measures a scarp that formed on the south flank of Kīlauea during the magnitude-7.2 earthquake in 1975. In this area, near Poliokeawe Pali in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the scarp is about 1.5 meters (5 feet) high. USGS photo by P. Lipman.
During these large local earthquakes, the southeast part of the Island of Hawaiʻi—called the Hilina Slump, with its toe beneath the ocean surface—shifts to the southeast and downwards. As this part of the island moves, it displaces ocean water, generating the damaging tsunamis that quickly inundate local shores.
If you are near the shore in Hawaii, be aware of your surroundings. If you feel strong shaking from a large earthquake, remember that the time you have to respond before the tsunami arrives could be minutes. Receding water could be a sign of an impending tsunami wave to follow. Do not wait for sirens or cell phone alarms, because the tsunami could occur before there is time for those alerts to be sent. Immediately head for higher ground, and wait for emergency management agencies to sound the all-clear before returning to the shoreline.
Volcano Activity Updates
Kīlauea has been erupting episodically within the summit caldera since December 23, 2024. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is WATCH.
Episode 29 of the Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater occurred on July 20. Summit region inflation since the end of episode 29, along with persistent tremor, suggests that another episode is possible. Current inflation data indicate that episode 30 is likely to start between July 31 and August 3. Sulfur dioxide emission rates are elevated in the summit region during active eruption episodes. No unusual activity has been noted along Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.
Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL.
No earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week.
HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
Please visit HVO’s website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake information, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.
31 July 2025 – From supporting responsible production and consumption to promoting circularity and sustainable alternatives, trade must be part of the solution to plastic pollution, not part of the problem.
In Uttar Pradesh, India, a recycling plant processes plastic waste to be used for making polyester fibre.
The latest Global Trade Update shows that plastic production reached 436 million metric tons worldwide in 2023, with the traded value surpassing $1.1 trillion and accounting for 5% of total merchandise trade.
Despite driving global growth across industries, plastics exact a heavy toll on environmental and planetary health.
Alarmingly, 75% of plastics ever produced have become waste and mostly ended up in the world’s oceans and ecosystems.
This year marks 80th anniversary of the Republic of Korea’s liberation. Korea.net marks this historic day in 1945 of regaining sovereignty after 35 years of Japanese colonial rule (1910-45) and achieving independence as as self-reliant country. To commemorate the noble sacrifices of the nation’s patriotic ancestors who fought for liberation, this is a look back on the history of the Republic of Korea.
Following the news that the US will impose 25% tariffs on all Indian imports starting from 1 August 2025.
Ramnivas Mundada, Director of Economic Research and Companies at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view:
“These significant tariffs, coupled with penalties linked to India’s dealings with Russian energy and military supplies, pose serious challenges for key export sectors, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and textiles. Compounding these issues, six Indian companies have recently been sanctioned by the US Department of State for engaging in petroleum trade with Iran. Against this backdrop, GlobalData has revised its 2025 economic growth forecast for India from 6.6% in March 2025 to 6.5% in July 2025.
“The Indian stock market initially reacted sharply to the trade tariff announcement, with the Nifty50 falling below 24,700—down 189 points—and the BSE Sensex dropping 600 points in early trading on July 31, 2025. The MSCI India Index also recorded its weakest monthly performance since February, reflecting heightened investor concerns around trade tensions and export sector exposure. However, market sentiment has since steadied, suggesting that investors have largely absorbed the initial shock and are now recalibrating expectations considering the evolving trade landscape.
“The rupee also weakened significantly in response to the tariff announcement, experiencing its largest one-day decline since May 2025 and falling past the 87 level against the US dollar on 30 July 2025.
“According to ITC Trade Map data, exports of electrical machinery and equipment, gems and jewelry, pharmaceuticals, machinery and mechanical appliances, and mineral fuels collectively represented over 51% of India’s exports to the US in 2024. Additionally, the possibility of manufacturing operations relocating to other Asian countries with lower tariffs poses a significant threat to India’s standing as a manufacturing hub.
