GENEVA -- The volume of global merchandise trade is expected to decline by 0.2 percent in 2025 under current tariff conditions, nearly 3 percentage points lower than the previous forecast based on a "low tariff" scenario, the World Trade Organization (WTO) said in its latest Global Trade Outlook and Statistics report released on Wednesday.

The WTO further warned of severe downside risks posed by the reinstatement of the U.S. "reciprocal tariffs" and spillover of trade policy uncertainty, which could lead to an even sharper decline of 1.5 percent in global goods trade in 2025. (WTO-Trade-Report)

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PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday urged joint efforts to resist decoupling, supply chain disruptions, "small yard with high fences" and arbitrary imposition of tariffs with openness, inclusiveness, unity and cooperation.

Xi made the remarks during his meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. (Malaysia-China-Xi)

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PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia -- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Wednesday that ASEAN will not endorse any unilaterally imposed tariffs, and will promote collective advancement through cooperation to maintain economic growth.

Anwar made the remarks during his meeting with visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping. (Malaysia-ASEAN-Tariffs)

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TEHRAN -- Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday that "the principle" of his country's uranium enrichment is non-negotiable, according to the official news agency IRNA.

He made the remarks in an address to reporters on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting while commenting on certain "contradictory" positions adopted by U.S. officials on Iran's nuclear program and uranium enrichment following the first round of the indirect talks between Tehran and Washington in Oman last week. (Iran-U.S.-Talks)

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KUALA LUMPUR -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said Wednesday that China is ready to work with the Malaysian side to build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, so as to usher in new "Golden 50 Years" for bilateral ties.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar during a state visit to the country. Prior to their meeting, Sultan Ibrahim held a grand welcome ceremony for Xi. (Malaysia-Xi-Visit) Enditem

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