Global Public Affairs Newswire – 2 May 2025
Welcome to the latest instalment of FTI Consulting’s fortnightly Global Public Affairs Newswire.
This week, we bring you updates from FTI Public Affairs teams across the world’s major markets, including the United States, Australia, Germany, India, China, the United Kingdom, Singapore, France, Brazil, Malaysia, Spain, Colombia, and Ireland. This week’s update also brings readers market insights from FTI Public Affairs experts from around the world, explaining what these updates mean for your business.
Market updates
President Trump’s aggressive overhaul faces public scrutiny
- The First Hundred Days; A Surge of Executive Actions: A Surge of Executive Action: Marking his first 100 days in office, President Trump held a rally in Michigan, highlighting an ambitious start to his term. With more than 130 executive orders issued, he has dramatically outpaced recent administrations in pushing change—both domestically and abroad. But the rapid pace has drawn skepticism. His overall approval rating has fallen six points since Inauguration Day, support for his trade policies has plummeted by 40 points, and 72% of Americans believe his economic approach is at least “somewhat likely” to trigger a recession (Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll). Moreover, 61% of those surveyed said the President appears to be rushing decisions without fully considering their consequences. (NPR-PBS-Marist College poll)
- Trade Policy Whiplash; Pause then Pressure: Pause, Then Pressure In early April, Trump announced sweeping tariffs—only to delay them days later for most nations. The move sparked volatility in financial markets as business leaders scrambled for clarity to manage supply chain risks. With the 90-day pause expiring in early July, companies are now bracing for another round of dramatic shifts in U.S. trade policy.
- A Budget Battle Ahead: Congress has returned to a packed agenda of “America First” priorities, with a major budget clash looming. Republicans control both chambers, but sharp divisions remain over the size of reductions in spending. Notably, the last time a full federal budget was passed and signed into law was in 1996, adding further uncertainty to the legislative path ahead.
"President Trump has wielded his executive powers to reshape U.S. foreign trade and restructure the federal government. However, as Americans observe the rapid changes in Washington, recent polling reveals widespread unease about
the economy's future and the speed of the administration's reforms.”
Jackson Dunn
Head of Public Affairs, Americas
For more information about FTI’s Public Affairs services in the Americas, please contact [email protected].
Australian federal election’s final hours
- It’s the final day of Australia’s federal election campaign, with Australians going to the polls to elect the next government and Parliament on 3 May. The party with the majority seats in Parliament’s lower house will form government, with the leader of the Parliamentary party becoming Australia’s Prime Minister.
- The five week campaign has seen support for the incumbent Labor Party growing, while support for the Opposition Liberal/National Coalition declined over its course. Cost of living, housing, energy and health policy have been the campaign’s dominant issues, along with geopolitical fluctuations over the US’s approach to tariffs.
- In recent decades there has been a growing dissatisfaction with the two major parties in the Australian electorate, coinciding with a growing support for minor parties and independents. With most pollsters tipping a minority government, the campaign’s final hours will prove crucial for all parties and candidates.
"Whatever the result on 3 May, businesses, industry groups and advocacy organisations should be prepared to review, adjust and update their government relations strategy to strategically engage with everything a new Parliament will bring. The election’s outcome could see a drastic change to the political players, policies and processes and it’s essential that any public affairs strategy evolves with the Parliament and government of the day.”
Miriam Phillips
Senior Director, Australia
For more information about FTI’s Public Affairs services in Australia , please contact [email protected].
On April 28, CDU leader and likely new Chancellor Friedrich Merz presented the CDU’s designated ministers
- The composition of the CDU-led ministries signals a clear pivot toward industry-friendly governance. Many incoming ministers either maintain close ties to Merz or come directly from executive roles in major companies, suggesting a future government that prioritizes practical, market-oriented policymaking.
- With this announcement, Merz broke with the initial plan of a joint ministerial announcement together with the coalition partner SPD, instead revealing the CDU’s cabinet lineup independently. The move was driven by concerns over internal backlash within the CDU against the coalition agreement, allowing discussions around the lineup rather than around details of the coalition agreement.
- The SPD is scheduled to announce its ministerial appointments on May 05. The following day, the Bundestag will likely elect Friedrich Merz as the new chancellor, followed by the official swearing-in of the full cabinet. This timeline marks the final steps toward installing a government poised to reset Germany’s economic agenda with a focus on private sector collaboration and administrative efficiency.
