Overview

• China's commerce ministry confirmed U.S. willingness to negotiate tariffs, expressing Beijing's openness to talks while urging sincerity from Washington.
• Asian and U.S. stock markets rallied, with Japan's Nikkei rising 1% and Taiwan stocks surging 2%, reflecting optimism over potential trade resolutions.
• The U.S. dollar is on track for its third consecutive weekly gain as easing trade concerns bolster investor confidence in U.S. assets.
• Apple warned of $900 million in additional costs this quarter due to tariffs, highlighting corporate pressures from ongoing trade policies.
• Japan's lead trade negotiator plans to hold another round of U.S.-Japan tariff discussions in mid-May following recent Washington talks.