“In conclusion, the ongoing stalemate in trade negotiations between the US and India underscores the complexities of their relationship. With the US justifying tariffs due to India’s high trade barriers and procurement of Russian goods, both nations face significant challenges ahead. As a US delegation prepares to visit India on 25 August 2025, for the sixth round of talks, achieving a mutually beneficial agreement is crucial for fostering stronger ties and ensuring the resilience of the Indian economy in an evolving global landscape.”
About GlobalData
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Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG: “The Lufthansa Group remains on course. Although the second quarter was again marked by geopolitical crises and economic uncertainties, we are today confirming our positive outlook for the full year. However, 2025 will remain a year of transformation for us, as delays in aircraft deliveries, certifications, and engine overhauls continue. The disproportionate burden on European airlines due to unilateral EU regulations also continues to put us at a disadvantage in global competition.
In this challenging environment, we were able to increase our operating result by almost a third in the second quarter and double the Lufthansa Group result. The basis for this economic success is and remains the regained operational stability of our airlines. Thanks to the tremendous commitment of our employees on board and on the ground, we are now able to report positive operating results for the first six months of the year. Our core brand achieved its best stability and punctuality figures since 2016. This not only significantly improved customer satisfaction but also had a noticeable impact on earnings due to lower compensation payments.
Lufthansa Cargo and Lufthansa Technik once again demonstrated their global leading performance in the first half of 2025. It is also encouraging that our investment in ITA Airways is already contributing to the Group’s financial success.
We are continuing our necessary efforts to increase efficiency, productivity, and profitability, particularly in the turnaround of our core brand, in order to expand our position as the world’s largest airline group outside the US.”
Results
In the second quarter of 2025, the Lufthansa Group increased its revenue by three percent year-on-year to 10.3 billion euros (previous year: 10.0 billion euros). The Lufthansa Group generated an operating profit (Adjusted EBIT) of 871 million euros (previous year: 686 million euros). The improvement in earnings was mainly due to the four percent expansion of the flight program in the passenger business, a positive result from the investment in ITA Airways of 91 million euros, partly due to currency effects, and the doubling of the operating result of the logistics business segment compared to the previous year. As a result, the operating margin increased by 1.5 percentage points year-on-year in the second quarter. The Group net result was 1.01 billion euros, more than double the previous year’s figure (469 million euros). This disproportionate increase was due to extraordinary tax effects and currency effects.
Passenger numbers and traffic development
In the first half of the year, more than 61 million passengers flew with the airlines of the Lufthansa Group, an increase of two percent compared with 2024. In the second quarter alone, the airlines welcomed around 37 million passengers (previous year: 35.9 million) on board. Despite a four percent increase in seat capacity, the load factor remained stable compared with the previous year at 82 percent.
The passenger airlines’ revenue per available seat kilometer (RASK) declined slightly by 0.9 percent in the second quarter compared with 2024 after adjusting for currency effects. This was primarily due to lower average prices in the European business as a result of intensifying competition. In contrast, average revenues from intercontinental traffic remained stable despite a market-wide expansion of capacity. Unit costs (CASK) excluding fuel and emissions expenses rose by 4.1 percent compared with the same quarter last year due to ongoing cost inflation, driven in particular by personnel and location costs.
Overall, revenue from passenger airlines rose by three percent to 8.2 billion euros in the second quarter (previous year: 8.0 billion euros). Adjusted EBIT increased to 690 million euros (previous year: 581 million euros). All airlines generated a positive result in the second quarter.
In the first half year, revenue for the passenger airlines totaled 14.1 billion euros, representing growth of around four percent compared with the previous year. Adjusted EBIT improved to -244 million euros (first half of 2024: -337 million euros). The positive development is mainly attributable to lower fuel costs, higher income from investments, and the absence of financial strike-related expenses in the previous year. In contrast to the first half of 2024, network stability also improved significantly, resulting in a 106 million euros reduction in financial expenses due to flight irregularities.
The integration of ITA Airways, in which the Lufthansa Group holds a 41 percent stake in the first phase, is continuing to progress. The benefits for customers are already clearly noticeable. Since the beginning of July, the airlines of the Lufthansa Group and ITA Airways have harmonized the benefits for their respective status customers, such as mutual lounge access, priority boarding, and conditions for additional baggage.
Also since July, flights from Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines can be combined with long-haul flights from ITA Airways in a single booking. This has been possible for short- and medium-haul flights since March.