"As Germany prepares for a political shift under likely new Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), he selected a team of ministers who will bring a clear openness toward the private sector. This shift eases the way for industry leaders to engage with policymakers and influence economic reform. The ministers are not only personally close to him but, in several cases, also bring professional experience in the areas they will oversee”
Caroline Mücke-Kemp
Managing Director and Head of Public & Government Affairs, Germany
For more information about FTI Consulting’s Public Affairs services in Germany, please contact [email protected].
Apple’s shift to India boosts New Delhi’s China-plus-one play
- Apple is aiming to produce all iPhones for the US market in India by 2026, over 60 million units annually, to reduce dependence on China, according to a Reuters report. Its suppliers Foxconn and Tata, who shipped nearly $2 billion worth of iPhones to the US in March alone, have three factories in India, with two more under construction.
- This places India in a central role in Apple’s global supply chain and may serve as a catalyst for other manufacturers to follow suit, in a significant boost to the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. Prime minister Modi has positioned India as a smartphone manufacturing hub in recent years, though import duties on components and other factors keep costs in India 5-10% higher than iPhones made in China.
- The 26% tariffs imposed by the US on Indian-made goods creates headwinds, but levies on competing nations still offer India a competitive edge. The White House has exempted smartphones from the 125% “reciprocal” tariffs on China, though a 20% base tariff remains. US tariffs, however, have changed rapidly and may do so again: global tech’s China-plus-one strategy is however longer-term derisking not driven by tariffs alone.
"As global value chains undergo a strategic reset, India is emerging as an alternative manufacturing hub for global firms looking to diversify and build resilience, especially in smartphones, consumer electronics, and IT and telecom
equipment. To support this, New Delhi will need to ramp up ease of doing business, policy predictability, and infrastructure and logistics. If it is able to align with global supply chain player expectations, there will be increased investments in manufacturing
by industry leaders. India’s commerce ministry and state governments are wooing global players in Europe and the Middle East, and will likely strengthen further."
Amrit Singh-Deo
Senior Managing Director and Head of Public Affairs, India
For more information about FTI’s Public Affairs services in India, please contact [email protected]
China to wield more policy toolkit for domestic support amid U.S. trade war
- On April 25, China’s Politburo held a meeting where it pledged to further stabilize the country’s employment levels and assist businesses facing the external shocks. This sends a message that the government is dedicated to converting domestic certainty into a buffer against global volatility.
- The readout from the economic analysis meeting suggests that Beijing intends to adopt a more proactive fiscal policy and moderately loose monetary policy; yet, no additional deficit spending has been announced. This implies that Chinese policymakers are not hastily proceeding to roll out sizable stimulus measures in the immediate future.
- China has also committed to prioritizing the people’s livelihood in its developmental trajectory, providing substantial support to businesses significantly affected by the mounting tariffs. The meeting also stressed that internal risks, such as the property crisis, should be continuously managed, especially during an unstable trade environment.
"China has been ramping up its efforts to secure a strong foothold in the livelihood against the backdrop of international uncertainties and a deterioration in the global trust apparatus. Concurrently, China is poised to address
potential external shocks, providing considerable latitude for both fiscal and monetary policies, which offers stability to this unpredictable global environment."
Rachel Hsueh
Head of Strategic Communications, China
For more information about FTI’s Public Affairs services in China, please contact [email protected]
Reform triumphs in first by-election of the Parliament and breaks into local government
- Voters across 24 English local authorities and 6 mayoral authorities, as well as those living in the Runcorn and Helsby parliamentary constituency, went to the polls yesterday for the 2025 local elections. While the votes in much of the country are still being counted at the time of writing, the big winner from last night and this morning is shaping up to be Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, a right-wing populist challenger party.
- Reform’s candidate, Sarah Pochin, has won the Runcorn and Helsby by-election by just six votes. Pochin will become Reform’s sixth Member of Parliament and its first female MP. The by-election was triggered after the resignation of the incumbent Labour MP, Mike Amesbury, after he received a criminal conviction following a drunken brawl with a constituent last year. Runcorn and Helsby is traditionally a safe Labour seat, making its narrow loss to Reform a serious warning signal for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour Government.
- Elsewhere, Reform are accumulating seats in local authorities at a steady rate as results roll in. The biggest losers are set to be Kemi Badenoch’s Conservatives, who were defending the most seats at this election. In a significant development, former Conservative MP Dame Andrea Jenkyns, who defected to Reform last year after losing her seat in Parliament at July’s General Election, has been elected as the Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire.
“Yesterday’s elections are shaping up to be a breakthrough moment for Reform UK. After winning its first five seats last year from Conservative incumbents, Nigel Farage’s party has now proven that, in the right circumstances, it
can also take the fight to Keir Starmer’s Labour Party. Reform’s stock is rising, and businesses and organisations should start thinking about how they might engage with the party, particularly if it sustains its current momentum between now and the next UK
General Election.”
Alex Deane
Head of Public Affairs, United Kingdom
For more information about FTI’s Public Affairs services in the United Kingdom, please contact [email protected]
Singapore prepares for May 03 election
- Campaigning heats up as ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) clashes with opposition over “negative politics.” PAP also warned against mixing religion and politics after reports of an opposition party’s meeting with a controversial preacher.
- The ruling party has emphasised Trump’s tariffs and global instability in its campaign messaging. Senior ministers including Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have urged voters to ensure Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong is re-elected, reflecting potential concerns about his position in the constituency where he is up against the opposition Workers’ Party’s star newcomer Harpreet Singh and his team. Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam has said Gan would be able to protect Singaporean jobs if reelected in a sign of the importance the Government is placing on this battleground constituency.
- An aborted Allianz bid for local insurer NTUC Income Insurance has become a political flashpoint in the campaign. Opposition parties have questioned PAP candidates Deputy PM Gan and NTUC chief Ng Chee Meng for their roles in the deal. The Government blocked the deal in late-2024, citing Income’s social mission. At the time, Gan chaired the regulator; Ng led the national union.
"As a new cabinet is set to shape after Saturday’s election, businesses are closely watching for shifts in policy direction and political priorities. This moment marks an inflection point for the country, following several high-profile retirements, including that of Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat. While Singapore’s strong and stable Civil Service ensures a high degree of policy continuity, changes in leadership can still influence regulatory tone and areas of emphasis. For business leaders, the challenge is to look beyond the headlines, understand where the Government is likely to focus its efforts, and recalibrate engagement strategies accordingly. Staying aligned with evolving priorities and deepening relationships with key stakeholders will be essential to navigating the post-election landscape.”
Rachel Yeo
Senior Director, South Africa
For more information about FTI’s Public Affairs services in Singapore, please contact [email protected]
France considers banning social media for under-15s
- On April 29, Digital Affairs Minister Clara Chappaz told journalists she was willing to ban social media for children under the age of 15. Chappaz clarified that, for now, the aim is not an immediate national ban, but rather to advance this initiative at the European level, with support already secured from several member states, including Germany and Spain.
- That same day, Gabriel Attal, former Prime Minister and the head of President Macron’s party in the National Assembly, published an op-ed in Le Figaro, also calling for a social media ban for children under the age of 15. He called for measures including a 2% contribution of platforms’ French revenue to fund mental health research, a digital curfew for 15 to 18-year-olds from 10pm to 8am, and a public “addict-score” that would rate platforms’ addictive potential.
- This comes as the government has been making increased efforts towards the online protection of minors, including a recent ban on pornographic websites for minors. This proposal to extend the ban to social media has been met by some resistance, including within the president’s party.
“The momentum is building in France for stricter regulation of children's access to social media. With Digital Affairs Minister Clara Chappaz and former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal both backing a social media ban for children under
15, the government is signalling that the mental health of young people must take precedence over any other consideration. However, the path is not without political friction, with a similar proposal adopted by Parliament in 2023 being declared incompatible
with EU law by the EU Commission. This move could also be interpreted by the US administration as an additional non-tariff barrier, risking an escalation of the ongoing trade tensions."
Augustin Gosset
Senior Director, France
For more information about FTI’s Public Affairs services in France, please contact [email protected]
Diplomacy and strategic outreach in the new trade landscape
- Brazil is pursuing a dual-track strategy in the wake of U.S. tariff hikes: working to preserve its traditionally strong economic ties with Washington while simultaneously expanding strategic partnerships elsewhere.
- Officials continue to defend multilateralism, with Brazil endorsing a BRICS joint statement condemning unilateral protectionist measures and reaffirming support for the WTO.
- President Lula is accelerating engagement with Asian economies, including China, Japan, and Vietnam, seeking new opportunities in agriculture, critical minerals, and beyond.
“Brazil’s careful navigation of U.S. protectionism and its growing ties with Asia reflect both opportunity and uncertainty for the private sector. While sectors like agriculture, energy transition, and critical minerals may benefit
from expanded access to Asian markets, shifting geopolitical dynamics still carry real risks. Brazil’s low-profile diplomacy seeks to avoid confrontation, but businesses should be prepared for policy volatility and trade realignments as the global order evolves.”
Raquel Rocha
Senior Director, Brazil
For more information about FTI’s Public Affairs services in Brazil, please contact [email protected]
Malaysia hit with US tariffs on solar panel exports
- On April 21, the US Department of Commerce announced tariffs on solar cells and panels imported from Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, with anti-dumping duties ranging from 8.51% to 271.28% and anti-subsidy countervailing duties ranging from 14.64% to 3,403.96%.
- The decision follows a year-old investigation into alleged unfair practices by Chinese companies with production plants in Southeast Asia, which was initially initiated by the American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee. The group had claimed that Chinese companies were flooding the US markets with cheap solar products via factories in Southeast Asia.
- For Malaysia, most affected companies face a duty of 34.41%, which is significantly lower than their peers in other impacted ASEAN markets. Nonetheless, the tariffs greatly concern industry players, as half of Malaysia’s electrical and electronic (E&E) products are already affected by the US’ initial round of “reciprocal” tariffs.
"While the solar duties don’t directly relate to Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, the measure – which is still subject to final approval by the US International Trade Commission by June 02 – demonstrates how Washington’s outlook
on China’s trade practices are sending ripple effects across the Asia Pacific into Southeast Asia. Additionally, the solar tariffs only add to the list of items Malaysia will need to negotiate with Washington on, which have yet to conclude following Minister
of Investment, Trade & Industry Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz’s meetings with US trade authorities last week. To mitigate ongoing uncertainties with the US, business leaders can expect Malaysia to capitalise on the newly established Johor-Singapore Special Economic
Zone, expedite negotiations with the EU on a free trade agreement, and search for new market opportunities in Asia, such as South Korea and Japan, both big importers of solar panels."
Kai Blaisdell
Managing Director, Singapore
For more information about FTI’s Public Affairs services in Malaysia, please contact [email protected].
Iberian blackout: a call for grid modernization
- On April 28, a widespread blackout affected most of Spain and Portugal, following a rapid and unexpected collapse of the Iberian electricity grid. Although 99.95% of electricity demand was restored by the following morning, it raised significant concerns over system reliability.
- While authorities have ruled out cyberattacks or sabotage, investigations are still underway to determine the cause of the incident. While authorities have ruled out cyberattacks or sabotage, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stating that the event was not caused by a lack of generation capacity but rather exposed systemic vulnerabilities and assured that “the necessary reforms will be made, the required measures will be taken, and we will demand full accountability from private operators.”
- While it seems like the incident was not the result of a single failure, but rather the outcome of a structurally fragile system unable to cope with increasing share of renewable generation without sufficient support from stabilising assets, it has made clear that the design of the electricity grid must evolve to integrate these technologies securely. The problem lies not with renewable technologies themselves, but with the lack of timely adaptation of the grid to manage such a transition.
"The Iberian blackout highlights the need to reassess grid resilience in the context of rapid structural change. Spain’s electricity system has evolved significantly in recent decades, but recent investment in stability infrastructure
has not kept pace with the growing share of variable renewable generation. Decarbonisation remains a key objective, but reaching it safely requires proportionate investment in infrastructure that supports flexibility and resilience."
Carlos Ochoa Alonso
Head of Public Affairs, Spain
For more information about FTI’s Public Affairs services in Spain, please contact [email protected].
Colombia advances trade diplomacy to secure U.S tariff reductions on key exports
- High-level U.S.–Colombia trade talks continue: acting Trade Minister, Cielo Rusinque met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington last week to address tensions over upcoming automotive certification rules and new U.S. tariffs on Colombian exports.
- Auto exports at risk: The U.S. warned that Colombia’s planned third-party certification for vehicle components—set to take effect May 2—could halt nearly $700 million in annual U.S. car exports. Colombia has proposed a delay to allow further negotiations.
- Next step in Bogotá: Deputy USTR Daniel Watson is visiting Colombia this week (April 29–30) to continue discussions and explore a path forward on both the auto regulations and broader tariff concerns.
"The Colombian government’s decision to propose a delay in implementing new vehicle certification rules may reflect a broader interest in maintaining stable trade ties with the U.S. At a time when tariff pressures are intensifying,
this gesture could open the door to more constructive dialogue and creative mechanisms that balance regulatory goals with commercial continuity. It’s a signal worth watching in the evolving dynamics of the bilateral relationship."
Juliana Gómez
Head of Public Affairs, Colombia
For more information about FTI’s Public Affairs services in Spain, please contact [email protected].
Irish exports surge amid tariff threat
- Data published by Ireland’s Central Statistics Office (CSO) in recent weeks suggests that companies, particularly those in the pharma industry, had already begun implementing measures in anticipation of tariffs following President Trump’s inauguration in January.
- The CSO’s export data for February, published on April 15, show a 146% year-on-year increase in exports of medical and pharmaceutical products in February 2025. These products constituted 63% of total exports for the latter month, reflecting the sector’s substantial contribution to the Irish economy.
- Meanwhile, Preliminary GDP estimates for Q1 2025, published on April 29, indicate that GDP is expected to grow by 13.3% compared with the same period in 2024. The CSO said this is largely driven by “a rise in the multinational dominated sectors”; further evidence of an increase in exports in anticipation of tariffs.
- Data for March will be published in the coming weeks and is expected to reflect a continued upward trend.
“The latest CSO data reveals how Irish exporters are proactively adapting to a shifting global trade environment. Exports in February grew by €700.9 million to €25.5 billion compared with January 2025, indicating stockpiling in anticipation
of tariffs following the inauguration. However uncertainty remains as talks between the US and EU continue, and businesses with manufacturing in Ireland should look beyond short-term measures and develop longer-term strategies to navigate the evolving situation."
Aoife Mullen
Director, Ireland
For more information about FTI’s Financial Services Public Affairs support in Ireland, please contact [email protected].
Expert Analysis |
Defence Webinar: EMEA Geopolitics & Complex Issues Forum
We are thrilled to invite you to an upcoming webinar as part of our EMEA Critical Issues Forum, which will tackle the challenges and opportunities facing the defence industry today. The session will bring together industry experts and policymakers to examine the future of European defence and the evolving challenges for transatlantic relations in an era of political uncertainty.
When: Wednesday 14th May 2025 – 12:00pm-1:00pm BST | 1:00pm-2:00pm CET
Where: Zoom webinar
The effect of Global Pressures on the
Role of the General Counsel
The evolving U.S. political agenda has had a profound impact on global politics, sparking a chain of geopolitical realignments that are restructuring the international landscape.
Gemma Doyle, Senior Managing Director in our UK Public Affairs team, explores these effects through the lens of the UK Labour Government.
The Policy Pulse: EU’s Critical Medicines Act
Why is the EU’s Critical Medicines Act a priority, were does it come from and how will it shape Europe’s future healthcare resilience?
In this new episode of The Policy Pulse, our experts delve into the Critical Medicines Act to explore why securing the supply of essential medicines has become an urgent strategic goal for the EU, the role of joint procurement and the political negotiations to come.
Bringing the Right Players to the Table to Navigate Political Uncertainty
The global political landscape surrounding trade and tariffs is marked by heightened tensions, significant policy shifts, and growing economic uncertainty.
Cory Fritz, trade and tariff expert in our Washington D.C. Public Affairs team, shares insights on how businesses can navigate emerging geopolitical uncertainties—and how bringing the right players to the table can help steer through the unknown.
Upcoming Conferences, Elections and Webinars
- May 04: Presidential election (Romania)
- May 11: Parliamentary election (Albania)
- May 11: Local elections (Uruguay)
- May 12: General election (Philippines)
- May 18: Presidential election (Poland)
- May 25: Parliamentary elections (Venezuela)
- May 25: General election (Suriname)
To be added to the distribution list for the Global PA Newswire, or for further information on the dedicated Public Affairs team at FTI, please contact [email protected]. |
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