China’s Economy Beats Expectations, Trump Threatens Russia Tariffs, Druze-Bedouin Clashes Kill 99 in Syria

Andrew Sheves

Good morning,

🇨🇳 China’s Economy Beats Expectations

China’s economy grew 5.2% in the second quarter, beating forecasts as strong factory output and exports to non-US markets offset weak domestic consumption. Industrial production surged 6.8% in June while retail sales disappointed at 4.8%, highlighting the persistent imbalance between strong supply and weak domestic demand. Despite a 24% slump in US shipments, overall exports rose as government subsidies and fiscal stimulus supported growth, providing Beijing breathing room ahead of potential tariff escalation when the current US trade truce ends in mid-August. More - Bloomberg

🇷🇺** Trump Threatens Russia Tariffs**

President Trump threatened Russia with tariffs while unveiling a new Ukraine weapons plan where the US will sell arms to NATO countries who will forward them to Ukraine, funded by European allies. Trump expressed frustration with Putin, saying “very nice phone calls” are followed by devastating air strikes on Ukraine, adding “at a certain point talk doesn’t talk, it’s got to be action.” The announcement drew praise from Democrats and Ukrainian officials, while pro-Kremlin commentators dismissed the tariff threat as a “bluff” indicating Trump had “given up on trying to achieve peace.” More - BBC

🇸🇾** Druze-Bedouin Clashes Kill 99 in Syria**

Fighting between Bedouin tribes and Druze fighters in southern Syria’s Suwayda city has killed 99 people and injured 100 others, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, prompting Syrian forces to intervene. The violence erupted Sunday after a wave of kidnappings including the abduction of a Druze merchant on the Damascus-Suwayda highway, marking the first deadly outbreak since April-May clashes killed dozens. Israel struck Syrian tanks heading toward Suwayda, warning it won’t allow harm to the Druze, as the new Syrian government struggles to maintain security following Assad’s December overthrow. More - Al Jazeera

Americas Stability Ratings and News Summary

More Unstable

🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda, 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇧🇿 Belize, 🇧🇴 Bolivia, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇨🇷 Costa Rica, 🇨🇺 Cuba, 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic, 🇪🇨 Ecuador, 🇸🇻 El Salvador, 🇬🇹 Guatemala, 🇬🇾 Guyana, 🇭🇹 Haiti, 🇭🇳 Honduras, 🇯🇲 Jamaica, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇳🇮 Nicaragua, 🇵🇦 Panama, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇱🇨 Saint Lucia, 🇸🇷 Suriname, 🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago, 🇺🇸 United States Of America, 🇻🇪 Venezuela

More Stable

No countries were more stable over this period

Unchanged

🇧🇧 Barbados, 🇨🇱 Chile, 🇩🇲 Dominica, 🇬🇩 Grenada, 🇵🇾 Paraguay, 🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and Nevis, 🇻🇨 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, 🇧🇸 The Bahamas, 🇺🇾 Uruguay

Regional News Summary

Br

Carpe tomorrow!