The main events by the morning: April 18

• The United States is planning to introduce a new trade restriction for China. The Trump administration is considering the possibility of imposing a levy on Chinese ships moored in American ports. This decision is aimed at curbing China's dominance in the fields of shipping, shipbuilding and container shipping. The fee for Chinese vessel operators can range from $18 per ton or $120 per container.

• Raiffeisenbank will not leave the Russian market amid improving relations between Russia and the United States. According to sources, Raiffeisen Bank International suspended the sale of its Russian division back in February, when negotiations between the Russian Federation and the United States began. However, if these negotiations fail, the bank may resume attempts to sell its assets in Russia.

• US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant called on Trump not to dismiss Fed Chairman Jerome Powell. According to Politico, Bessent has repeatedly warned White House officials that an attempt to fire Powell could destabilize financial markets. Some Trump supporters believe that his harsh remarks about Powell are an attempt to make him a «scapegoat» against the background of economic difficulties in the country.

• French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the next stage of discussions on resolving the conflict in Ukraine. The talks will take place next week in London, with Russia most likely not participating in these discussions. A similar meeting was held in Paris yesterday, which was attended by representatives of Ukraine, the United States, Great Britain, Germany and France.

• Russia continues to reduce the share of unfriendly currencies in international settlements. In February, the share of ruble payments for import payments reached a record 53.5%. The currencies of unfriendly countries accounted for only 17.2% of transfers, while other currencies accounted for 29.3%. The leading positions in the use of the ruble on the international market are occupied by energy, the raw materials industry and agriculture.