Starting in September, ITA Airways guests will be able to store their travel profile electronically in the Lufthansa Group Travel ID and benefit from the associated digital customer services of the Lufthansa Group.
Lufthansa Airlines continues to implement Turnaround program
Lufthansa Airlines’ Turnaround program remains on track. Increasing operational stability forms the foundation for the success of this program. Significant progress has already been made in this regard: punctuality and reliability achieved their best figures in ten years in the first six months. At the same time, revenues increased. Revenue from flight-related ancillary services rose by more than 25 percent in the first half of the year. In addition, structural measures have been initiated with the announced closure of the customer service center in Peterborough (Canada) and the associated reduction in personnel, which will make Lufthansa Airlines more efficient in the long term. The Turnaround measures are expected to have a gross earnings effect of 1.5 billion euros in 2026 and 2.5 billion euros in 2028.
Lufthansa Technik at record levels in the first half of the year, Lufthansa Cargo doubles its second quarter result compared with the previous year
The sustained high demand for air travel is leading to a further increase in demand for maintenance and repair services. Lufthansa Technik’s revenue rose by eight percent to 2.0 billion euros in the second quarter (same quarter last year: 1.8 billion euros). Ongoing material shortages, the US dollar exchange rate and increased US tariffs led to a ten percent increase in expenses compared with the same quarter last year. Nevertheless, Lufthansa Technik achieved an Adjusted EBIT of 310 million euros in the first half of 2025, once again setting a new record.
Lufthansa Cargo continued the positive trend of the first three months of the year in the second quarter. With an Adjusted EBIT of 73 million euros, the operating result in the second quarter doubled compared with the previous year (second quarter of 2024: 36 million euros). High demand for Asian e-commerce shipments and capacity bottlenecks in sea freight traffic led to an increase in demand and thus a higher load factor for Lufthansa Cargo. Since June 2025, Lufthansa Cargo has been marketing the freight capacity of ITA Airways’ South American routes to Rome. Lufthansa Cargo plans to gradually expand the marketing of belly capacity to all continental and intercontinental routes of the Italian airline. This will further consolidate Lufthansa Cargo’s route network.
Balance sheet strengthened, debt reduced
The Lufthansa Group’s operating cashflow amounted to around 2.8 billion euros in the first half of the year (previous year: 2.7 billion euros). Net investments remained at the previous year’s level at 1.6 billion euros. Overall, the Lufthansa Group generated an Adjusted Free Cashflow of 1.04 billion euros (previous year: 878 million euros).
Net debt decreased slightly to 5.5 billion euros compared with the end of 2024 (December 31, 2024: 5.7 billion euros). Net pension obligations fell by 400 million euros to 2.2 billion euros due to the higher discount rate. The Lufthansa Group’s available liquidity increased by 100 million euros compared with the beginning of the year to 11.1 billion euros.
Till Streichert, Chief Financial Officer of Deutsche Lufthansa AG: “We continue to operate in a volatile environment with high uncertainty and high cost pressure. I am therefore pleased to be able to present another quarterly result that is significantly above the previous year and to report progress in our Turnaround program. In our assessment, opportunities and risks are balanced. We therefore continue to expect a full year 2025 result significantly above the previous year and Adjusted Free Cashflow at approximately the previous year’s level. We thereby confirm our guidance. At the same time, we are closely monitoring macroeconomic developments and can respond flexibly to changes in the business environment.”
Outlook
Global demand for air travel remains strong. However, geopolitical crises and macroeconomic uncertainties, particularly commodity price and exchange rate volatility, are affecting the accuracy of forecasts for the rest of the year. In addition, the tendency of many travelers to book at shorter notice is limiting visibility for the second half of the year.
Despite ongoing global uncertainties, the Lufthansa Group is reaffirming its forecast for the full year and expects operating profit (Adjusted EBIT) to be significantly higher than last year (previous year: 1.6 billion euros) with capacity growth of around four percent.
The company continues to expect Adjusted Free Cashflow to remain at the previous year’s level (previous year: 840 million euros). This includes net investments of 2.7 to 3.3 billion euros, primarily for the ongoing fleet renewal.
