US Tariffs Shock Global Trade: Trump’s forced-labour tariff wave hits 60 economies with 10%–12.5% duties as stopgap levies expire, drawing pushback from partners including Australia and China—raising new compliance costs for textiles and apparel supply chains that ship into the US. China-EU Export Controls: China adds 14 EU entities to its export control list, citing EU sanctions over Russia and banning exports of dual-use items plus related transfers from China. Hong Kong Fintech Payments: Tap & Go (HKT) launches a Single Use Card in Hong Kong, letting users generate single-use virtual Mastercards with spending limits for safer online transactions. Cross-border Banking Push: Alipay+ expands bank partners, adding Hang Seng Bank so users can make QR payments across the Mainland and overseas via the Hang Seng Mobile app. Private Wealth Growth: UOB targets a fivefold jump in Hong Kong private bank AUM and revenue by 2030, trebling client advisers to capture China–ASEAN wealth flows. Aviation Outlook: Cathay Pacific flags a potential up-to-76% profit jump for H1, supported by strong passenger and cargo demand despite higher fuel costs. Data Centre Scrutiny in Asia: Malaysia’s data centre boom faces rising local pushback over power and sustainability, a warning for the region’s AI infrastructure build-out. Film Industry Leadership: HKIFFS appoints Fred Tsui as executive director, signalling a broader push to integrate production, distribution and audience strategy. Insurance Demand Surge: Hong Kong life insurers report record Q1 sales, driven by affluent mainland demand and longevity/legacy planning.