COVID-19 Economic Impact

White House Mulls 20% Import Tariff: Economic Disaster Looms?

President Trump is poised to announce a comprehensive overhaul of US trade policy on April 2nd, potentially including across-the-board tariffs of approximately 20% on most imports. While this plan aims to create fairer trade and generate government revenue, alternative approaches are still under consideration. Economists warn that such widespread tariffs could negatively impact economic growth and inflation, potentially sparking retaliatory measures from other nations. The uncertainty surrounding these trade policy changes has already contributed to market volatility and decreased investor confidence.

Read More

GOP Rep. Bacon Calls for Limiting Trump’s Tariff Powers: A Mistake Admitted?

President Trump’s escalating tariffs on imported goods, including a forthcoming duty on vehicles, are causing unease among some Republicans. Concerns are rising over potential price increases and a resulting voter backlash, leading some GOP lawmakers to advocate for returning tariff authority to Congress. While some Republicans remain optimistic about the long-term benefits, the Congressional Budget Office predicts short-term negative impacts on consumers and businesses due to increased prices and economic inefficiency. This internal party division highlights the significant economic and political ramifications of the President’s tariff strategy.

Read More

Trump Tariffs Trigger Canadian Steel Layoffs, Exposing Economic Fallout

President Trump’s 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports has already resulted in the layoff of at least 200 Canadian steelworkers, with the United Steelworkers union anticipating significantly more job losses. Companies like Canada Metal Processing Group and Algoma Steel have cited the tariffs as the reason for workforce reductions, including layoffs and hiring freezes. The upcoming expiration of a temporary tariff pause further threatens thousands of additional jobs. While the Canadian government has offered some assistance, industry leaders are pushing for more comprehensive support measures to mitigate the ongoing economic damage.

Read More

Trump’s Trade Wars Cost US Tourism $64 Billion

Tourism Economics predicts a $64 billion loss for the US tourism sector in 2025, driven by a projected 5.1% drop in foreign arrivals. This decline is attributed to President Trump’s policies, including tariffs and stricter immigration, which have fostered negative global sentiment toward the US. A significant decrease in visitor spending is also anticipated, impacting various sectors from airlines to major sporting events. While some tourists remain unaffected, key markets like Canada and Western Europe are showing significant declines in travel to the US.

Read More

Buy Canadian Movement: A Sizeable Blow to US Businesses

Trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada, fueled by political rhetoric and tariffs, are significantly impacting American businesses. This “Buy Canadian” movement has led to sharp declines in U.S. tourism and significant losses for American distilleries, including Brough Brothers Distillery, which lost a major deal with New Brunswick Liquor. Conversely, Canadian grocery sales of domestic products have risen by up to 10 percent. The situation threatens thousands of American jobs and billions of dollars in lost revenue.

Read More

EU Retaliatory Tariffs: US States and Industries Face Economic Fallout

New data reveals a clear link between increased tariffs and decreased consumer demand, as demonstrated by the significant drop in Tennessee whiskey exports to the EU during previous trade disputes. The potential re-imposition of tariffs, now impacting over $27 billion in US exports, threatens to severely impact numerous states, especially New York and North Dakota which have a high percentage of exports at risk. This escalation could lead to substantial sales losses for U.S. businesses as EU consumers seek cheaper alternatives. The wide range of affected products, from agricultural goods to manufactured items, underscores the broad economic consequences of this trade conflict.

Read More

$11 Million in Food Bank Funding Cut: North Carolina Faces Hunger Crisis

The USDA’s termination of funding for the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement will eliminate $11 million in funding for North Carolina food banks. This includes a $2 million loss for the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, jeopardizing the purchase of fresh produce directly from local farmers. The resulting economic impact on farmers and the increasing food insecurity in the 34 served counties are significant concerns. The food bank is now seeking state funding to offset this substantial loss.

Read More

Johns Hopkins Cuts 2,000+ Jobs Amidst Federal Funding Cuts: Economic Fallout and Political Ramifications

Federal budget cuts have forced Johns Hopkins University to lay off over 2,000 workers, a move that has sparked widespread concern and outrage. This drastic measure, resulting from reduced government funding, exemplifies the devastating ripple effects of such cuts, extending far beyond the immediate loss of employment.

The consequences of these layoffs are far-reaching and deeply troubling. These weren’t just any jobs; many were well-paying positions held by middle-class individuals. This loss of income will have a significant impact on the wider economy, affecting local businesses reliant on the spending power of these now-unemployed individuals. Restaurants, landscaping services, and house cleaning businesses, among many others, will likely experience a sharp decline in patronage, leading to further job losses and economic hardship.… Continue reading