TikTok layoffs: TikTok Shop, the video app's US e-commerce division, has cut jobs for third time since April
In an official statement, a spokesperon for TikTok confirmed the job cuts, saying, 'As the TikTok Shop business evolves, we regularly review our operations to ensure long-term success. We've made the difficult decision to adjust parts of our team to better align with strategic priorities.'
There was no official confirmation from TikTok about the number of people being laid off, the report added.
TikTok Shop: US operations fail to meet sales targets
The report added that due to failure to meet annual internal sales targets, the US operations of TikTok Shop have undergone a series of changes over the last months. In April, the popular app company cut some jobs, followed by more layoffs in May, the report said.
The TikTok Shop team has reportedly also been replacing US-hired staff near Seattle, with managers connected to China. This is being done to 'replicate' the success the app's e-commerce business has seen under parent company ByteDance in Asia, as per the report.
Despite the changes, TikTok Shop has been the social media app's fastest-growing business, and a major focus for ByteDance globally. Last year, TikTok Shop opened in five new countries in Europe, including Germany and Spain.
Also Read | HDFC Bank CEO moves SC against Lilavati Trust after recusal of Bombay HC judges
TikTok's future in the US: Latest updates
Overall, the future of TikTok in the US remains in limbo as it faces potential ban due to national security concerns. US law passed in 2024, mandates that parent ByteDance divest from TikTok US to avoid the business being banned.
US President Donald Trump has extended the deadline for divestment till mid-September this year and earlier hinted at finding a new buyer for the app, subject to approval for sale from the Chinese government.
(With inputs from Bloomberg)
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Indian Express
15 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Limited results from EU-China summit, India's visa resumption, and the Chinese mega dam
Senior European Union (EU) officials arrived in Beijing for a summit marking 50 years of EU-China diplomatic relations on Thursday (July 24). In the lead-up, it was reported to be a two-day affair, but ended up being curtailed to one day at Beijing's request. It is unclear what prompted the decision. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in her speech that EU-China trade ties were at a 'clear inflection point,' citing their trade imbalance of $358 billion, which is in China's favour. She also raised the issue of recent restrictions on rare earth minerals' exports, in which China is a global leader. In last week's tracker, we mentioned the meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chinese President Xi Jinping, during the minister's first visit to China in five years. The minister noted the ongoing efforts to normalise bilateral relations after the 2020 standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This week, India said it will resume issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals after a five-year pause, beginning Thursday. Finally, China announced that construction had begun at a mega hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo river, which also flows through India as the Siang and the Brahmaputra. Upon completion, this would be the largest project of its kind. India has previously raised concerns about it as the lower riparian country (one located downstream). Here is a closer look at these developments: EU officials met with China's President, Xi Jinping, and Premier Li Qiang. The summit saw stark reminders from Europe on some persistent trade issues, such as cheap Chinese goods in EU markets due to the 'overcapacity' of China's industrial sector. Von der Leyen largely attributed the trade imbalance to 'an increasing number of trade distortions and market access barriers.' She added, 'Unlike other major markets, Europe keeps its market open to Chinese goods… However, this openness is not matched by China.' The EU expressed its expectation for access to China's market in priority areas such as meat, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. It highlighted the negative impact of China's export controls on rare earths, which are crucial to the functioning of several key industries, and on rare earth magnets used in the automobile industry, urging China to lift restrictions. UPSHOT: A report in the Chinese Communist Party's mouthpiece Global Times described the ties as 'one of the world's most influential bilateral partnerships – an exemplary model of peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation across different systems and civilizations.' However, this language is not reflective of the current state of the relationship. Expectations were low going into the meeting because the two sides have not made progress in resolving longstanding issues. One reason, according to analysts, is that the need for cooperation is no longer being felt as urgently. While the EU may soon sign a deal on tariffs with the United States, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng will be in Sweden from July 27 to 30 for economic and trade talks with the US. Thus, the one factor that was seen as driving their closeness is, for now, being managed. Further, Europe continues to have several grievances with Beijing, including over its support for Russia in the Ukraine war. Von der Leyen said they expected China to use its influence to bring Russia to accept a ceasefire. Even as China is yet to agree on the question of Russia, senior leaders and officials, including Xi Jinping, are increasingly recognising the need to correct industrial overcapacity for a host of reasons. Not antagonising trade partners is one of them. As Von der Leyen said, 'Rebalancing our bilateral relation is no longer optional, it's essential.' Another key shared interest between the two is climate change and green energy investments. While the two sides released a joint statement, noting goals like accelerating the global renewable energy deployment, no major commitments were made. Earlier this week, India announced that Chinese nationals can now apply for visas through application centres in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. The pause came amid the Covid-19 pandemic and was later extended following the LAC stand-off. As The Indian Express earlier reported, about 2 lakh visas were issued to Chinese nationals in 2019, and about 1.63 lakh in 2018, according to official data. UPSHOT: It comes alongside other recent measures intended to normalise the bilateral relations, including the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar yatra. In June, the two countries' officials also discussed the resumption of direct flights. While the number of visas issued to China has been low in the past, Chinese nationals' entry into India also matters from an economic perspective. Last year, The Indian Express reported that at least two Union ministries — Electronics and Information