Australian trade policy

White House Faces Crisis as China’s Soybean Purchases Plunge to Zero

The Trump administration is facing a crisis due to plummeting U.S. soybean exports to China, as revealed by a leaked message detailing concerns. The message indicates that a recent economic bailout of Argentina resulted in Argentina selling soybeans to China, reducing prices, and giving China leverage in trade negotiations. American farmers, who have lost their largest buyer, are now struggling with oversupply, storage issues, and significant financial losses as China shifts its purchases to South American suppliers. While the administration is exploring aid and potential trade solutions, farmers are advocating for lasting trade agreements and a return to the Chinese market to secure their economic futures.

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Trump Announces 100% Tariff on Foreign Movies: Confusion and Criticism Erupt

In a recent Truth Social post, Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 100% tariff on movies produced outside the United States, though details on implementation remain unclear. This move, targeting a service rather than a good, follows similar threats made earlier this year and singles out California for its perceived impact. The proposed tariff has raised concerns within the entertainment industry, as it could potentially halt foreign film production, which benefits from cheaper labor and tax incentives. Despite the impact on the industry, share prices for some movie-related companies opened higher after the announcement.

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Trump Worries About Foreign Investment After Hyundai Raid Backlash

Trump says he doesn’t want to ‘frighten off’ foreign investment after backlash to Hyundai raid, and honestly, it feels like a bit of an “after the horse has bolted” situation. The sentiment itself, that he doesn’t want to scare away foreign investment, is understandable. Any leader would likely prefer a robust economy fueled by international partnerships. But the timing… that’s the kicker.

The recent backlash, particularly after the raid on Hyundai, seems to have already done a significant amount of damage. The reports of how the South Korean workers were treated, and the images that circulated, painted a picture that’s hard to simply erase.… Continue reading

US Postal Traffic Plummets Amidst Trade Policy, Raising Economic Concerns

The Universal Postal Union (UPU) reports a dramatic decline in postal traffic to the U.S. following the end of a trade exemption rule. After August 29, 2025, the “de minimis” rule, which exempted small packages under $800 from tariffs, was suspended, leading to an 81% drop in traffic compared to the previous week. The UPU is actively developing a technical solution to restore mail flow. This move was initiated by the Trump administration, citing concerns about counterfeit goods, fentanyl, and the trade deficit.

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Carney Announces Billions, Buy Canada Plan to Counter Tariffs

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a series of measures designed to bolster Canada’s economy against trade disruptions, particularly those stemming from the U.S. These measures include a pause on the electric vehicle (EV) mandate, a $5 billion strategic response fund to aid businesses, and a “Buy Canadian” policy to prioritize domestic procurement. Additional initiatives involve a reskilling package for up to 50,000 workers, expanded employment insurance benefits, and increased loan availability for small and medium-sized enterprises. The government will also provide assistance to the agricultural and seafood sectors, which have been negatively impacted by tariffs.

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Court Rules Trump’s Tariffs Illegal: What It Means

In a recent ruling, a court declared Donald Trump’s tariffs illegal, raising the possibility of the government repaying billions in duties. The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit determined that the president exceeded his authority by unilaterally imposing import taxes on trading partners using emergency powers. This decision casts uncertainty over trade agreements and could invalidate tariffs placed on countries like China, Canada, and Mexico. The court emphasized that the statute does not grant the president the power to impose tariffs, duties, or taxes under a declared national emergency.

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Trump Faces Returning $100 Billion in Tariffs After Court Ruling

The Trump administration faces the potential of returning nearly $100 billion in customs duties, according to analysts, following a court ruling on the legality of tariffs. The US Court of Appeals upheld a lower court’s ruling, determining that Trump acted unlawfully by implementing broad import levies without Congressional approval. Although the appeals court voted in favor of the initial judgment, the tariffs remain in effect while the Trump administration appeals to the Supreme Court. These tariffs, first introduced in February, have generated approximately $100 billion in extra customs duties.

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Trump Tariffs Largely Illegal: Court Ruling Deals Blow to Trade Policies

A federal appeals court ruled that most of President Trump’s global tariffs were illegal, significantly impacting his trade policies. The court determined that the law Trump invoked to impose the tariffs, including his “reciprocal” tariffs, did not grant him the necessary power. The ruling pauses its effect until October 14th, giving the Trump administration time to appeal to the Supreme Court. The case originated from lawsuits challenging Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and the court found that the tariffs’ scope exceeded the president’s authority.

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Appeals Court Blocks Trump’s “Liberation Day” Orders, Deems Them Illegal

A federal appeals court recently delivered a significant setback to Donald Trump’s tariff agenda. The court ruled that the president’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs was illegal, as the law doesn’t grant the power to levy taxes. This decision largely affirms an earlier ruling, rejecting the argument that tariff imposition falls within the president’s foreign policy authority. While the court acknowledged the president’s constitutional authority, it emphasized that the power to tax belongs to Congress. The White House has stated that they will continue to work on this matter, with Trump himself criticizing the ruling and predicting the Supreme Court would allow his tariffs.

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Trump’s India Tariffs: Higher Drug Costs and “National Sales Tax” Concerns

Trump order imposes additional 25% tariff on goods from India. It seems like we’re looking at another round of potential price hikes for everyday American consumers. This isn’t just a simple trade adjustment; it’s essentially adding a 25% “sales tax” on top of the cost of goods imported from India. And let’s be honest, that’s going to hit people’s wallets.

This move is not hitting everyone equally. While the general public will feel the pinch, it seems like some major players, like Apple, might be exempt. If that’s the case, this might disproportionately affect small to medium-sized American businesses.

Here’s the crux of it: the potential for significant impacts on the cost of goods.… Continue reading