Among other things, this will finance the remaining payments for the first Boeing 787-9 long-haul aircraft at the group’s largest hub in Frankfurt. By the end of the year, up to ten of these ‘Dreamliner’ with the new Allegris seat generation are expected to be added to the group’s fleet. In summer 2026, Lufthansa Airlines plans to operate a total of 15 Boeing 787-9 s from Frankfurt, more than doubling the number of aircraft offering the Lufthansa Allegris premium product to customers.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Two Chinese men were attacked on the street by four men in central Tokyo on Thursday, suffering severe head injuries, local media reported.
The four unidentified men in their 20s attacked the victims with iron pipes in Chiyoda Ward in the Japanese capital at around 9 a.m. local time, and fled the scene in a car with a Kansai license plate, Jiji Press reported.
The two victims, sustaining serious head injuries, and bleeding, said they had no prior acquaintance with the attackers, and no demands for money or anything else were made, the report said.
The two Chinese men were walking down the street when the incident happened.
Police were currently searching for the attackers.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Fourteen years after making his debut at the World Aquatics Championships, China’s Wang Shun knows that winning a world title is becoming increasingly challenging. But the 31-year-old former Olympic champion is not ready to give up just yet.
Wang, who captured gold in the 200m individual medley at the Tokyo 2020, finished seventh in Thursday’s final, clocking 1:57.92 – well off his personal best of 1:54.62 and slower than the 1:56.00 that earned him bronze at last year’s Paris Olympics.
Wang Shun of China competes during the men’s 200m individual medley final of swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, July 31, 2025. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun)
“I don’t think I was fully activated today,” Wang said. “I felt a bit soft overall. At the start, I didn’t push out strongly or decisively enough.”
His journey on the world stage began in 2011 in Shanghai, where the 17-year-old Wang finished 18th in his signature event – the men’s 200m individual medley – as American Ryan Lochte set a then-world record of 1:54.00.
That mark was shattered on Wednesday by France’s Leon Marchand, who clocked 1:52.69 in the semifinals, raising the bar even higher for the next generation.
“It’s been an emotional journey,” Wang said. “Back in 2011, Lochte broke the world record – that was a benchmark for me to chase. Now in my eighth Worlds, Marchand breaks it again. There’s always someone ahead to catch up with. That’s what keeps us moving forward.”
Marchand, just 23 years old, now holds both the 200m and 400m IM world records and has already secured four Olympic gold medals and six world titles.
“First of all, congratulations to Marchand for breaking the world record – it’s an incredibly inspiring result,” Wang said. “It’s truly an unbelievable performance and really uplifting for all of us.”
While Wang remains the only Asian man to have ever won Olympic gold in the 200m IM, a world title still eludes him. He previously earned bronze in the event at the 2015 Kazan and 2017 Budapest championships.
“This is already my eighth World Championships,” Wang said. “Every time, I can feel how opponents and the field are evolving. Especially after last year’s Olympics, everyone seems to have stepped up. In the 200m IM, the overall level has risen really quickly. Sometimes I just have to sigh in awe – the rate of progress in this sport is incredibly fast.”
Asked if he still dreams of winning a world title, Wang smiled. “Chasing dreams and staying passionate – that’s what matters most,” he said. “We need to face challenges, fatigue, and worry with courage, and keep a brave heart moving forward.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
In a friendly match at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park on Thursday, Tottenham Hotspur secured a 1-0 victory over Arsenal.
Arsenal fielded a star-studded lineup, including Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Declan Rice, while Tottenham featured key players such as Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Mohammed Kudus.
The match began with Arsenal pressing forward, but Tottenham gradually found its rhythm and launched counterattacks. In the 28th minute, Wilson Odobert broke into the box and fired a shot that struck the post. Just before halftime, Pape Matar Sarr unleashed a stunning long-range lob to give Tottenham a 1-0 lead at the break.
Arsenal intensified its attacks in the second half, creating several dangerous chances. After the 60th minute, both sides made multiple substitutions, with Tottenham’s Son Heung-min and Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres entering the game in the 77th minute. Despite spirited efforts from both teams, the scoreline remained unchanged.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
On July 25, the film “Nanjing Photo Studio”, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, was released simultaneously in Macao and inland China, becoming a general cinematic event.
Based on a true story, the film follows the ordinary workers of the Jixiang Photo Studio as they continue their work in Japanese-occupied Nanjing in 1937. Forced to develop photographs for the Japanese army, they discover under the red light of the darkroom negatives that depict the horrific atrocities of the invaders. The workers of the photo studio go from struggling to survive to awakening their conscience, and ultimately, risking their own lives, preserve this irrefutable evidence that reveals the whole truth. Using a unique approach, the film reveals “big history through a small slice” and exposes the crimes of the aggressors, and also praises the courage and spirit of resistance of ordinary people.
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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diplomatic Trade Ltd and Kent Global Support Strategic Stake in Turkish Pharma Group, Plan $300M UAE Biopharma Initiative Cross-border biopharma venture targets UAE facility launch in Q3 2025 and public listing by year-end
Diplomatic Trade Ltd, a cross-border trade and investment firm with offices in New York and Dubai, and its private equity arm, Diplomatic Trade Capital Group, have signed an MOU to acquire a 49% stake in Turkish pharmaceutical manufacturer Farmakim ilaç Kimya Gida Ürünleri Üretim San ve Dis Tie A.S.
The transaction was supported by U.S.-based Kent Family Office LLC and its affiliated investment firm, Kent Global LLC, led by financier Thomas J. Kent Jr. The deal marks a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening pharmaceutical capacity across Türkiye and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Equity Position and Strategy Diplomatic Trade Capital’s 49% ownership includes board representation and commercial rights. Financial details were not disclosed, but the acquisition aligns with a broader strategy to scale pharmaceutical infrastructure across emerging markets in MENA.
UAE Biomanufacturing Facility – Q3 2025 The partners will establish a UAE-based biomanufacturing facility by Q3 2025. The plant will focus on biosynthetic therapies and regenerative compounds, featuring modular, EU-GMP-compliant production systems and AI-driven quality control. The facility is intended to meet growing demand for advanced pharmaceuticals in the GCC and North Africa.
IPO Planning and Market Valuation The new entity is targeting an initial public offering on a UAE stock exchange in Q4 2025. A global advisory firm is conducting a valuation, with early estimates suggesting a potential IPO valuation near $300 million USD, based on projected revenue growth and regional distribution rights.
Institutional Investment Backing The financing structure was arranged by Kent Family Office and Kent Global, reflecting increased U.S. institutional interest in healthcare investment across the Gulf region.
Executive Commentary “This transaction establishes a platform for scalable pharmaceutical production in the region,” said a Diplomatic Trade Capital spokesperson. “The UAE offers a favorable environment for innovation, regulation, and capital markets access.”
About Diplomatic Trade Ltd Diplomatic Trade Ltd is a U.S.-registered firm focused on cross-border joint ventures and IPOs in healthcare, infrastructure, and strategic manufacturing across the GCC and Africa.
About Farmakim Based in Istanbul, Farmakim is a privately held pharmaceutical company serving public and private healthcare systems across Europe, MENA, and Central Asia.
Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense
BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun on Thursday said that the Chinese military is always ready to pursue the goal of China’s complete reunification, pledging resolute efforts to thwart any separatist attempts seeking “Taiwan independence” and foil any military interference by external forces.
Dong made the remarks at a large reception that the Ministry of National Defense held in Beijing to celebrate the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), which will be observed on Aug. 1.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, Dong said.
On Sept. 3, China will hold a military parade in Beijing’s Tian’anmen Square to celebrate the anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
Dong said the parade will demonstrate to the Party and the Chinese people that the PLA is a force that safeguards peace and justice, and that excels in military strength.
He also noted that the Chinese military is willing to work with its counterparts in all countries around the world to achieve the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity and the three major global initiatives, address risks and challenges, and build a world with lasting peace, universal security, common prosperity, openness and inclusivity, and a clean and beautiful environment.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Hong Kong’s economy continued expansion in the second quarter of 2025, with real gross domestic product (GDP) up 3.1 percent year on year, local data showed on Thursday.
The growth rate picked up from 3 percent registered in the first quarter, according to advance GDP estimates from the Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government.
In breakdown, private consumption expenditure increased by 1.9 percent in real terms over a year earlier, rebounding from a decline of 1.2 percent in the previous quarter.
On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter comparison basis, GDP increased by 0.4 percent in real terms from the first quarter.
A spokesperson for the HKSAR government said that the solid Q2 growth was boosted by strong export performance and improved domestic demand.
Total exports of goods saw accelerated growth amid resilient external demand, while the bullish local stock market buoyed services export, the spokesperson added.
Private consumption expenditure resumed moderate growth after four consecutive quarters of decline, supported by sanguine consumer sentiments.
Looking ahead, steady economic growth in Asia, particularly in the Chinese mainland, as well as the HKSAR government’s policy efforts, will continue to bolster growth, said the spokesperson, while cautioning against potential impacts from U.S. tariff policies and the pace of U.S. interest rate cuts.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Hong Kong’s economy continued expansion in the second quarter of 2025, the 10th consecutive quarter of growth, as consumer and investor sentiment warmed, local data showed on Thursday.
Advance estimates from the Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government showed that Hong Kong’s real gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 3.1 percent year on year in Q2, picking up from the 3-percent rate registered in the first quarter.
Analysts and industry insiders said that the solid Q2 growth was boosted by strong export performance and improved domestic demand, pointing to notable economic resilience.
Total exports of goods measured in national accounts terms recorded an increase of 11.5 percent over a year earlier as external demand retained steam, while bullish local stock market buoyed export of financial and business services, said a spokesperson for the HKSAR government.
“The strong goods export figure is a result of Hong Kong forging closer ties with the Chinese mainland market as well as other markets around the world. Its role as a global trade hub remains unchanged,” said Liang Haiming, chairman and chief economist of the China Silk Road iValley Research Institute.
Hong Kong boasts the world’s biggest initial public offering (IPO) market and one of the best-performing stock markets by mid-July. The 52 IPOs raised 124 billion Hong Kong dollars (15.8 billion U.S. dollars) in total.
Total market capitalization of the Hong Kong bourse came in at 42.7 trillion Hong Kong dollars in the first half of this year, up 33 percent year on year.
“The rising valuation of Chinese assets showed that global investors appreciate Chinese companies’ ability to innovate,” said Zhao Yang, managing director of CICC Global Institute.
Another token of renewed investor confidence is capital inflow into the city. The number of registered funds reached 976 as of March 2025, with overall net inflows exceeding 44 billion U.S. dollars, a year-on-year increase of 285 percent.
“Continued capital inflow, stock market upticks, as well as the HKSAR government’s efforts to land mega events and high value-added tourism, have bolstered consumer sentiment,” said Financial Secretary of the HKSAR government Paul Chan.
Private consumption expenditure in Q2 increased by 1.9 percent after four consecutive quarters of decline, Thursday’s data showed.
The long streak of steady GDP growth affirms global confidence toward Hong Kong’s economy and creates a nurturing environment for its economic upgrade, especially in exploring new drivers like green finance, sci-tech innovation and high-end services, said Liang.
A report released by the HKSAR government on Wednesday showed that Hong Kong’s core competitiveness is solid and new strengths are emerging.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Defending champion France failed to advance to the semifinals after a 3-1 loss to Slovenia in the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Finals on Thursday.
The teams had split previous encounters, with two-time Olympic gold medalist France sweeping Slovenia 3-0 during the Burgas leg of the VNL in late June. However, Olympic debutant Slovenia edged host France 3-2 in a group match at the Paris Olympics last year.
The opening set was tightly contested. With the score tied at 12-12, Slovenia went on a strong serving run, scoring four straight points to pull ahead and eventually take the set 25-22.
France responded in the second set with improved attack efficiency and strong execution, quickly building a comfortable lead and evening the match with a 25-15 win.
Momentum shifted again in the third set as France’s unforced errors piled up. Slovenia capitalized with a decisive 12-4 run to win the set 25-19.
Facing elimination, France continued to struggle in the fourth set, while Slovenia maintained its rhythm and confidence to close out the match 25-18. The victory sets up a semifinal clash between Slovenia and Italy.
