Tariff Negotiations

Trump’s “Chicken” Meltdown Over Wall Street’s TACO Acronym

Following a reporter’s question regarding Wall Street’s “TACO Trade” acronym—referencing President Trump’s perceived tendency to back down from trade threats—Trump vehemently denied the assertion. He framed his shifting tariff policies as successful negotiations, citing examples of reduced tariffs on China and a delayed tariff on the European Union. Trump ultimately dismissed the question as “nasty,” instead claiming he is often perceived as overly aggressive in trade dealings. The acronym, coined by a Financial Times columnist, reflects investor sentiment regarding Trump’s unpredictable trade strategies.

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Japan Holds Strong Hand in US Tariff Negotiations

Suntory Holdings’ CEO Takeshi Niinami expressed cautious optimism regarding ongoing trade talks between Japan and the U.S., emphasizing Japan’s significant investment in U.S. Treasury bonds and its role as a major U.S. investor. Niinami highlighted Japan’s strategic leverage, including its substantial Treasury holdings and potential increased military procurement from the U.S., to navigate tariff negotiations. He acknowledged the current trade climate’s challenges while emphasizing Japan’s continued interest in U.S. investment opportunities due to high U.S. productivity. These comments precede high-level talks between Japanese and U.S. officials aimed at resolving trade disputes.

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