Search Results for: U.S. tariffs

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China’s exports miss forecasts as U.S. tariffs bite -imports record sharp decline

China’s exports in the January 2025 to February 2025 period rose 2.3% in U.S. dollar terms from a year earlier, significantly undershooting expectations of a 5% increase That marked the slowest growth since April 2024 last year when exports increased by just 1.5% on the year, according to recently released data. Imports surprised markets by …

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Trump announces 25% tariffs on car imports to U.S. and pledges pharma tariffs to come

Trump’s tariffs have been a cornerstone of his trade policy, aimed at protecting American industries and reducing trade deficits These measures include tariffs on steel, aluminum, and a wide range of goods from countries like China, Canada, and the European Union. While supporters argue that these tariffs have bolstered domestic manufacturing and created jobs, critics …

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Fallout from Trump’s self-imposed tariffs and DOGE cuts is visibly damaging the U.S.

The economic impact of tariffs and budget cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is becoming increasingly evident Major corporations like Nike and Accenture, for example have recently reported significant challenges stemming from these policies. Nike has warned of a sharp decline in sales for the current quarter, attributing this to tariffs and weakened …

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Trump’s Drug Tariffs: A protectionist prescription policy?

Trump’s latest tariff salvo is already rattling pharma stocks. Branded drugs now face a 100% levy unless firms build plants in the U.S. Trump’s Drug Tariffs: A protectionist prescription policy? In a move that’s rattled pharmaceutical markets across Asia and Europe, President Trump has announced a sweeping 100% tariff on branded, patented drugs imported into …

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China-U.S. trade slump deepens as exports plunge 33%

China’s exports to the United States fell sharply in August 2025, marking a six-month low and underscoring the growing strain in global trade dynamics. According to recent data, shipments from China to the U.S. dropped by 33% year-on-year, reflecting both weakening demand and the ongoing effects of geopolitical tensions. This decline is part of a …

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Technical Signals: Cracks beneath the surface – are U.S. stocks beginning to stumble?

There are increasingly credible signs that U.S. stocks may be heading into a deeper adjustment phase. Here’s a breakdown of the key indicators and risks that suggest the current stumble could be more than a seasonal wobble. It’s just a hypothesis, but… 🧠 Sentiment & Positioning: Optimism with Defensive Undercurrents 🌍 Macroeconomic Risks: Tariffs, Fed …

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Trump’s 100% microchip tariff – A high-stakes gamble on U.S. manufacturing

President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping 100% tariff on imported semiconductors and microchips—unless companies are actively manufacturing in the United States. The move, unveiled during an Oval Office event with Apple CEO Tim Cook, is aimed at turbocharging domestic production in a sector critical to everything from smartphones to defence systems. Trump’s vow comes …

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U.S. interest rates held steady at 4.25% to 4.50%

On 30th July 2025, the Federal Reserve opted to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 4.25%–4.50%, defying mounting pressure from President Trump to initiate cuts. The decision, reached by a 9–2 vote, marked the first time since 1993 that two governors—Michelle Bowman and Christopher Waller—formally dissented, advocating for a quarter-point reduction. Fed Chair Jerome …

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U.S. GDP surges 3.0% in Q2 — but what’s driving the rebound?

After a lacklustre start to 2025, the U.S. economy posted a surprising comeback in the second quarter, with GDP rising at an annualised rate of 3.0%, according to data released today. The sharp upswing follows a 0.5% contraction in Q1, catching analysts off-guard and fuelling speculation about the durability of the recovery. 📈 A Rebound …

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Are investors saying it’s time to move on from tariffs and if so to what effect on the markets?

It looks like investor sentiment is shifting away from obsessing over tariffs—though not because they’ve disappeared. Instead, there’s a growing sense that tariffs may be settling into a predictable range, especially in the U.S., where President Trump signalled a blanket rate of 15–20% for countries lacking specific trade agreements. Here’s how that’s playing out 🌐 …

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Markets rally as EU–U.S. trade deal eases some tariff tension

European and American financial markets rallied following the announcement of a new trade pact between the EU and the U.S on Sunday 27th July 2025., easing months of escalating tensions. The deal introduces a 15% tariff on most EU exports to the United States—well below the previously threatened 30% rate—providing greater predictability across key sectors. …

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From Missiles to Tariffs: A desensitised stock market faces Trump’s new world

In years past, the mere hint of U.S. airstrikes or heightened geopolitical tension would send global stock markets into panic mode. Yet, following President Trump’s re-election and his increasingly aggressive foreign policy stance, investor reactions have become notably muted. From missile strikes on Iranian nuclear sites to an orchestrated ceasefire between Iran and Israel, markets …

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U.S. holds interest rates steady – Trump isn’t happy!

U.S. Federal Reserve has kept its benchmark interest rate steady at 4.25% to 4.50% for the fourth consecutive meeting. This decision reflects a cautious stance amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding President Trump’s tariff policies and their potential impact on inflation and economic growth. The Fed still anticipates two rate cuts later in 2025, but officials are …

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U.S. inflation up 0.1% in May – but less than expected

In May 2025, U.S. inflation rose by 0.1% from the previous month, bringing the annual inflation rate to 2.4%, slightly below economists’ predictions of 2.5%. Core U.S. inflation, which excludes food and energy, increased by 0.1% month-on-month, with a year-on-year rate of 2.8%. The modest rise was largely offset by falling energy prices, particularly a …

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China suffers U.S. tariff driven falls in exports and increased deflation concerns

China’s economic landscape is facing mounting challenges as exports to the United States plummet and consumer prices decline, sparking fears of deflation. The latest trade data reveals that Chinese exports to the U.S. fell by 34.5% in May 2025, marking the sharpest drop in over five years. This decline comes despite a temporary trade truce …

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OECD cuts U.S. growth forecast amid Trump’s tariff chaos

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has sharply downgraded its U.S. growth forecast, citing economic uncertainty and the impact of President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. The OECD now expects the U.S. economy to expand by just 1.6% in 2025 and 1.5% in 2026, a significant cut from its previous estimate of 2.2% for …

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Trump’s tariffs challenged in court and deemed to be illegal

A U.S. federal court has ruled that former President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs were imposed illegally, dealing a significant blow to his economic policies. The Court of International Trade determined that Trump exceeded his authority by invoking emergency powers to justify tariffs on nearly every country. The ruling states that the U.S. Constitution grants Congress …

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China’s industrial profit accelerates in April 2025 – despite Trump’s tariffs

Despite the heavy tariffs imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, China’s industrial sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience. In April 2025, industrial profits rose by 3%, marking the second consecutive month of growth. This increase was largely driven by Beijing’s strategic policy measures, which cushioned the impact of the tariffs and supported private enterprises. In …

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Are we underestimating the impact of tariffs on S&P 500 earnings growth?

As global trade tensions escalate, many investors and analysts are questioning whether markets are too complacent about the long-term effects of tariffs on corporate earnings. While some argue that businesses have adapted to protectionist policies, others warn that the S&P 500’s earnings growth could face significant headwinds. Tariffs: A hidden threat to profit margins Tariffs …

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U.S. inflation rate at 2.3% in April 2025 – less than expected

April 2025 saw the U.S. inflation rate ease to 2.3%, marking its lowest level since February 2021. The consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.2% for the month, aligning with expectations but slightly below the forecasted 2.4% annual rate. Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, also increased 0.2%, maintaining a 2.8% year-on-year rate. …

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Trump tariff roll-back – a win for China? U.S. markets rejoice the ‘deal’

The U.S. stock market surged as investors cheered a breakthrough in trade negotiations between Washington and Beijing. The rollback of tariffs, announced as part of a new trade agreement, sent the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq Composite soaring. The deal, which slashes ‘reciprocal’ tariffs on both sides, is seen as a major …

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U.S. and China agree 90-day ‘reciprocal’ tariff pause and reduction deal

In a surprising breakthrough, the United States and China have agreed to suspend most tariffs on each other’s goods for 90 days, marking a significant step toward easing trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies. Following high-stakes negotiations in Geneva, representatives from both nations announced that reciprocal tariffs would be slashed from 125% to …

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U.S. Federal Reserve holds interest rates at 4.25% – 4.50% and upsets Trump in the process

The Federal Reserve held its key interest rate steady at 4.25% – 4.50% on 7th May 2025, citing economic uncertainty and the potential impact of tariffs. Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasised that the central bank is in wait-and-see mode, monitoring inflation and employment risks. The decision follows concerns that Trump’s trade policies could lead to …

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Signs of weakness in the U.S. economy – is a recession coming and is the United States causing harm to global economies?

The U.S. economy is showing cracks as multiple indicators suggest that growth may be slowing. With GDP shrinking by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025, concerns about an impending recession have intensified among analysts and investors. A key driver of this economic downturn is the ongoing trade uncertainty, which has prompted businesses to stock …

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U.S. Economy Contracts in Q1 2025 Amid Trade Policy Uncertainty

The U.S. economy shrank by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025, marking the first contraction since early 2022. The decline was largely driven by a surge in imports, which soared 41.3%, as businesses rushed to stockpile goods ahead of President Donald Trump’s newly imposed tariffs. Imports subtract from GDP calculations, contributing to the negative …

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