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Argentina Reportedly Secures Zero-Tariff Agreement With the US
In a potentially historic trade breakthrough, President Javier Milei of Argentina has reportedly struck a reciprocal zero-tariff agreement with the Trump Administration—one that could reposition Argentina as a key U.S. ally in Latin America.
Argentina and the U.S.: Zero-Tariff Trade Deal in the Works
According to Argentine media reports citing sources inside the Milei administration, both governments have agreed in principle on a trade deal that would eliminate tariffs on up to 80% of Argentina’s exports to the U.S., with the exception of strategic raw materials like steel and aluminum.
The Argentine government has already compiled a list of 100 specific products that will enter the U.S. market duty-free under the agreement.
This deal not only signals stronger bilateral ties but also reflects a broader ideological and policy alignment between Milei and Trump on trade liberalization, deregulation, and market-driven growth.
Why the Announcement Is Delayed
While the agreement is reportedly finalized, its official announcement has been strategically delayed.
Sources say President Trump wants to unveil the Argentina deal after completing his review of tariff adjustments for other nations, expected by August 1st.
The timing is key: Trump reportedly plans to highlight Argentina as a “model partner” in the region—especially in contrast to countries like Brazil, which has aligned itself with anti-dollar BRICS strategies.
A Tale of Two Trade Policies: Argentina vs. Brazil
The Trump administration’s favorable treatment of Argentina starkly contrasts with its recent 50% tariffs imposed on Brazil, citing anti-U.S. rhetoric, censorship policies, and legal actions against ex-President Bolsonaro.
Argentina’s loyalty to the U.S. dollar system and liberalized economy appears to have earned it preferred trade status.
Meanwhile, over 20 countries have already been hit with unilateral U.S. tariffs ranging from 10% to 50%, while key players like the European Union still lack formal agreements to avoid similar penalties.
Strategic Implications for the Region
This Argentina deal—if formally announced—could:
- Redefine regional trade alliances
- Weaken BRICS influence in Latin America
- Incentivize alignment with U.S. financial leadership
Trump’s strategy is clear: reward allies, punish rivals, and showcase trade deals as evidence of American economic dominance in a shifting global landscape.
@ Newshounds News™
Source: Bitcoin.com
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Jonathan Gould Confirmed By Senate As OCC Chief In a ‘Crypto Comeback’
In a landmark development for U.S. banking and digital assets, Jonathan Gould has been officially confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the new Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) in a 50-45 party-line vote, with Republicans in favor and Democrats opposed.
Crypto-Friendly Regulator Returns
Gould’s confirmation is drawing significant attention from both the crypto and traditional banking sectors due to his prior regulatory leadership and forward-thinking views. He previously served at the OCC in 2019, a period marked by new federal guidance enabling crypto-related banking activities.
His return is being hailed as a potential “crypto comeback” inside the U.S. financial system.
Targeting De-Banking and Political Risk Games
During his March 2025 Senate Banking Committee hearing, Gould pledged to confront politically motivated “de-banking” practices.
“Reputation risk is too often used as a political pretext,” Gould argued, advocating instead for objective standards like litigation exposure and AML compliance.
This stance could reshape access to banking for crypto firms, many of which have been marginalized under vague “risk” labels in recent years.
Backing Risk-Taking and Innovation
Gould stressed that banks must be empowered “to engage in prudent risk-taking,” criticizing a post-2008 regulatory culture that treats all risk as unacceptable.
He warned this mentality restricts credit, chokes innovation, and undermines financial system resilience.
This marks a stark contrast to the Biden-era OCC, particularly under Acting Comptroller Michael Hsu, who treated crypto as a potential systemic risk and often cited the 2008 crisis as a cautionary analogy.
A Crypto Veteran at the Helm
Crucially, Jonathan Gould previously served as Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Comptroller under Acting Comptroller Brian Brooks—a known crypto advocate.
It was during this era that the OCC approved key innovations like:
- Federally chartered fintech and crypto banks
- Crypto custody services
- Stablecoin reserve account authorizations
Many of those pivotal regulatory actions bear Gould’s signature, affirming his deep knowledge of the digital asset space and regulatory frameworks that support it.
Outlook: Crypto Re-enters the U.S. Banking Conversation
Gould’s appointment is widely viewed as a green light for greater clarity and openness toward crypto within the federal banking system.
“Many digital asset activities are clearly legally permissible,” Gould affirmed, and signaled support for their “safe and sound” integration.
With the Trump administration, GENIUS Act momentum, and now a crypto-savvy OCC chief, the stage appears set for a resurgence of blockchain innovation inside regulated finance.
@ Newshounds News™
Source: Forbes
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BRICS in 2026: How PM Modi Plans to Redefine the Group’s Global Role
At the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 7, 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled his sweeping vision for the bloc’s future when India assumes the BRICS chair in 2026. Modi’s plan aims to reshape BRICS into a strategic platform for innovation, sustainability, and emerging economies leadership.
Modi’s BRICS Chair Goals: Redefining Global Influence
A New Meaning for BRICS
One of the most headline-grabbing moments at the summit was PM Modi’s unveiling of a redefined acronym for BRICS:
“Under India’s BRICS presidency, we will work to define BRICS in a new form. BRICS will mean Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability.”
This new definition reflects India’s intent to recalibrate the bloc toward inclusive innovation, economic cooperation, and sustainable development—an evolution from its original geopolitical posture.
India’s 2026 BRICS chairmanship is already being welcomed by fellow member states, with many praising the emerging economies-first framework Modi continues to champion.
Global South: Still a Top Priority
Modi stressed continuity with India’s 2023 G-20 leadership, where developing nations were placed center stage. He reaffirmed that BRICS 2026 will extend this focus, prioritizing voices from the Global South in global decision-making forums.
“Just as, during our G-20 chairmanship, we gave priority to the issues of the Global South… during our BRICS chairmanship, we will take this forum forward in the spirit of people-centricity and humanity first.”
India is doubling down on its commitment to uplift underrepresented regions, reinforcing its role as a bridge between the Global South and global governance structures.
AI Governance and Technological Diplomacy
Technology—and especially AI—will be a key pillar of India’s BRICS presidency. Modi signaled that India intends to lead AI governance frameworks while fostering responsible innovation.
“We in India believe in AI as a tool to enhance human values and capabilities. Guided by the mantra of ‘AI for All’, India is actively using AI in many sectors.”
India’s focus will be on striking a balance between tech advancement and ethical safeguards, framing BRICS as a venue for responsible digital governance in the emerging global AI economy.
“We believe that AI governance, addressing concerns and encouraging innovation should both receive equal priority.”
Post-Pandemic Solidarity and Health Security
Reflecting on the COVID-19 crisis, Modi highlighted the need for multilateral health cooperation, advocating for joint responses to global crises.
“The COVID pandemic taught us that viruses do not come taking visas, and solutions, too, are not chosen by looking at passports. The solution to common challenges is possible only through joint efforts.”
India’s BRICS leadership will therefore prioritize cross-border health initiatives and crisis coordination to bolster resilience in emerging markets.
Looking Ahead: India’s Vision for BRICS 2026
Modi’s multi-dimensional plan signals a strategic evolution of the BRICS mission:
- From political alignment to economic innovation
- From passive cooperation to proactive leadership
- From slogans to systemic reforms in AI, health, and trade
With India at the helm, BRICS is poised to become a platform of influence for the Global South, tackling the world’s most urgent challenges with unity, innovation, and shared purpose.
@ Newshounds News™
Source: Watcher Guru
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