U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Taiwan will buy 30% of gas from a proposed liquefied natural gas project in Alaska, which he claims will ensure the project's success. This deal is part of Trump's broader strategy to increase energy cooperation in the region, particularly as he pressures South Korea to participate, warning of higher tariffs if they do not comply soon.
In Europe, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who is preparing further sanctions and military support for Ukraine following recent Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure.
In the semiconductor sector, ASML reported strong interest from customers for its lithography machines, with some looking to place orders as far ahead as 2029 and 2030, driven by sustained demand from the AI market. Meanwhile, economic data from Asia shows China's producer prices rising at their fastest rate in over four years, while Singapore's GDP growth has softened to 5.4%.
The Philippines is facing inflation challenges due to a severe El Niño, and Hyundai Motor plans a $15.5 billion investment in India as part of its growth strategy. Oil prices have increased due to supply concerns linked to Middle Eastern tensions, which could impact global markets