All articles tagged with #us trade
China produces 78.3% of toys imported into the US, with 2024 imports valued at $9.8bn. A typical $30 toy costs $6 to manufacture in Guangdong, with factories earning 3-10% profit. Shipping adds 10% to costs, while US tariffs currently stand at 12.5% on manufacturing value. The remaining 75.5% of the retail price stays in the US, split between importers, logistics, and retailers.
The European Union is preparing for a potential winter energy crisis if President Trump bans U.S. diesel exports. EU officials have recommended immediate consumption cuts, while the White House explores alternatives like releasing strategic reserves to avoid disrupting global markets.
President Donald Trump is seriously considering a temporary restriction on U.S. diesel exports to lower domestic fuel prices ahead of the November midterm elections. While U.S. diesel prices have reached record highs near $6.53 per gallon, administration officials are weighing a 90-day ban or partial restrictions rather than an outright prohibition. Industry groups and international partners warn that such a move could backfire by raising global prices and disrupting U.S. gasoline supply.
President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed a ban on US diesel exports, reversing the administration’s previous position that such a measure was not under consideration. This shift comes as US diesel prices hit a record high of $6.53 per gallon, driven by supply constraints from conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. While the move aims to lower domestic costs for farmers and truckers ahead of the November midterms, it faces opposition from the oil industry and some Republicans who argue that restricting exports will worsen global market instability and ultimately raise prices for American consumers.
Shein posted a net loss of $99 million for the latest quarter ahead of its planned Hong Kong IPO, with profit margins narrowing to 4.9% in 2025 from 8.7% in 2024, as higher US/EU duties weigh on costs and demand. The firm says it may lift US prices to offset duties, and its US revenue share has fallen from 30% of sales in 2023 to 22% this year. While expanding into new markets, it faces EU probes into illegal products and ongoing supply-chain scrutiny, remains heavily reliant on Chinese factories, and is exploring diversification to Turkey ahead of listing.
A study commissioned by Stormont's Department for the Economy says Trump tariffs could reduce Northern Ireland’s exports to the United States by about 15%, with the pharmaceutical sector facing the biggest impact.
Trump’s aides are re-launching a broad tariff drive using older laws after the Supreme Court blocked emergency levies, proposing 25% duties on Brazil, a Vietnam probe, and 10–12.5% duties on more than 60 countries over forced-labor rules, plus investigations into industrial overcapacity and subsidies and a China policy board inviting input. The plan aims for durability under Section 122/301 rules, with a late‑July deadline to keep Levies in place, though it faces potential legal challenges; some relief is offered by cutting farm‑equipment tariffs to 15% from 25% as inflation and midterm politics loom.
The United States announced 10% and 12.5% tariffs on imports from about 60 trading partners over concerns they fail to curb forced labour in goods; the tariffs have not yet been enacted as the administration completes procedures, and responses from the UK, EU, and China have criticized the move while India considers a legal challenge; the partners account for roughly 99% of US imports following a March probe into forced-labour practices.
The Iran conflict is disrupting energy supplies and rerouting trade, hitting key US partners—Philippines, Vietnam, and Germany—with higher fuel costs, tougher energy constraints, and increased shipping prices. The Philippines imposed a four-day workweek; Vietnam suspended an energy tax and boosted coal output; Germany faces pressure on energy-intensive chemicals and autos. Rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope has raised shipping costs 30–50% and delayed deliveries, risking US shortages and higher prices in the second half of the year if the war endures.
South Korea’s parliament approved a law to create a government-backed investment corporation to execute its $350 billion pledge to the United States, including $150 billion for shipbuilding and $200 billion for strategic sectors (capped at $20 billion per year), as part of a deal tied to more favorable tariff terms amid U.S. Section 301 actions.
The Supreme Court overturned Trump’s emergency tariffs, paving the way for refunds on roughly $175 billion in duties; the process is legally murky, may take months or years, and could backfire politically as refunds may flow to consumers or Chinese importers, underscoring the policy’s flawed design and economic cost.
The US plans a $12 billion critical minerals stockpile (Project Vault) to counter China’s dominance, financed with $10 billion from the Export-Import Bank and $2 billion from private capital. It will stockpile minerals such as rare earths, copper and lithium via Traxys, Mercuria and Hartree Partners, aiming for about 60 days of material for emergencies and to shield manufacturers from supply shocks; membership includes major firms, though analysts say it’s a meaningful first step rather than an immediate fix.
Japan's exports rose 5.1% year-on-year in December 2025, missing Reuters' 6.1% forecast as shipments to the United States fell 11.1% after a prior month gain. Shipments to mainland China rose 5.6% and to Hong Kong 31.1%, with Asia up 10.2%. December imports gained 5.1%. For 2025, exports increased 3.1%—slower than 2024—as shipments to China (-0.4%) and the U.S. (-4.1%) fell, while Hong Kong (+17.8%) and Taiwan (+15.1%) rose. The release comes ahead of snap elections on Feb. 8; a Takaichi victory could support a weaker yen and expansionary fiscal policy.
Boeing outsold Airbus on gross orders in 2025 for the first time this decade, booking 1,075 gross orders (Airbus: 1,000) as countries rushed to buy US aircraft to curry favor with the Trump administration. Boeing delivered 600 commercial jets, while Airbus delivered 793, and the backlog climbed to about 6,130. The turnaround has been aided by FAA relief allowing Boeing to certify its own jets again and by the Spirit AeroSystems acquisition, with large orders from carriers like Alaska Airlines helping late-year momentum.
The US has reduced proposed tariffs on Italian pasta from as high as 92% to between 2% and 14%, following Italy's cooperation, though final decisions are pending. This move alleviates potential cost increases for consumers and reflects ongoing US-Italy trade negotiations, amid broader trade tensions.