Technology and Commerce and Industry — were pushing for easier visa norms for the entry of Chinese technicians. India's domestic industry had raised concerns that export orders were not being fulfilled due to delays in granting visas. One example was how the leather sector, which imported and installed Chinese machinery, was finding it difficult to operationalise plants without the requisite personnel. On its part, China announced the resumption of all types of visas for Indian travellers in March 2023. However, one industry body chair in India previously said that visas have long been a problematic issue between the countries, and that 'the Chinese tend to approve visas applied by Indian importers but delay or block visa requests by government officials and exporters.' Work has begun on what Chinese Premier Li Qiang recently called the 'project of the century'. Discussed for years in China, the dam in Medog County will have a capacity of generating 60,000 MW. This would be thrice the current largest hydro power project in the world, the Three Gorges Dam, which is also located in China. In the past, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has described it as a ticking time bomb for India, saying, 'The issue is that China cannot be trusted. No one knows what they might do.' The Indian External Affairs Ministry said it conveyed its concerns to China last year, but on Wednesday, a Chinese official spokesperson said it will not have 'any negative impact on the downstream regions', presumably referring to India and Bangladesh. UPSHOT: The project is undoubtedly significant, just in terms of its sheer size. For China, it is an opportunity to ensure energy security and push forward with its green energy goals. However, as experts have previously told The Indian Express, even in the absence of any ill intentions from China, there are good reasons to be concerned. The size of the reservoir and the fact that the Himalayas are young mountains prone to landslides and other geological activities heighten the risks of a major ecological disaster. What complicates the matter is the limited avenues for bilateral cooperation on such issues. While the sharing of river data was also one of the intended goals under the normalisation process, no major breakthrough on that front has been announced so far. Additionally, India has proposed an 11.2 GW Upper Siang Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh to guard against future changes in the river's water flow. However, it has faced some opposition on the ground and has seen slow progress. Rishika Singh is a Senior sub-editor at the Explained Desk of The Indian Express. She enjoys writing on issues related to international relations, and in particular, likes to follow analyses of news from China. Additionally, she writes on developments related to politics and culture in India. ... Read More
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First Post
15 minutes ago
- First Post
Days after listing TRF as terror outfit, US praises Pakistan's role in 'counter terrorism'
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed gratitude for 'Pakistan's partnership in countering terrorism and preserving regional stability' as he hosted Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar read more US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday (July 25) in Washington, lauding the latter for Islamabad's alleged role in 'counter terrorism operations'. The two leaders Friday gathered for 'comprehensive discussions aimed at bolstering US-Pakistan relations, enhancing trade ties, and addressing regional security challenges,' according to their statements to the press. In a post on X, Rubio expressed gratitude for 'Pakistan's partnership in countering terrorism and preserving regional stability' and highlighted the focus of their talks on 'expanding bilateral trade and fostering deeper cooperation in the critical minerals and mining sectors.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Met with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister @MIshaqDar50 today to discuss expanding bilateral trade and enhancing collaboration in the critical minerals sector. I also thanked him for Pakistan's partnership in countering terrorism and preserving regional… — Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) July 25, 2025 US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that Rubio commended 'Pakistan's continued willingness to play a constructive role in mediating conversations with Iran and its commitment to preserving regional stability.' The leaders also explored preparations for the upcoming US-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue, scheduled for August in Islamabad, with a focus on strengthening joint efforts against terrorist groups like ISIS-K to enhance regional security. Rubio underscored the need for 'expanding mutually beneficial bilateral trade' and exploring opportunities for collaboration in the minerals sector, which is increasingly vital due to global demand for critical resources. According to Arab News, Dar's eight-day US visit includes chairing several United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meetings, as Pakistan holds the rotating presidency this month. TRF's designation as terror outfit The meeting follows Rubio's recent announcement that the US will designate The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy for the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), as both a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). The TRF had claimed responsibility for the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which resulted in 26 deaths.
India.com
15 minutes ago
- India.com
Bengalurus FAANG Lure: After 18 Years, This Green Card Holder Asks, Should I Go Home?
Working in the US while my parents live in India is commonly seen in this generation, especially in tech profiles. An Indian-origin tech professional working at a top-tier FAANG company in the United States has to erupt an online debate after the dilemma of moving back to India after nearly two decades. After living in the US for over 18 years, he's now a green card holder facing a life-changing decision. With two young US-born children, aged 8 and 3, and a clear path to American citizenship in four years, a lucrative FAANG job offer in Bengaluru has sparked deep internal conflict. He expressed concern that moving back would mean giving up his green card, which is a significant decision. According to Financial Express, the Indian-origin techie said, 'Our kids will have a different citizenship than us, which might make it harder if they want to return to the US for college or to settle down.' Regarding the question of moving back to India, he expressed concern about his ageing parents living there and the sense of alienation he feels as a 'permanent outsider' despite spending years in the US. 'Once the kids are older, moving back might become impossible,' he said. He also expressed concern about India's urban quality of life, especially issues like air pollution and long commute times in cities such as Bengaluru.
