BBC - News Briefing - 9 April 2025 - by Alex Binley - China has been hit by a new 104% tariff on goods imported to the US, as steeper levies on several countries come into force. From Ecuador, our South America correspondent Ione Wells reports on how the small country has become one of the main exporters feeding a growing global demand for cocaine. And finally, watch as my colleague John Maguire learns why it's best not to work with animals on live television.

 

9 April, 2025   Alex Binley Hello. China has been hit by a new 104% tariff on goods   imported to the US, as steeper levies on several   countries come into force. From Ecuador, our South   America correspondent Ione Wells reports on how the   small country has become one of the main exporters   feeding a growing global demand for cocaine. And   finally, watch as my colleague John Maguire learns   why it's best not to work with animals on live television.   TOP OF THE AGENDA China positions itself as 'free trade champion' as tariffs hit The relationship between the US and China has deteriorated from Trump's first term in office. Credit: Reuters Tariffs on China have hit 104%, but the US's biggest economic rival is standing firm against what it calls the "bully" regime of President Trump. The country is positioning itself as a free trade champion, our China correspondent Stephen McDonell reports. The economic uncertainty created by new, higher import taxes on about 60 countries has seen European stocks slumping and major Asian markets extending their losses when they opened on Wednesday morning, while our economics editor Faisal Islam reports on “aggressive” selling of long term US government bonds. But the US president has insisted his tariffs will be "legendary, in a positive way". Latest updates Hardest hit: The economic development of countries such as Vietnam and Cambodia - who face some of the highest tariffs - "is now imperilled", writes South East Asia correspondent Jonathan Head.   Closer to home: Trump has ripped up rulebook on trade and businesses are left reeling and in flux, writes US business reporter Natalie Sherman.   US boycott: As anger grows over Trump's tariffs, apps and social media groups are helping Canadians and Danes avoid US goods.   WORLD HEADLINES Dominican Republic nightclub collapse kills 98 The roof collapse happened at a concert by popular singer Rubby Pérez. He was one of those killed, his manager said. What happened > Faulty antenna played role in fatal helicopter crash Four people died and several more were seriously injured when two helicopters hit each other near an Australian theme park.  Read more > Universal to build first Europe theme park in UK According to plans, the site will include a theme park, a 500-room hotel and a retail complex. More on the plans > Sick sea lions attacking beachgoers in California A toxic algae bloom in southern California has sickened dozens of animals, causing them to have seizures and act erratically. More on this story >   BEYOND THE HEADLINES Tracking the world's major cocaine route to Europe - and why it's growing The amount of cocaine being smuggled out of Ecuador is at a record high. Credit: BBC Global cocaine consumption has hit record levels, particularly in Europe, fuelling the deadly trade. Ecuador doesn't produce the drug but 70% of the world's cocaine now flows through its ports, according to the country's president. Ione Wells speaks to people in the supply chain to understand the impact of the trade, why this crisis is worsening. Read now   SOMETHING DIFFERENT Birth of a 'freakosystem' An Hawaiian island's ecosystem has been profoundly altered by exotic species. Here's how And finally... in Wales The saying "never work with children or animals" is an old adage in showbiz, and - as BBC reporter John Maguire found out on live TV on Wednesday morning as he tried (and failed) to feed a lamb - there's a good reason for it. Take a look at his sterling efforts, and a very cute lamb.   US Politics Unspun newsletter No noise. No agenda. Just expert analysis of the issues that matter most, from North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher. Subscribe here MORE BBC NEWSLETTERS The Essential List: The best of the BBC, handpicked by our editors, in your inbox every Tuesday and Friday. Subscribe. World of Business: Gain the leading edge with global insights for the boardroom and beyond, every Wednesday. Subscribe. Tech Decoded: Get timely, trusted tech news direct to your inbox, every Monday and Friday. Subscribe.    Thank you, as ever, for reading. Send us suggestions for topics or areas of the world to cover in this newsletter. Tell your friends and family about it! They can sign up here. You can take a look at all our newsletters here. By the way, you can add newsbriefing@email.bbc.com to your contacts list and, if you're on Gmail, pop the email into your “Primary” tab for uninterrupted service. Thanks for reading! – Alex