Five things to know to start your Thursday

China challenged Trump’s tariffs at the WTO

China has filed a formal complaint with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) against two recent US trade measures introduced by President Donald Trump. The complaint, submitted on Wednesday, challenges Trump’s new 10% tariff on Chinese imports and his removal of a tax exemption for low-value packages.

The dispute centres on Trump’s decision to end the “de minimis” rule, which previously allowed packages valued under $800 to enter the US duty-free. This change has created uncertainty for shipping companies and retailers, particularly affecting e-commerce businesses like Shein, Temu and Amazon.

All small packages from China and Hong Kong must now have customs documentation filed before arrival. Without proper paperwork, shipments risk being returned.

In its WTO filing, China claims these new measures break international trade rules. The complaint specifically challenges Trump’s justification for the tariffs, which he says aim to stop fentanyl opioids and their ingredients from reaching the US. China argues in the document that these duties “are imposed based on unfounded and false allegations concerning China.”

South Korea blocked DeepSeek from government devices

South Korea has barred government workers from accessing DeepSeek AI services on official devices, according to Yonhap News. The ban affects several key departments, including the defence, foreign and trade ministries.

This move makes South Korea the latest country to restrict the Chinese artificial intelligence chatbot due to security worries. The main concerns centre around possible data leaks to the Chinese government and inadequate privacy protection.

Other nations have taken similar precautions. Australia has implemented a complete ban on DeepSeek AI across all government systems and devices. Italy has blocked the service to protect consumer data, while Ireland has requested additional information from the company regarding potential violations of European Union privacy laws.

Importation costs have gone up as Customs introduced a 4% FOB levy

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it will implement a 4 per cent charge on the free-on-board (FOB) value of imports.

FOB refers to a shipping arrangement where sellers must deliver goods to the departure port, handle export clearance, and load them onto the vessel. Once loaded, all risks and costs transfer to the buyer.

Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS national public relations officer, announced on Wednesday that this new charge follows the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023. “In line with the provisions of Section 18 (1) of NCSA 2023, the NCS is implementing a 4 per cent charge on the Free On-Board (FOB) value of imports,” he stated.

Maiwada explained that this FOB charge will be calculated based on the imported goods’ value, including both the cost of goods and transportation expenses up to the loading port.

Read Also: Nigeria’s ginger export down 74% on low output

Niger Republic ordered Red Cross to leave the country

Niger’s ruling military junta has asked the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to leave the country immediately, according to AFP.

AFP’s source revealed that Niger has “terminated its agreements” with the ICRC. Foreign staff members have already begun departing the West African nation, and the organisation’s office in the capital, Niamey, was closed on Tuesday. Local media reported that the government ordered both the closure of the humanitarian group’s offices and the immediate departure of its foreign staff. No explanation was provided for this decision.

The Red Cross has operated in Niger since 1990, with its recent work focusing on helping victims of violence perpetrated by jihadist groups connected to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

Philippines’ vice-president has been impeached

Philippine vice-president Sara Duterte has been impeached on multiple serious charges. These include allegations of plotting to assassinate the president, extensive corruption, and failure to properly condemn China’s aggressive actions against Filipino forces in the disputed South China Sea.

The impeachment, carried out on Wednesday by legislators in the House of Representatives, highlights growing tensions between the country’s two highest leaders. Many of these legislators are supporters of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

While Marcos has strengthened defence connections with the United States, Duterte’s father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, developed close ties with China and Russia during his controversial term that ended in 2022.

Sara Duterte has not yet responded to the impeachment, though her brother, representative Paolo Duterte, condemned it as “a clear act of political persecution.” He accused rival lawmakers of rushing to gather signatures and push what he called a “baseless impeachment case” to the Senate.

The tensions have been building for some time. Duterte has repeatedly accused President Marcos, his wife, and his cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, of corruption and weak leadership. She also claims they are trying to silence her due to speculation about her potential presidential run in 2028 when Marcos’s six-year term ends.