🇺🇸 🇲🇽 Via @Reuters Mexico will increase its water shipments to Texas to help make up a shortfall under a 1944 treaty that outlines water-sharing, the U.S. says. U.S. officials and lawmakers have complained that Mexico's failure to meet its obligations under the treaty is harming Texas farmers.

From @ericatkins.bsky.social, @theglobeandmail.com: U.S. auto companies are begging Trump for a tariff reprieve. "Trump’s plan to levy import taxes on auto parts by May 3 will drive up prices for buyers, destroy supply chains and cause layoffs." The U.S. auto sector relies on Canada and Mexico.

Weird morning so far: Trump insists there's been hundreds of deals between D.C. and Beijing over tariffs. China says there have been no negotiations. "Trump said Xi had called him and asserted that his team was in active talks with the Chinese on a trade deal." www.nytimes.com/2025/04/25/u...

The UK is negotiating access to the EU's €150B defence fund. While a broad defence pact is expected on May 19, UK defence firms will require a separate agreement—and financial contribution—to participate. “Of course, the French will try to complicate it for the Brits." www.ft.com/content/08a5...

Trump’s claim of active negotiations on tariffs ‘baseless’, says China

NATO Sec.-Gen. Mark Rutte has issued his 2025 call to arms: “Strength is the only safeguard of our freedom and prosperity.” With the U.S. scaling back European commitments, NATO's European members are under rising pressure to carry the burden.

From: @reuters.com U.K. PM Starmer is on the verge of sealing a new defense pact with the EU — aiming to rebuild post-Brexit ties and access the bloc’s €150B rearmament fund. This move comes as Trump’s tariffs strain global alliances. www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-...

Turn protectionist, or double-down on free trade? For @politico.eu, @camgijs on the tension within the EU on how to best answer America's turn against trade. “We need to change our mindset, otherwise we'll miss out on the advancement of the world.” www.politico.eu/article/us-d...