“We have to improve on a lot of things,” said French captain Benjamin Toniutti. “Our reception wasn’t good, and we made a lot of mistakes in serving. It just wasn’t our day. We’ll go back to France and work hard to prepare for the World Championship.”
Slovenian captain Jan Kozamernik praised his team’s composure. “I think today we showed the right attitude, how we stood on the court. And we were really decisive in the important moments. When we had the chances, we took the chances.”
“It was unexpected for sure, even for us,” added outside hitter Rok Mozic. “But we came from a good position, without pressure. We don’t want to stop. We have two more games in front of us, and for sure we want to go home with a medal.”
In Thursday’s other quarterfinal, world No. 1 Poland defeated Japan 3-0 (25-23, 26-24, 25-12) and will face Brazil in Saturday’s semifinal.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China’s 12-year-old Yu Zidi finished fourth in the women’s 200-meter butterfly final at the World Aquatics Championships on Thursday, narrowly missing the podium for a second time this week.
Yu Zidi of China is seen after the women’s 200m butterfly final of swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, July 31, 2025. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun)
The primary school student, competing in her first international meet, clocked two minutes 6.43 seconds – just 0.31 seconds behind bronze medalist Elizabeth Dekkers of Australia.
Earlier in the week, Yu also placed fourth in the 200-meter individual medley final on Monday.
Canada’s Summer McIntosh won the race in 2:01.99, setting a new world championships record. Regan Smith of the United States took silver in 2:04.99.
Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)
Issued by: on
LAE, Papua New Guinea (July 30, 2025) Republic of Korea navy (ROKN) Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 2 make measurements for a pergola at the Lae Dental Clinic during Pacific Partnership 2025 in Lae, Papua New Guinea, July 30, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kyle Carlstrom)
Date Taken:
07.29.2025
Date Posted:
07.31.2025 21:51
Photo ID:
9231238
VIRIN:
250730-N-NB544-1017
Resolution:
5071×3381
Size:
2.09 MB
Location:
LAE, PG
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0
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0
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This work, Pacific Partnership 2025 multinational servicemembers build a pergola and refurbish a dental clinic in Lae, Papua New Guinea [Image 21 of 21], by PO1 Kyle Carlstrom, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)
Issued by: on
LAE, Papua New Guinea (July 30, 2025) U.S. Navy Builder 2nd Class Bryce Garcia, left, assigned to Amphibious Construction Battalion 1, attaches a wood beam for a pergola as a Republic of Korea navy Seabee assigned to Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 2, watches at the Lae Dental Clinic during Pacific Partnership 2025 in Lae, Papua New Guinea, July 30, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kyle Carlstrom)
Date Taken:
07.29.2025
Date Posted:
07.31.2025 21:51
Photo ID:
9231245
VIRIN:
250730-N-NB544-1047
Resolution:
6720×4480
Size:
1.84 MB
Location:
LAE, PG
Web Views:
0
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0
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This work, Pacific Partnership 2025 multinational servicemembers build a pergola and refurbish a dental clinic in Lae, Papua New Guinea [Image 21 of 21], by PO1 Kyle Carlstrom, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Appointments to Air Transport Licensing AuthorityMr Eugene Fung Ting-sekMr Chan Chi-kin Professor Fong Yuk-fai Ms Fung Po-yee Ms Jasmine Lee Shun-yi Mr Alan Lui Siu-lun Mr Suen Jenkin Miss Sara Tong See-pui Ms Avon Yue Nga-fong Issued at HKT 10:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
New Deputy Commandant of HKAPF appointed (with photo) The appointment was made by the Chief Executive to fill the vacancy following the assumption of duty of the then Deputy Commandant, Dr Johnny Leung Sai-kwong, as the Commandant on April 7, 2025.
Mr Lim, aged 58, is a consultant of a medical company. He joined the HKAPF as a Constable in December 1990 and was promoted to Superintendent (Auxiliary) in February 2014, Senior Superintendent (Auxiliary) in November 2016 and Chief Superintendent (Auxiliary) in October 2017.
Mr Lim has a wide range of operational and management experience. He was awarded the Long Service Medal for Auxiliary Police in 2005, the First Clasp in 2015 and a TIDERIDER medal in 2021. Issued at HKT 10:00