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Tehran Signals Defiance as Supreme Leader Vows Retaliation and Strait Closure

  A man holds a picture of Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, while people attend a funeral ceremony for the Iranian military commanders who were killed in strikes, in Tehran Iran’s Supreme Leader issued his first public remarks following the deaths of senior Iranian commanders, vowing that the country will “avenge the martyrs” and maintain the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz until what he described as “justice” is served. His comments, delivered during a nationally broadcast address, underscore a sharp escalation in rhetoric at a moment of heightened regional tension. The Supreme Leader framed the recent losses as sacrifices in the defense of Iran’s sovereignty, promising that those responsible “will face consequences.” He also reaffirmed Iran’s decision to keep the Strait closed, a move that has already disrupted global shipping routes and rattled energy markets. The strait, one of the world’s most critical chokepoints for oil transport, has long been a flas...

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Canada Posts $1 Billion Trade Deficit in April

 

Canada recorded a merchandise trade deficit of $1.0 billion in April, according to Statistics Canada. This result follows a revised deficit of $2.0 billion for March, which was initially reported as $2.3 billion.

Here are the key points:

  • Exports:
    • Total exports in April increased by 2.6% to $64.4 billion.
    • Exports of energy products rose by 2.7%, with natural gas exports surging by 60.1%.
    • Crude oil exports also gained 3.0%.
    • Metal and non-metallic mineral products exports rose by 4.7%, driven by unwrought gold, silver, and platinum group metals.
  • Imports:
    • Total imports rose by 1.1% to $65.5 billion in April.
    • Imports of motor vehicles and parts increased by 4.2%.
    • Imports of aircraft and other transportation equipment and parts surged by 23.7%, including the delivery of several ships.
  • Trade in Services:
    • Canada’s monthly international trade in services deficit increased to $1.1 billion in April.
    • Imports of services rose by 1.1% to $18.0 billion, while exports of services remained essentially unchanged at $16.9 billion.
  • Combined Trade Deficit:
    • When goods and services are combined, Canada’s total trade deficit with the world was $2.2 billion in April, compared to $2.9 billion in March.

Economists expect further export gains due to higher oil pipeline capacity and one-off events in the auto sector, while imports may decline due to weak domestic demand and elevated inventory levels.


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