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Israel and Lebanon Agree to 10‑Day Ceasefire as Trump Announces Breakthrough

  Israel and Lebanon Reach 10‑Day Ceasefire Following Trump Announcement Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10‑day ceasefire set to begin at 5 p.m. EST, according to U.S. President Donald Trump, who said the truce followed “excellent conversations” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.  The ceasefire comes after more than six weeks of intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran‑backed armed group operating in southern Lebanon. The conflict has resulted in over 2,000 deaths in Lebanon and displaced more than a million residents, while Israel has maintained a 10‑kilometre security zone in southern Lebanon. Trump stated that both leaders agreed to begin the truce to pursue peace, adding that he plans to invite them to the White House for the first direct talks between the two countries since 1983. Lebanese officials have welcomed the ceasefire, though Hezbollah has said its adherence depends on Israel halting all attacks....

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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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