Japan: Tokyo will not finalise any trade agreement with US that can compromise national interests
Japan’s chief trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, said on Monday, 20 May 2025, that Japan continues to negotiate to remove US tariffs in ongoing bilateral trade discussions. He emphasised that Tokyo will not finalise any agreement that could
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US: Alabama opts out of federal R&D tax deduction rules, reduces grocery sales tax
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed the bill (HB 163) on 14 May 2025, which decoupled Alabama from the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) treatment of research and experimental (R&E) expenditures. On the same day, the governor also signed a bill
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Bangladesh, US begin negotiations for FTA
Bangladesh and the US have begun discussions on a potential Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with a focus on enhancing trade and investment. A Bangladeshi delegation recently met with officials from the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) to
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US: IRS announces 2025 inflation adjustment for carbon sequestration credit
The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released the inflation adjustment factor for the carbon oxide sequestration credit under IRC section 45Q for 2025 (Notice 2025-25, IRB 2025-20). The inflation adjustment factor for calendar year 2025 is
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US, Vietnam negotiate amending protocol to income tax treaty
Vietnam's Ministry of Finance announced that the US and Vietnamese officials discussed various updates to the 2015 tax treaty between the two countries, including amending protocols to the agreement on 13 May 2025. The proposed protocol would
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US lowers “de minimis” tariff on small Chinese parcels, China lowers tariffs on US imports for 90 days
The White House released a joint statement, on 12 May 2025, announcing that the US will lower the "de minimis" tariff on low-value shipments from China to 30%, easing tensions in the trade war between the two largest economies. The order relieves
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US: House Ways and Means Committee releases tax provision summary for budget reconciliation, amends earlier recommendations
The US House Ways and Means Committee released a Description of Tax Provisions related to budget reconciliation recommendations, including proposals to extend key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and other reforms on 12 May
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US: Treasury reports USD 258 billion budget surplus in April 2025
The US Department of the Treasury reported a USD 258 billion budget surplus in April on 12 May 2025. The surplus is up 23% (USD 49 billion) compared to the same period last year. The Treasury said the increased surplus was driven by strong tax
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US: IRS announces unchanged interest rates, tax underpayments and overpayments for Q3 2025
The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released IR-2025-59, on 12 May 2025, announcing that the interest rates will remain the same for the calendar quarter beginning 1 July 2025. For individuals, the rate for overpayments and underpayments
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US: Budget plan 2026 seeks to expand deductions for families, select multinational corporations, unincorporated businesses
Republican Congress members have proposed new tax breaks on income from tips, overtime pay, senior citizens, private school tuition, and state and local taxes for the 2026 federal budget on 12 May 2025. The package also proposes tax reductions
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US: IRS reminds taxpayers and small businesses to look out for scams
The US IRS issued a notice urging taxpayers and small businesses to remain alert to potential scams on 8 May 2025. The Internal Revenue Service joins in celebrating National Small Business Week by reminding taxpayers and small businesses that,
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US, China agree to lower tariffs, 90-day tariff pause
The US and China have agreed to temporarily cut tariffs in order to work to end a trade war that has fueled recession fears and unsettled financial markets. Following discussions with Chinese officials in Geneva, US Treasury Secretary Scott
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US, UK announces trade deal, expands agricultural access
US President Donald Trump announced a "full and comprehensive" trade agreement between the US and the UK on Thursday, 8 May 2025. “The agreement with the UK is a full and comprehensive one that will cement the relationship between the US and
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US: House Ways and Means Republicans unveil initial detailed tax plan, seeks to extend advantages for multinational corporations
The US House Ways and Means Committee Republicans revealed the first part of a tax package under budget reconciliation, focused on extending key elements of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) on 9 May 2025. Alongside the committee print
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US: Trump to lower US tariffs on China from 145% if trade talks go well
US President Donald Trump said on Thursday, 8 May 2025, that he expects the US 145% tariffs on China to be reduced if trade negotiations between the two nations this weekend goes well. The Trump administration stated that the US has been working
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EU considers EUR 95 billion in tariffs on US if negotiations fail, targets industrial goods
The European Union is considering imposing EUR 95 billion (USD 108 billion) in tariffs on US exports if no progress is made during trade talks with the Trump administration. The proposed retaliatory measures mainly target industrial goods like
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US: Montana cuts PIT rate and expands EITC in major tax overhaul
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte has signed a bill (HB 337) on 28 April 2025 that cuts the top income tax rate and expands relief for working families. Personal income tax (PIT) Starting in 2026, Montana's top income tax rate will drop from
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US: New Jersey launches mediation pilot program for corporate sales and tax disputes
The New Jersey Division of Taxation is launching a two-year pilot mediation program on 1 October 2025. The Pilot is set to run for 24 months from 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2027. The program is open to all business entities involved in
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