Despite the Trump administration’s aim to boost domestic manufacturing through tariffs, evidence suggests these policies are harming rather than helping many American businesses. Companies like Allen Engineering Corporation are experiencing increased costs for imported components, leading to price hikes, workforce reductions, and financial losses. While the White House points to construction and investment gains, these are often attributed to prior legislation, and ongoing tariff uncertainty deters significant expansion. Furthermore, the U.S. trade deficit with China has widened, contradicting the stated goals of the tariff strategy.
Read More
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling deeming President Trump’s tariffs illegal, Malaysia has declared its trade deal with the United States invalid. This action comes as Malaysia’s Trade Minister expressed concerns that new U.S. trade reviews under Section 301 could negatively impact key Malaysian export sectors, including electronics, oil and gas, and palm oil. The minister stressed the importance of Malaysian exporters adhering to labor and environmental standards to prevent trade disruptions, even as the U.S. has previously threatened retaliation against nations seeking to nullify trade agreements based on the ruling.
Read More
Mounting data from sources including the Federal Reserve Bank of New York indicates that American households and businesses are bearing the vast majority of the cost of President Trump’s tariffs, despite presidential claims to the contrary. The analysis shows that Americans paid for nearly 90% of the tariffs in 2025, a trend consistent with earlier periods of tariff imposition. This burden is reflected in companies either absorbing increased costs, impacting their profit margins, or passing them on to consumers through higher prices, leading to decreased consumer confidence. Economists argue that the economic strain from these tariffs outweighs the claimed benefits, such as funding national debt reduction or providing tax rebates, with the cost to households potentially exceeding any tax relief.
Read More
The US has expressed concerns that Europe is indirectly funding the Russia-Ukraine war by purchasing refined Russian oil products from India, even while Washington imposes tariffs on New Delhi. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that Europe’s recent free trade agreement with India, dubbed the “mother of all trade deals”, allows this to occur. The US argues that while it has worked to destabilize Moscow’s energy trade and made significant sacrifices, Europe continues to benefit economically from loopholes in the global oil trade. The trade deal between the EU and India is set to boost economic ties between the regions despite US tariffs and global trade disruptions.
Read More
The European Parliament is poised to suspend its approval of the US tariffs deal agreed upon in July, a move likely to be announced on Wednesday. This decision stems from heightened tensions, as the US, under President Trump, considers new tariffs and presses to acquire Greenland. The standstill has caused financial market volatility, with stocks and the US dollar declining, while borrowing costs are rising. The EU had been delaying potential retaliatory measures against US tariffs, but these could be activated on February 7th if the new deal isn’t approved.
Read More
In 2025, China’s trade surplus hit a record high of nearly $1.2 trillion, fueled by a 5.5% increase in exports, totaling $3.77 trillion, and flat imports. Despite a 20% drop in exports to the U.S. due to tariffs, China’s manufacturers expanded into other global markets, especially Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Strong demand for items like computer chips and cars, with auto exports surging 21%, bolstered these exports. Economists anticipate exports will continue to drive growth in 2026, though internal factors like decreased domestic demand may slow future growth.
Read More
Germany and France ‘will not be blackmailed’ with US tariff threat, finance ministers say, and it’s a stance that echoes a sentiment of defiance and a willingness to stand united against pressure. It’s as if a collective breath is being held across the Atlantic, waiting to see if these bold words will translate into concrete actions. There’s a feeling that this could be a pivotal moment, a potential reshaping of alliances and a reevaluation of relationships.
It’s clear there’s an underlying frustration with certain behaviors. It’s as though the US is attempting to leverage its economic power to dictate terms, and the response from Germany and France is a clear “no.”… Continue reading
Experts in political communication believe an Ontario government ad targeting U.S. tariffs was successful in garnering attention, even if it didn’t achieve the intended outcome. The ad, which featured audio clips of Ronald Reagan, prompted a strong reaction from President Trump, who denounced it and abruptly halted trade talks. Despite criticism from the Reagan Foundation, legal challenges in the U.S. are unlikely due to the wide latitude afforded to political commentary. While the ad’s impact on voters is uncertain, it has undeniably captured the attention of U.S. audiences and sparked discussion about its effectiveness.
Read More
As part of ongoing efforts, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has set a goal to double non-U.S. exports within the next decade, citing the negative impact of American tariffs on investment. The Prime Minister’s remarks indicated that Canada’s reliance on the U.S. as a primary trade partner has created vulnerabilities, with industries like autos, steel, and lumber facing challenges. With decades-long economic ties between the two nations now shifting, Canada is re-engaging globally, including with India and China, to diversify its trade partnerships, especially since the free trade deal with the U.S. is up for review in 2026.
Read More
In August, the first month of the new 50% tariff imposed by the United States on most Brazilian imports, Brazilian exports to the US decreased by 18%. Despite this drop, overall Brazilian exports increased by 3.9% in August 2025, reaching $29.9 billion due to significant growth in exports to China and Mercosur. The trade balance saw a 35.8% increase, reaching $6.1 billion, driven by a surge in exports to China and Mercosur.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood