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economic policy
Business / 16 weeks ago
These are the final Trump reciprocal tariff rates for more than 20 countries starting August 1
The Trump administration has finalised its list of country‑specific “reciprocal” tariff rates that will take effect on August 1, following a temporary suspension that extended a baseline 10% duty for most nations. The White House said affected countries will face rates ranging from 20% to 50%, replacing the interim blanket levy introduced in April 2025. Announced in a White House fact sheet and executive order on July 7, the extension delays enforcement of elevated reciprocal tariffs until August 1, while new country‑specific duties are formally placed by letters from President Trump to national leaders.
Business / 17 weeks ago
Indonesia, Vietnam among hardest hit by Trump's Asia tariffs
U.S. President Donald Trump has finalised a sweeping new round of tariffs on key Asian trade partners, targeting exports to the United States. Set to take effect August 1, 2025, the tariffs will impact seven countries, with Laos facing the steepest penalty at 40%, according to an infographic released by World Visualized and supported by reports from Reuters and Indonesia Business Post.
Business / 28 weeks ago
Freelance income surges globally: Philippines and India lead 2025 boom in digital gig economy
Freelancing is no longer a fringe labor model; it’s now reshaping national income profiles. According to recent Payoneer data, the Philippines and India are leading the globe in freelance income growth, with year-over-year surges of 208% and 160% respectively. The report’s top ten list spans diverse economies—from Japan and Australia to Mexico and Pakistan—but the dominance of emerging markets is unmistakable. This shift reflects deep structural changes in how skilled labor is sourced, monetized, and distributed in the post-pandemic digital economy.
Politics / 44 weeks ago
Who holds U.S. debt?
The United States is one of the biggest lenders in the world, yet it holds one of the greatest debts. By the close of 2023, the U.S. national debt had reached $34.4 trillion, with various entities holding portions of this debt. According to the U.S. Treasury and the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, the debt is divided into two main categories: debt held by the public (domestic and foreign holders) and intragovernmental debt.
Business / 1 year ago
Countries in the world with no income tax
In a world where taxes are highly considered necessary, there are still countries where individuals enjoy the benefits of earning salaries and wages without paying income taxes. According to the World Bank, it is important to pay taxes as "Taxation not only pays for public goods and services; it is also a key ingredient in the social contract between citizens and the economy."
