U.S. businesses are experiencing a surge in bankruptcies, reaching levels not seen since 2010. Data indicates that at least 717 companies filed for bankruptcy through November 2025, a 14% increase from the previous year. Factors contributing to the rise include inflation, interest rates, and the trade policies of the Trump administration, particularly impacting the industrial sector. The increased bankruptcies add to concerns about the economic impact of Trump’s policies.
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U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra expressed disappointment regarding the anti-American sentiment he perceives within Canada, particularly following U.S. tariffs. Hoekstra cited a “campaign” against America as contributing to this sentiment, with Canadian politicians and experts pushing back against his claims. Flavio Volpe criticized Hoekstra’s statements, suggesting his objective lies in Washington. Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer stated that Canadians will react negatively to aggressive foreign policy, while Finance Minister Fran çois-Philippe Champagne emphasized the economic impact of the tariffs.
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Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that India’s trade practices with the U.S. are imbalanced, with India benefiting from U.S. markets while imposing tariffs on American goods, like corn. He highlighted the lack of reciprocal trade, citing the country’s large population that doesn’t purchase U.S. agricultural products. Lutnick emphasized President Trump’s stance on fair and reciprocal trade, warning that India must lower its tariffs to maintain a favorable business relationship with the U.S. He also noted the administration’s imposition of high tariffs on India, which the Indian government has deemed unfair.
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Following a federal appeals court ruling that deemed his trade tariffs illegal, Donald Trump has appealed to the US Supreme Court. The court’s decision last week centered on the “liberation day” border taxes implemented on most US imports, which the court found overstepped his presidential powers. Trump’s administration has requested an accelerated schedule, aiming for arguments by November and a ruling by year-end, as a defeat could significantly impact the US tariff rate and existing trade deals. The tariffs were implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, though this has been contested, and several companies have already reported negative effects of the tariffs, including a slump in sales.
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New York Times reports reveal a significant deterioration in India-U.S. relations stemming from a June phone call between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump. During the call, Trump falsely claimed to have brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, a claim Modi refuted, leading to visible frustration. The U.S. has since escalated trade tensions by imposing tariffs on Indian imports and has also taken steps, such as stricter visa regulations, that have directly affected India. These actions have seemingly prompted a shift in India’s diplomatic focus towards the east, as evidenced by Modi’s recent meeting with leaders from China and Russia.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin to strengthen India-Russia ties, with the Indian Prime Minister looking forward to hosting Putin later this year. This discussion occurred amidst growing tensions stemming from Donald Trump’s decision to impose 50% tariffs on Indian goods, citing high trade barriers and continued energy and defense ties with Russia. Prior to the call, NSA Ajit Doval met with Putin in Moscow to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in energy and defense. Furthermore, amid these tariff concerns, Modi is also planning to visit China for the SCO Summit.
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The United States’ decision to impose a 40% tariff on Brazilian imports, bringing the total to 50%, has significantly damaged relations between Washington and Brasilia. In response, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva stated he would not contact U.S. President Donald Trump, citing Trump’s disinterest in dialogue, and instead plans to focus on connecting with leaders within the BRICS coalition. This decision follows Trump’s previous outreach and signals a deepening rift, exacerbated by U.S. criticism of political developments in Brazil, including the house arrest of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Despite these challenges, Brazil intends to defend its trade interests through all available means, including the World Trade Organization.
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India and the US are in the final stages of bilateral trade negotiations, facing significant hurdles in sectors like dairy, agriculture, digital, and medical services. The US is pushing for increased market access, while India seeks a more balanced agreement protecting domestic interests, leading to disagreements over tariff reductions and sanitary standards. Negotiations, currently virtual, aim to reach a deal before the July 8th deadline to avoid reinstated tariffs. Despite challenges, Indian officials remain optimistic about achieving a mutually beneficial agreement.
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President Trump announced a significant trade agreement with China, securing upfront supplies of rare earth elements and magnets in exchange for reduced tariffs and concessions such as allowing Chinese students into U.S. universities. The deal, resulting from high-level talks in London, includes a 55% tariff for the U.S. and a 10% tariff for China. Final approval hinges on agreement between President Trump and President Xi Jinping. This agreement resolves a key dispute over rare earth minerals, previously a major point of contention.
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Donald Trump’s tariffs on Chinese goods ignited a trade war, leading to retaliatory tariffs on American products, including a substantial increase on US beef. This price hike has made American beef cost-prohibitive for many Chinese restaurants, prompting a shift to tariff-free Australian beef. Consequently, Australian beef exports to China have surged, with anecdotal evidence and sales data supporting this trend. The situation highlights the significant impact of trade disputes on global markets and consumer choices. Despite a recent truce, accusations of violations continue, fueling ongoing trade tensions between the US and China.
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John Q. Hosedrinker