Trump ‘can’t guarantee’ Americans won’t pay more if tariffs enacted. This statement, while seemingly simple, encapsulates a complex economic reality that many seem to be overlooking. The core issue is straightforward: tariffs, by their very nature, increase the cost of imported goods. This isn’t some debatable point; it’s a fundamental principle of how tariffs function.
Adding a tariff, essentially a tax on imported products, doesn’t magically disappear. The added cost isn’t absorbed by the seller, who’s already operating within their profit margin. It’s almost always passed on to the consumer, resulting in higher prices for everyday goods. This is true regardless of whether the ultimate goal is to boost domestic production.… Continue reading
Russia’s intensified ballistic missile attacks on Ukraine utilize a significant number of North Korean KN-23 missiles, approximately one-third of the total launched in 2024. Analysis of missile wreckage reveals these weapons heavily rely on Western-made circuitry from at least nine manufacturers across the US, Europe, and elsewhere, despite existing sanctions. This highlights the crucial role of intermediary companies, primarily in China, facilitating the flow of sanctioned goods to North Korea. Ukrainian officials emphasize the need for stronger enforcement of sanctions by Western nations to curb this illicit trade and hold responsible parties accountable.
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Facing pressure over allegedly facilitating Chinese goods’ entry into North America, Mexico is actively pursuing a strategy to replace Chinese parts with locally or North American-sourced components. This initiative, while initiated in 2021, faces significant challenges mirroring similar difficulties in the United States. Simultaneously, Mexico is undertaking legal reforms to maintain compliance with the USMCA, aiming to preempt potential withdrawal by the U.S. or Canada during the 2026 review. Despite these efforts, concerns remain regarding the feasibility and timeline of reducing Chinese import reliance, potentially leading to protracted negotiations regarding the trade agreement’s future.
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Satellite imagery confirms Russia’s violation of UN sanctions through the illicit transfer of over a million barrels of oil to North Korea. This exchange, involving at least a dozen North Korean tankers, has occurred 43 times since March at Russia’s Vostochny Port. In return for the oil and supplied air defense missiles, North Korea provides Russia with thousands of troops and artillery shells. This mutually beneficial, yet clandestine, arrangement provides both regimes with crucial resources amid international conflict and sanctions.
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I must say, the recent discovery by Israeli forces of Russian weapons in Hezbollah’s advanced South Lebanon bunker did not come as much of a surprise to me. The close ties between Iran and Russia, as well as their alliance with Hezbollah, made it almost inevitable that such weaponry would surface in this context. The finding of small arms, rockets, mortar shells, Kalashnikov rifles, and various munitions highlights the interconnectedness of these nefarious actors in the region.
The fact that Russia is a major arms exporter, second only to the United States, adds another layer of complexity to this revelation. The widespread presence of Russian-manufactured weapons in conflicts around the world is a testament to their lucrative arms dealing industry.… Continue reading
Biden plans to send a $1bn arms shipment to Israel, and my initial gut reaction to this news is one of frustration and disbelief. It seems perplexing to me that in a time when my state has just started offering free lunches to elementary students and when there are numerous pressing issues that need attention and funding, we are allocating such a substantial amount of money towards weapons and ammunition. The sheer discrepancy in funding priorities between matters of war and matters of basic human necessities is startling to me.
The fact that the media hasn’t delved into the source of this information thoroughly is concerning.… Continue reading
Russian firms have recently made headlines by purchasing $4 billion worth of India-made arms, paying for it in Indian rupees. This move has raised questions and sparked various discussions about the implications and motivations behind this significant transaction. While some may speculate on the ulterior motives, my take on this situation is that it primarily revolves around economic interests, trade alliances, and strategic geopolitical considerations.
The fact that Russian exporters initiated trading with India using Indian rupees sheds light on the evolving dynamics of global commerce. This massive investment in India-made defence equipment and armaments signifies a substantial shift in the traditional trading patterns and currency preferences within the international arms trade.… Continue reading
I woke up this morning to the news that Turkey has decided to halt all trade with Israel. This decision, according to two Turkish officials, comes amidst the escalating tensions between the two nations over the conflict in Gaza. It seems that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is utilizing this move to garner support among conservative voters in Turkey, especially after his party’s recent losses in various mayoral elections.
Trade between Turkey and Israel has been significant, with the two countries having a trade worth $6.8 billion in 2023. The bulk of this trade consisted of Turkish exports to Israel, with iron and steel being the most significant export from Turkey to Israel in 2023.… Continue reading
It seems that North Korea has put a halt on sending artillery shells to Russia. This development, as claimed by Seoul, raises questions about what may have caused this sudden change in shipments. Satellite images indicating the absence of Russian container ships at North Korean docks since mid-February hint at a possible pause in the delivery of arms supplies. The cessation of shell shipments, especially after North Korea reportedly sent up to three million shells to Russia previously, sparks curiosity about the underlying reasons behind this turn of events.
The fact that North Korea is possibly running low on artillery shells in their war reserve is a significant point to consider.… Continue reading
The recent revelation that a North Korean missile fired by Russia against Ukraine contained US and European components has stirred up a whirlwind of controversy and shocked many people. The fact that these components originated in Taiwan, manufactured by countries such as China, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United States, has undoubtedly raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about the intricate web of global supply chains.
It is clear that these components, which include electronic chips, were not directly sold to North Korea or Russia but rather passed through multiple hands and channels before reaching their destination. The lack of control once these components leave the manufacturing facilities poses a significant challenge, allowing them to be repurposed and used in ways that were not intended.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker