ChainCatcher news, South Korean Acting President Han Duck-soo recently stated in an interview with the Financial Times that South Korea will not "retaliate" against the U.S. tariff policy, citing South Korea's historical responsibility to Washington.Han emphasized that the United States provided aid, technology transfer, investment, and security guarantees to South Korea after the Korean War, enabling the realization of South Korea's industrial strength, financial development, and cultural growth.In response to the Trump administration's announcement this month of a 25% "reciprocal" tariff on South Korea, Han stated that South Korea will seek "more mutually beneficial solutions" rather than viewing U.S. actions as targets for retaliation.To alleviate trade friction, Han proposed that South Korea is willing to discuss measures to reduce its trade surplus with the U.S., including purchasing U.S. liquefied natural gas and commercial aircraft, as well as strengthening cooperation in naval vessel construction. He also mentioned that Seoul is willing to discuss issues related to South Korea's non-tariff trade barriers.It is worth noting that South Korea's trade surplus with the U.S. is expected to reach a record $55 billion in 2024, with the U.S. having replaced China as South Korea's largest export destination. Leading South Korean conglomerates are investing billions of dollars to build advanced chip, electric vehicle battery, and solar panel manufacturing plants in the U.S.U.S.-South Korea trade negotiations are expected to begin next week, and Trump has made it clear that he will link trade and security issues, including "payment for the military protection the U.S. provides to South Korea." Han stated that there is currently no "clear framework" for discussing security issues, but he is willing to restart negotiations on cost-sharing agreements with the U.S. as circumstances allow.

ChainCatcher news, according to a report by Jinshi, the president of the Bank of Japan, Kazuo Ueda, stated that if U.S. tariffs harm the Japanese economy, the central bank may need to take policy action, suggesting that the central bank might pause its interest rate hike cycle.Kazuo Ueda mentioned that since February, the risks surrounding U.S. President Trump's policies have become "closer" to the bad scenarios envisioned by the Bank of Japan, and added that recent developments have already affected the confidence of businesses and households. He said that if the developments in the economy and prices align with the Bank of Japan's forecasts, the central bank will continue to raise interest rates "at an appropriate pace." "But we will carefully examine the extent to which U.S. tariffs may harm the economy without any preconceived notions," he said. "It may be necessary to take policy responses. We will make appropriate decisions based on changes in the situation." These remarks reinforce the mainstream view in the market that the Bank of Japan will pause interest rate hikes at its next policy meeting from April 30 to May 1, with the current rate at 0.5%.

ChainCatcher News: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated on Monday that U.S. tariffs could disrupt the global economic order, issuing the strongest warning yet about the potential damage Trump's decisions could cause to the world economy. However, he emphasized that Japan will seek common ground with the U.S. on issues such as trade and national security. "When negotiating with the U.S., we need to understand the logic and emotional factors behind Trump's views," Ishiba said in Parliament. He added, "I am fully aware that what is happening now could disrupt the global economic order." Ishiba also mentioned that the government is currently not considering an additional budget but is ready to take timely action to mitigate the impact of U.S. tariffs on the economy.

ChainCatcher news, according to Jinshi reports, EU diplomats stated that the EU is considering suspending the countermeasures against U.S. tariffs scheduled for April 15 for a period of 90 days.

ChainCatcher news, according to Jinshi reports, EU diplomats stated that the EU is considering suspending the countermeasures against U.S. tariffs scheduled for April 15 for a period of 90 days.

ChainCatcher news, according to overseas crypto media Watcher.Guru, South Korea has stated that it will not take retaliatory measures against U.S. tariffs and is seeking to negotiate a new trade agreement.

ChainCatcher news, according to Jinshi reports, the Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Paul Chan, stated during a media meeting today (7th) evening that the U.S. tariff increases are bullying and unreasonable, violating World Trade Organization regulations. He pointed out that Hong Kong's financial system is quite robust, and stock market trading is proceeding smoothly, with no abnormal behaviors detected that could cause systemic impacts on the Hong Kong stock market.The SAR government will collaborate with multiple departments to implement all-weather, coordinated, cross-market monitoring to prevent financial risks. In addition, the SAR government will continue to monitor market changes and provide ongoing support for local SMEs.Paul Chan emphasized that the Hong Kong SAR government will maintain its status as a free port and implement free trade policies in accordance with the Basic Law of Hong Kong, and its determination to support free trade will remain unwavering.

ChainCatcher news, French Minister of Economy and Finance Eric Lombard stated in an interview that he advocates for support for companies affected by the increased tariffs. He mentioned that France's response to the U.S. tariffs may not be limited to raising tariffs on the U.S. The measures currently being developed include taxing digital services, strengthening regulatory measures, and targeted tax tools, among others.

ChainCatcher news, according to Jinshi reports, Japanese Finance Minister Kato Katsunobu stated that tariff measures will increase the burden on consumers by raising import costs, and Japan's average tariff level is actually lower than that of the United States. Japan needs to respond to the U.S. tariff measures to protect national interests.

ChainCatcher news, according to Jinshi Data, ECB Governing Council member Villeroy stated that the 25% increase in U.S. tariffs in the second quarter has a limited impact on European inflation, but it may lead to a 0.3 percentage point decline in the eurozone's GDP for the entire year.Villeroy mentioned that, in the short term, President Trump's "lose-lose" strategy is harming the United States, as evidenced by the Federal Reserve's downward revision of its forecasts. Trump is undermining the multilateral system, increasing long-term risks to financial order and climate.

ChainCatcher news, according to Jinshi reports, the Japanese government insists that its economy is undergoing a moderate recovery, but points out that the United States' trade policy is a key factor worth paying attention to, as Trump's tariff proposals bring uncertainty to the economic outlook.In the monthly economic report for February, the Japanese Cabinet Office maintained its assessment of the overall economy for the seventh consecutive month, citing persistent inflation (especially in daily necessities) as a factor weakening consumption.The Japanese Cabinet Office also mentioned the need to closely monitor U.S. policies, particularly in trade, as U.S. President Trump is expected to make a series of more detailed tariff statements. The Cabinet Office downgraded its view on imports from "showing a recent upward trend" to "almost flat."

ChainCatcher news, according to Jin10 reports, Citigroup economists Jin-Wook Kim and Jiuk Choi stated that South Korea's GDP growth may be affected in the coming years by the tariffs imposed during Trump's second term as U.S. president and the tightening of domestic fiscal spending in South Korea.Citigroup has lowered its GDP growth forecasts for South Korea for 2025 and 2026 from 1.8% and 1.7% to 1.6%, respectively. Economists pointed out that the tariffs promised by Trump on Canada, Mexico, and China may impact South Korea's GDP growth through export channels. The South Korean government is likely to formulate an additional budget of 30 trillion won in the first quarter, while the Bank of Korea may further lower interest rates.