Breaking news

China Amplifies Tariffs On U.S. Goods To 125% In Strategic Response

by News Editor

April 11, 2025

In a significant geopolitical move, China has announced a dramatic increase in tariffs on imported goods from the United States, pushing rates to 125%. This development is seen as a strategic countermeasure to the U.S.’s imposed 145% tariffs on Chinese exports, further entrenching the ongoing trade battle between these two global powerhouses.

Key Insights

The jump in tariffs represents a 40% escalation from China’s previous rates and underscores the intensifying trade tensions between the nations.
China’s Ministry of Commerce has declared this decision as definitive, hinting that there would be no further retaliations even if the U.S. escalates its tariff policies again.
The Chinese government claims U.S. tariffs are exorbitantly high, violating international norms and economic principles.
This announcement coincided with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s remarks during a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanche in Beijing, where he emphasized that no one emerges victorious in a tariff war.
President Xi has also urged the European Union to support China against what he describes as U.S. ‘bullying’.

Market Reaction

The announcement negatively affected European stock markets, with key indices dipping. The UK’s FTSE 100 fell by 0.47%, France’s CAC 40 decreased by 0.92%, and Germany’s Dax tumbled by 1.53%. These declines suggest investor pessimism, expecting diminished corporate profits across the board.

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The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Municorn Rockets To The Top Of Deloitte’s Fast 50 Tech Rankings In Cyprus

by News Editor

April 24, 2025

Emerging from Cyprus, Municorn has secured the pinnacle position in Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 Middle East and Cyprus rankings. With a jaw-dropping revenue growth of 20,164% over four years, Municorn’s success showcases Cyprus’s growing influence in the tech and innovation realm.

The fourth edition of the Fast 50 programme recorded an astonishing record of over 200 applications from the region, demonstrating a maturing start-up ecosystem.

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The roster recognizes firms for four-year revenue growth, spotlighting tech leaders catalyzing industry transformation. This year’s list displayed an average growth of 8,823%, with 29 companies achieving growth rates exceeding 1,000%.

Sector Dominance: Fintech and Software

Reflecting sector trends, fintech and software led the way with 22% and 31% representation, respectively. Cyprus joined Saudi Arabia and the UAE in driving regional tech growth, accounting for 16% of ranked companies.

In particular, Deloitte’s Fast 50 programme Leader, Kyriacos Charalambides, lauded the companies for using transformative tech to resolve global issues. “These entrepreneurs are pioneering industry-shifting innovations,” he remarked.

Diversity in Leadership

This year, women-led ventures increased to 18% from last year’s 15%, as Deloitte spotlighted thriving female-fronted companies. Newly introduced categories like Kiyadat celebrate local talent, highlighting trends in the tech sector.

The ESG-focused Impact category evaluated nominees on real-world impact and excellence, reflecting a commitment to sustainable practices.

With Fast 50 Connect events planned, winners can expect to network with investors, fostering further growth opportunities in May.

Stelios Kyriakides, Partner at Deloitte Cyprus, emphasized the region’s evolving fintech landscape, where tech is reshaping financial services, setting new standards.

Strategic Importance of Cyprus

This recognition not only spotlights rapid growth but also reinforces Cyprus’s strategic role in pushing the Middle East towards a tech-fueled future.