Thailand is aiming to reduce its trade surplus with the United States to $20 billion by importing more U.S. products, an industry ministry official said on Friday.

 Britain’s economy grew by 0.1% in the fourth quarter of 2024, in line with economists’ expectations from a Reuters poll, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirmed on Friday.

Asian stocks slid on Friday with heavy selling in South Korea and Japan while safe-haven gold was perched at a record high as the latest tariff salvo from U.S. President Donald Trump stoked investor worries of an all-out trade war.

Oil prices retreated on Friday amid tariff-related demand concerns, but headed for a third weekly gain on a tightening global supply outlook after the U.S. placed more pressure on Venezuelan and Iranian oil trade.

The dollar was headed for a steady week on Friday and a quarterly loss next week as concern about tariffs slowing U.S. growth has pushed down U.S. yields, stocks and the currency.

The United Kingdom (TADAWUL:4280)’s vehicle production, incorporating both electric and hybrid cars, fell in February, according to recent industry data.