US manufacturing contracts for sixth straight month amid tariff drag, and it’s hard not to be taken aback by the situation. It’s almost as if the folks who thought increasing the cost of both supplies and labor simultaneously would magically create a manufacturing boom were… well, let’s just say they might not have had the firmest grasp on basic economics. It’s pretty ironic, isn’t it? And, really, who could have predicted this?
US manufacturing contracts for sixth straight month amid tariff drag – the data just doesn’t lie. It seems a lot of people were misled, thinking the whole “America First” plan would magically revitalize the sector.… Continue reading
US manufacturing extends slump; factory employment lowest in 5 years – and frankly, it’s got people asking some tough questions. The recent reports are pretty grim, and it’s hard to ignore the trend. The numbers paint a clear picture of a sector that’s struggling, with employment figures hitting a five-year low. It’s a stark reminder that things aren’t exactly “booming” for American factories.
Now, it’s easy to get lost in the headlines, but let’s break this down. A lot of folks are talking about tariffs, and how they’ve made imported raw materials more expensive. That’s a direct hit to manufacturing costs.… Continue reading
President Trump reiterated his demand that Apple manufacture iPhones sold in the U.S. domestically, threatening a 25% tariff on any iPhones not made in the United States. This threat follows previous statements urging Apple to abandon Indian manufacturing plans in favor of U.S.-based production. The president’s assertion is that Apple’s Indian investments contradict his understanding of India’s tariff commitments to the U.S. Failure to comply with this demand would result in significant import tariffs for Apple.
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President Trump recently spoke with Apple CEO Tim Cook, urging him to prioritize US production over expansion in India. Trump cited India’s high tariffs as a reason to discourage Indian manufacturing, contrasting this with a proposed tariff-free deal offered by India to the US. Despite this, Apple plans to significantly increase iPhone production in India by 2026 to mitigate potential Chinese tariff increases. Trump’s request reflects a broader effort to bolster domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on other nations.
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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker solidified economic ties by signing a trade agreement with the United Kingdom, focusing on climate-conscious manufacturing and equitable economic opportunities. This follows a similar agreement with the State of Mexico, furthering Illinois’ global trade partnerships. The UK agreement aims to boost trade between the two entities, with Illinois exporting over $2.6 billion in goods to the UK in 2024. These initiatives counter the impact of recent U.S. tariffs on foreign imports.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker