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Trump Tariff Wars and Global Trade

Trump's sweeping tariffs on China, Canada, Mexico, and Europe and the resulting global economic and diplomatic fallout

Trump team rushes to replace expiring tariffs with more durable duties

Illustration accompanying article: Trump team rushes to replace expiring tariffs with more durable duties
  • The Trump administration is racing to replace temporary 10 percent tariffs on global imports with longer-lasting duties under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 before the existing stopgap tariffs expire on July 24.
  • The temporary tariffs were imposed under Section 122 of the same trade law, a provision that authorizes duties for only 150 days, according to the Associated Press.
  • Congress is unlikely to extend the Section 122 tariffs, the AP reported, as lawmakers face the Nov. 3 midterm elections amid voter discontent over the high cost of living.
  • The administration recently announced 25 percent tariffs on some Brazilian imports under Section 301, a law that permits the president to sanction countries found to engage in "unjustifiable," "unreasonable," or "discriminatory" trade practices.
 2026-07-16 · 3 MIN READ

Graham-backed bill would target China, India with 100% Russian oil tariffs

Illustration accompanying article: Graham-backed bill would target China, India with 100% Russian oil tariffs
  • A bipartisan bill backed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham would give President Trump authority to impose up to 100% tariffs on the top five buyers of Russian oil and gas, with China and India atop the list.
  • The legislation, expected to be introduced this week, gives Trump statutory backing after the Supreme Court rejected his emergency-powers tariffs earlier this year.
  • The bill includes sanctions provisions on Russian defense, energy, and financial targets as well as the country's shadow fleet, people familiar with the matter said.
  • The measure is a compromise reached over more than a year between senators and the White House, which wanted to preserve Trump's flexibility to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.
  • Pro-Ukraine Democrats may oppose the bill over concerns it grants Trump too much tariff authority, while Senate leaders assess the path forward.
 2026-07-14 · 4 MIN READ
Illustration accompanying article: Trump earned over $1 billion from crypto ventures in 2025, filing shows

The Namesake Sanction

2026-07-14

A bill sold as a Russian sanction hands the President a blank check for tariff wars.

Trump gives EU until July 4 to ratify trade deal or face higher tariffs

2026-05-08

President Donald Trump said Thursday that the European Union must approve last year's bilateral trade framework by July 4 or face higher tariffs, extending an earlier deadline he had set on auto imports. The announcement followed what Trump described as a 'great call' with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, though he expressed frustration that the European Parliament had not finalized the agreement.

Trump says EU has until July 4 to approve trade deal or face higher tariffs

2026-05-08

President Donald Trump said the European Union has until July 4 to approve a trade framework reached last year, warning of higher U.S. tariffs if the European Parliament does not finalize it. The announcement followed a Thursday “great call” with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and came after Trump previously threatened higher tariffs on EU autos.

Trump announces 25% tariff on EU autos, accusing bloc of violating 2025 trade deal

2026-05-02

President Donald Trump said Friday he will increase tariffs on European Union autos to 25% next week, accusing the bloc of failing to comply with the Turnberry Agreement trade framework negotiated last July — a move that threatens to further destabilize a global economy already battered by the Iran war and rising energy prices.

Trump says a Spirit Airlines bailout deal still is possible

2026-05-02

President Donald Trump said his administration delivered a “final proposal” to Spirit Airlines and is still considering a taxpayer-funded takeover that could keep the carrier from failing during its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. Trump did not provide deal details but said an announcement could come later Friday or Saturday.

Trump lifts Scotch whisky tariffs after King Charles's White House visit

2026-05-01

President Donald Trump said Thursday he is removing certain tariffs on Scotch whisky following a White House visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, though the scope and mechanics of the change remained unclear after the administration declined to clarify the president's social-media announcement.

Union Pacific CEO confident new STB filing will satisfy regulators in NS deal

2026-05-01

Omaha-based Union Pacific filed a revised application with the U.S. Surface Transportation Board for its proposed $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern, saying the updated submission makes the case that the deal will benefit the country. Regulators rejected an earlier filing in January for missing details about competition and customer impact.

Trump says he is lifting some tariffs on Scotch whisky after UK visit

2026-05-01

President Donald Trump said Thursday he is removing certain tariffs on Scotch whisky following a White House visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom. In a post on social media, Trump said the meeting prompted action, but it was not immediately clear whether the changes apply to finished Scotch bottles or to production inputs such as barrels.

New Trump order targets access to retirement savings plans and Saver’s Match

2026-05-01

President Donald Trump signed an executive order that directs the Treasury Department to launch TrumpIRA.gov, a new website intended to help workers compare private-sector retirement savings accounts. The order seeks to connect millions of employees—many without employer-sponsored plans—to accounts eligible for the federal Saver’s Match program starting next year.

Union Pacific seeks STB approval again for $85B Norfolk Southern deal

2026-04-30

Union Pacific filed a revised application with the U.S. Surface Transportation Board seeking approval for its proposed $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern, aiming to show the deal would benefit the country and avoid past railroad integration problems. The STB rejected Union Pacific’s initial filing in January as incomplete and said it needed more details about competitive effects and customer impacts.

Trump seeks new import taxes after Supreme Court tariff rejection

2026-04-29

WASHINGTON (AP) — After the Supreme Court rejected President Donald Trump’s global tariff plan in February, his administration has begun hearings this week that could lead to a new round of durable import taxes under a different legal authority. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is conducting two investigations—one targeting products tied to forced labor and another focused on whether some countries are overproducing goods.

Carney announces $18 billion Canadian sovereign wealth fund

2026-04-28

Canada is developing a government-owned investment fund that would start at 25 billion Canadian dollars ($18 billion), Prime Minister Mark Carney said Monday. Carney said the fund would invest alongside private investors in major Canadian industrial projects as Canada seeks to diversify away from the United States amid threats of tariffs. “Many of our former strengths built on our close ties to the United States have become our weaknesses,” Carney said, adding, “That’s their right and we are responding. That is our imperative.”

Trump defends drug price claims by citing “two ways of calculating”

2026-04-25

“Fake math” returned to the spotlight Thursday as President Donald Trump defended his past claims that efforts to cut prescription drug prices reduced what consumers pay by “500%, 600%.” During an Oval Office event announcing a deal with drugmaker Regeneron, Trump said there are “two ways of calculating” drug price changes and that the dispute “doesn’t make any difference.”

Trump weighs taxpayer-funded takeover of Spirit Airlines amid Chapter 11

2026-04-25

President Donald Trump on Thursday said he was weighing a taxpayer-funded takeover of Spirit Airlines, with an intent to resell the budget carrier after oil prices fall. His comments came as Spirit pursues a financing deal in U.S. Bankruptcy Court that would help it emerge from Chapter 11.

Carney says US won’t dictate terms in USMCA review talks

2026-04-24

Vancouver-born Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told reporters in Ottawa that the United States does not get to dictate the terms of a continental trade deal known as the USMCA. He spoke Wednesday ahead of the accord’s review in July, saying Canada will work through “trade irritants or trade issues” and “sit down and work through those issues” with the United States.

Union Pacific posts $1.7B Q1 profit, plans renewed Norfolk Southern merger bid

2026-04-23

Union Pacific reported first-quarter profit of $1.7 billion, edging up 5% as the railroad said it is building its case for regulators to approve its $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern. The company said it expects merger-related costs to weigh on results and is resubmitting its application next week after the U.S. Surface Transportation Board rejected its initial filing.

Brazil VP Alckmin says Mercosur-EU deal signals opening markets

2026-04-22

Brazil’s vice president, Geraldo Alckmin, called the Mercosur-European Union trade agreement a message that markets can still open in a difficult geopolitical climate, during an interview at the presidential palace in Brasilia. Alckmin, a key negotiator for the deal reached in late 2024, said the provisional terms are set to come into force May 1, while legal and political steps remain underway.

Japan reports 5th straight trade deficit as exports rise in March

2026-04-22

Japan logged its fifth straight fiscal-year trade deficit, with the government reporting the deficit totaled 1.7 trillion yen ($10.7 billion) in the year ended in March. Exports rose 4% while imports edged up 0.5%, even as higher U.S. tariffs on imports from Japan weighed on auto shipments to the United States.

Union Pacific reports $1.7B Q1 profit, presses case for $85B Norfolk Southern deal

2026-04-22

Union Pacific reported first-quarter earnings of $1.7 billion, a 5% increase, as it prepares to resubmit its $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern to federal regulators. The company said Thursday that merger-related costs weighed down results, and it affirmed a midsingle-digit outlook for earnings per share this year.

Starbucks to open Nashville corporate office as it plans U.S. expansion

2026-04-22

Starbucks said it is opening a corporate office in Nashville, Tennessee, to support its planned U.S. expansion. The company said it expects to invest $100 million and employ up to 2,000 people in the Nashville office over the next five years, while Seattle remains its global headquarters.

Navy reviews Ford-class carrier design, leaving future versions uncertain

2026-04-22

The U.S. Navy is reviewing the design and costs of the Ford-class aircraft carrier and its top uniformed leader, Navy Secretary John Phelan, said Tuesday the review could affect future versions. Phelan told reporters the assessment will examine whether the Ford-class system designs and costs “make sense,” including the carrier’s ability to launch and retrieve aircraft, and he said the Navy expects to have carriers regardless.

Japan posts 5th straight fiscal-year trade deficit as exports rise in March

2026-04-21

Japan reported its trade deficit for a fiscal year ended in March, marking the fifth straight year of deficits as exports to the United States weakened under Donald Trump’s tariffs. In a separate monthly update, Japan said March exports rose and its overall surplus increased, suggesting uneven recovery in the export sector.

Refund system opens for tariffs Trump imposed without authority

2026-04-19

A refund system for businesses to claim refunds for Trump administration tariffs that the U.S. Supreme Court struck down launched Monday, with importers and their brokers able to begin submitting claims through an online portal operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The court ruled in February that Trump imposed the tariffs without constitutional authority, and the agency estimated over 330,000 importers paid roughly $166 billion in tariffs.

Carney says Canada must reduce U.S. economic ties over Trump tariffs

2026-04-19

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called on his country to reduce economic dependence on the United States, releasing a 10-minute video address Sunday in which he described formerly close trade ties as a weakness that must be corrected. Carney cited Trump's tariffs—raised to levels unseen since the Great Depression—as evidence the U.S. approach to trade has fundamentally shifted.

N.J. Transit charges World Cup fans $150 for $12.90 train ride to stadium

2026-04-17

New Jersey Transit will charge World Cup fans $150 for a round-trip train ride to MetLife Stadium from Manhattan — nearly 12 times the regular $12.90 fare for the roughly 9-mile trip. The agency announced Friday that the elevated fare was necessary to cover the $62 million cost of transporting fans to the stadium in East Rutherford for eight World Cup matches beginning June 13, with federal grants defraying only $14 million of that expense.

Ford recalls 1.4 million F-150 trucks over gearshift defect

2026-04-17

Ford is recalling approximately 1.4 million F-150 pickup trucks in the United States because of a gearshift defect that can cause unintended downshifts and loss of vehicle control. The recall, announced April 17, affects F-150 light trucks with six-speed automatic transmissions manufactured between March 12, 2014 and August 18, 2017. Ford is aware of 444 warranty claims and 105 customer service reports potentially linked to the issue, along with two reported injuries and one accident possibly connected to the defect.

Trump's 98% drug claim misrepresents seizure data, experts say

2026-04-17

President Donald Trump claimed that 98.2% of drugs entering the U.S. by sea have been stopped under his administration, but the figure misrepresents federal data and cannot support the conclusion, according to drug trafficking experts and government officials. The statistic reflects a month-to-month drop in seizures at coastal locations, not a measure of total drug trafficking or policy effectiveness.

7-Eleven plans to close 645 North American stores in fiscal 2026

2026-04-15

Convenience retailer 7-Eleven expects to close hundreds of its North American stores in fiscal 2026, according to earnings filings published last week. The company’s North American operator plans to shut 645 locations during the fiscal year, compared with forecasts to open 205 stores, including conversions to wholesale fuel outlets.

French Open prize money up 10% to $72.1M; cameras limited

2026-04-15

The French Tennis Federation announced Thursday that prize money for this year’s French Open will rise about 10% to 61.7 million euros ($72.1 million) for the tournament that begins May 24 at Roland Garros in western Paris. Tournament director Amélie Mauresmo also said players will be allowed to use data-collecting portable devices on court for performance information, while the event will keep limits on camera access in player areas.

Tax Day 2026: IRS filing deadline is today with extension option until Oct. 15

2026-04-15

Wednesday, April 15, is the federal tax filing deadline for 2025 returns in the United States, and taxpayers who cannot finish in time have until midnight to request a six-month extension that pushes the filing due date to Oct. 15, the Internal Revenue Service said. The extension grants extra time to file — not extra time to pay. Filers who owe taxes must still submit an estimated payment by Wednesday to avoid penalties and interest, the IRS said.

Trump tips DoorDash driver $100 for Oval Office McDonald’s delivery

2026-04-14

President Donald Trump said he tipped a DoorDash driver $100 after the driver delivered McDonald’s to the Oval Office on Monday, part of an effort by the White House to highlight a federal tax break for tips ahead of Tax Day. Trump made the moment public as media cameras rolled and invited the driver, Sharon Simmons, to stand beside him for questions.

Tariffs and Iran war squeeze Midwest soybean farmers with higher costs

2026-04-14

Midwest soybean farmers have faced persistent financial headwinds in recent years that tariffs and the war in the Middle East have intensified, according to reporting by Lee Enterprises and The Associated Press. The two outlets cited rising operating costs such as seed, pesticide and land rents, along with low soybean prices and export disruptions tied to tariffs and global trade. They also linked the Iran war’s impact on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to higher fertilizer and fuel costs.

Few states have copied Trump’s tax breaks for tips and overtime

2026-04-13

The federal tax-filing deadline is Wednesday, when millions of Americans are expected to claim new federal income tax breaks for tips and overtime wages available under a wide-ranging tax law enacted by President Donald Trump. But workers in many states may not get the same deductions on their state returns because states decide whether to match federal changes.

Midwest soybean farmers face higher costs from tariffs and Iran war

2026-04-12

Midwest soybean farmers in parts of the U.S. say tariffs and the Iran war are squeezing already-strained family operations as input prices rise and export markets remain disrupted. Farmers described higher costs for fuel, fertilizer and equipment alongside low soybean prices tied to global supply. They said hope has followed a ceasefire announcement aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but uncertainty remains.

UN report says widening gap between rich and poor nations persists

2026-04-12

The United Nations says the gap between rich and poor countries is widening as commitments agreed by many governments last year remain unfulfilled. The report was released ahead of spring meetings in Washington of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

Trump’s temporary global tariffs face fresh legal fight in New York trade court

2026-04-11

U.S. Court of International Trade judges heard oral arguments Friday on an effort to overturn temporary global tariffs President Donald Trump imposed after the Supreme Court rejected his earlier emergency-powers approach. The tariffs, set to expire July 24, are being challenged by two dozen states and some businesses, who argue the government is relying on an authority Congress never intended to cover trade deficits.

Trump’s temporary global tariffs face fresh legal fight in New York

2026-04-10

President Donald Trump’s temporary global tariffs are back in court after the Supreme Court struck down his earlier attempt to impose broader tariffs using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and the Court of International Trade heard oral arguments on Friday. The dispute centers on whether the Trade Act of 1974 allows the president to use temporary, nationwide tariffs to address “trade deficits” through a provision aimed at “fundamental international payments problems.” The tariffs are set to expire July 24.

Trump budget targets federal funding for tribal colleges for 2nd year

2026-04-10

President Donald Trump’s fiscal 2027 budget proposal calls for cutting billions from programs tied to federal trust and treaty responsibilities to tribal nations, including eliminating federal support for the Institute for American Indian Arts. The proposal also would cut funding for tribal colleges and two schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Education, positions that tribal leaders and lawmakers say could threaten closures.

Tax refunds rise 24% as Trump administration cites new deductions

2026-04-10

Tax refunds this season are up 24% compared with the four-year average of refunds before President Donald Trump took office, the Trump administration said Thursday, citing tax legislation signed into law last year. The Internal Revenue Service reported that the current average refund is $3,521, an 11% increase from last tax year’s $3,170.

Trump’s temporary global tariffs face fresh fight in New York trade court

2026-04-09

A federal trade court in New York heard oral arguments Friday in a new legal challenge to President Donald Trump’s temporary global tariffs. The case asks the U.S. Court of International Trade to overturn the 10% tariffs that Trump announced after the Supreme Court struck down his earlier, broader tariff plan.

Colorado Meatpacking Plant Strike Ends as JBS USA Resumes Talks

2026-04-07

Workers at the Swift Beef Co. meatpacking plant in Greeley, Colorado, ended their three-week strike on Tuesday after JBS USA agreed to resume negotiations. The strike, which began on March 16, was organized by the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 union, with workers seeking higher wages and better health care.

Workers to return after JBS USA and union resume talks in Colorado

2026-04-06

The union representing thousands of workers at a Swift Beef Co. plant in Greeley, Colorado, said Saturday that employees will halt a three-week strike and return to work Tuesday morning after JBS USA agreed to resume negotiations. JBS USA said it is preparing to ramp up operations at the plant next week.

Workers at Colorado meatpacking plant to return after JBS resumes talks

2026-04-05

Workers at Swift Beef Co. in Greeley, Colorado, agreed to return to work Tuesday and halt a three-week strike after JBS USA agreed to resume contract negotiations, union representatives said Saturday. The walkout began March 16 as thousands of workers sought higher wages and improved health care, according to the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7.

Swift Beef strike in Greeley ends as JBS resumes negotiations

2026-04-04

Workers at the Swift Beef Co. meatpacking plant in Greeley, Colorado, will return to work Tuesday after a three-week strike ended with an agreement to resume negotiations, according to union officials and JBS USA. The walkout began March 16, and the union said it pressed for higher wages and better health care while accusing the company of unfair labor practices.

Trump signs 100% tariff order targeting some patented drugs

2026-04-03

President Donald Trump signed an executive order that could impose up to 100% tariffs on some patented pharmaceuticals from companies that do not reach “most favored nation” pricing deals with his administration. The order also sets a schedule under which companies that start onshoring patented drug production and ingredients in the U.S. may face lower initial duties that rise over time, the Associated Press reported.

Treasury plans to put Trump’s signature on new U.S. paper currency

2026-03-27

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Treasury Department said Thursday it plans to put President Donald Trump’s signature on all new U.S. paper currency, a first for a sitting president. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the move is intended to honor the nation’s 250th birthday.

Trump administration bans import of new foreign-made routers over security risks

2026-03-24

The Trump administration has banned imports of new foreign-made routers, the Federal Communications Commission said, citing supply-chain vulnerabilities and cybersecurity risks. The updated restrictions target consumer-grade routers that connect home computers and smart devices to the internet, the FCC said.

EU and Australia finalize free trade pact, add defense and Horizon talks

2026-03-24

The European Union and Australia agreed on the final text of a free trade agreement and signed it at Australia’s Parliament House on Tuesday, nearly two years after negotiations resumed. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the deal removes tariffs on key Australian exports including wine, seafood and horticulture, and opens quotas for Australian red meat.

US Mint can begin producing Trump commemorative gold coin

2026-03-21

A federal arts commission approved the final design for a 24-karat gold commemorative coin bearing President Donald Trump’s image as part of the U.S. 250th birthday celebrations on July 4. The approval, issued by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, clears the way for the U.S. Mint to begin production, though the coin’s size, denomination, and production quantity were still under discussion.

Democrats use Trump tariff fight as governor race focus

2026-03-21

Less than a week after the Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s global tariffs, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has made the tariff fallout a central theme of her reelection campaign, pressing for a $13.5 billion refund and criticizing her Republican opponent for supporting the levies. Democrats across the country are also elevating tariffs and broader affordability pressures in governor races as voting concerns expand beyond immigration and the war in Iran.

New Trump trade deal tightens US and Indonesia ties

2026-03-19

Indonesia and the United States agreed to a new trade pact that expands access to Indonesia’s critical minerals and energy markets while cutting a threatened U.S. tariff on Indonesian goods. The agreement includes a plan for Indonesia to buy about $15 billion in American energy commodities and calls for cooperation on small modular nuclear reactors, even as its implementation is clouded by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Trump’s tariffs.

How Trump’s tariffs have hurt U.S. manufacturers instead of helping them

2026-03-19

In Arkansas and other parts of the U.S., manufacturers say Trump’s tariff agenda is raising costs and disrupting plans instead of spurring new production. A company that makes equipment used for concrete work said it ran at a loss in 2025 after import taxes increased the price of engines, steel and parts it needs.

Japan posts trade surplus in February as exports rise, China demand soft

2026-03-18

Japan reported a trade surplus of 57.3 billion yen ($360 million) in February, after posting a deficit the month before, as exports grew while demand from China stayed weak, Japan’s Finance Ministry data showed. Exports rose 4.2% year-on-year to 9.57 trillion yen and imports increased 10.2% to 9.51 trillion yen, according to the preliminary seasonally adjusted figures released Wednesday.

China warns about Trump’s tariff strategy after high-level talks end

2026-03-15

China’s top trade negotiator warned in Paris that new U.S. tariff moves could harm U.S.-China trade relations, as Scott Bessent led a U.S. delegation for preparatory talks ahead of President Donald Trump’s trip to Beijing. Li Chenggang said both sides discussed possible extensions of tariffs and non-tariff measures and agreed to work to keep tariffs stable.

US, Mexico and Canada kick off talks to renew USMCA trade pact

2026-03-15

Negotiations to renew the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) begin Monday between U.S. and Mexican trade officials, with Canada expected to join later, as Washington presses for changes and the three countries weigh whether the pact can survive a fast-moving political climate. The USMCA took effect July 1, 2020, and under the agreement’s renewal process, the pact must be renewed by 2036 or it expires.

China warns Trump tariff strategy after high-level talks in Paris

2026-03-15

China warned that U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest tariff moves could harm China-U.S. trade relations as U.S. and Chinese officials wrapped up high-level talks in Paris, a meeting intended to help prepare for Trump’s planned trip to China. China’s international trade representative said the Chinese side raised concerns about U.S. trade investigations into manufacturing in foreign countries launched after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down earlier tariffs.

Negotiations start Monday on renewing USMCA trade pact for U.S., Mexico, Canada

2026-03-15

Negotiations are set to begin Monday between U.S. and Mexican trade officials to renew the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, known as USMCA, which took effect July 1, 2020. The talks come as the U.S. seeks changes to the pact and both Mexico and Canada weigh uncertainty over how long the North American trade bloc can last.

Democrats warn Trump tariffs could raise 2026 costs by $2,512 per household

2026-03-14

President Donald Trump is working to replace revenue lost after the Supreme Court struck down his largest tariffs last month, setting up additional import taxes that Democrats say will raise household costs. In a study released Friday, lawmakers on the Joint Economic Committee said Trump’s new tariffs would average $2,512 per household in 2026. The White House disputed the estimate, saying the administration will keep using tariffs to renegotiate trade deals and support investment.

Democrats warn Trump tariff plan could cost households $2,512 in 2026

2026-03-14

President Donald Trump is seeking ways to replace revenue lost after the Supreme Court struck down major tariffs, and Democrats warn new import taxes will raise the cost of living for American households. In a study released Friday, Democrats said the administration’s import taxes will average $2,512 per household in 2026, up from $1,745 in tariff costs last year.

Trump administration kicks off new tariff strategy for foreign manufacturing

2026-03-13

The Trump administration on Wednesday opened a new trade investigation into manufacturing in foreign countries as a way to replace tariffs that were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court. The investigation will proceed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, with the U.S. Trade Representative saying the goal is to protect American jobs while officials avoid prejudging outcomes.

Trump administration opens new Section 301 probe to replace tariffs

2026-03-13

The Trump administration opened a new trade investigation aimed at manufacturing in foreign countries as it seeks to replace tariffs that the U.S. Supreme Court struck down, an effort the administration said is intended to protect American jobs. The investigation begins under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said.

South Korea lawmakers pass law to manage $350 billion US investment pledge

2026-03-11

South Korean lawmakers on Thursday passed a law to implement Seoul’s pledge of $350 billion in U.S. investments aimed at avoiding the Trump administration’s highest tariffs. The vote came as the Trump administration opened a new investigation into manufacturing abroad, including in U.S. allies, that could lead to additional import taxes.

CBP says new tariff refund system will be ready in 45 days, covering $166 billion

2026-03-06

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said Friday it is developing a streamlined process to refund approximately $166 billion in tariffs paid by more than 330,000 importers, with the new system expected to be operational within 45 days. Brandon Lord, executive director of CBP's trade policy and programs directorate, described the plan in a filing with the U.S. Court of International Trade, where Judge Richard Eaton must approve the process before any refunds proceed.

States sue over Trump’s new global tariffs after Supreme Court loss

2026-03-05

More than two dozen U.S. states and Democratic governors sued Thursday to block President Donald Trump’s planned global tariffs, arguing he exceeded his authority with new 15% import taxes. The lawsuit targets tariffs imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, days after Trump lost a Supreme Court fight over earlier tariff powers.

Target’s new CEO Michael Fiddelke says he has to prove change works

2026-03-05

Target’s new chief executive, Michael Fiddelke, said the retailer plans to spend billions of dollars this year to end a persistent sales slump and win back customer trust. In an interview with The Associated Press, Fiddelke said he is trying to refresh stores and merchandise selection while focusing on what he described as the company’s core values and its “North Star” of safety. Target, based in Minneapolis, faces renewed scrutiny after criticism of its response to immigration enforcement actions.

Brazil ratifies EU-Mercosur trade deal, steps toward implementation

2026-03-05

Brazil’s Senate unanimously ratified on Wednesday the free-trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Union, after the lower house approved it earlier, bringing the pact closer to implementation. The deal, negotiated for more than 25 years, involves an integrated market of more than 700 million people, and Argentina and Uruguay already have ratified it.

Edmunds highlights 5 new EVs shoppers could watch for in 2026

2026-03-05

Edmunds said automakers are rolling out a next generation of electric vehicles for 2026 with more range, easier charging, lower prices and distinctive designs. The company’s experts identified five EVs, including the 2027 BMW iX3, the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt, the Rivian R2, Slate’s new EV truck, and the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker.

USPS will run out of cash by February 2027, postmaster general warns

2026-03-05

The U.S. Postal Service will exhaust its cash reserves by February 2027 unless Congress lifts a $15 billion borrowing cap that has been in place since 1990, Postmaster General David Steiner warned in an interview with the Associated Press on Wednesday. Without relief, Steiner said, the agency may be unable to pay employees or vendors — a failure he said would have potentially dire consequences for mail delivery to every American address. Steiner is scheduled to testify before Congress later this month.

Mexico and US set March 16 start date for USMCA review talks

2026-03-05

Mexico and the United States will hold their first bilateral trade talks on March 16, the two governments said Thursday, ahead of a formal review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Mexico's Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard announced the date on X after arranging the session with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

Federal court rejects Trump bid to slow tariff refunds

2026-03-04

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit rejected the Trump administration’s request to pause tariff refunds tied to the Supreme Court’s Feb. 20 ruling that struck down the administration’s tariffs as illegal. The appeals court sent the next step in the refund process to a lower court, setting up further proceedings at the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York.

Federal judge rules importers entitled to refunds for struck-down Trump tariffs

2026-03-04

A federal judge ruled Wednesday that companies that paid tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court last month are entitled to refunds, handing the Trump administration a legal defeat in the continuing fallout from a ruling that invalidated the president's sweeping import taxes. Judge Richard Eaton of the U.S. Court of International Trade wrote that "all importers of record" were "entitled to benefit" from the Supreme Court's Feb. 20 decision, which struck down double-digit import taxes President Donald Trump imposed under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The court found the president lacked authority to unilaterally set and change tariffs, ruling that taxation power belongs to Congress.

China factory activity contracts again in February as tariffs could help

2026-03-04

China’s factory activity shrank for a second straight month in February, with the official manufacturing purchasing managers index slipping to 49 from 49.3 in January, the National Bureau of Statistics reported. Economists said weaker domestic demand is still weighing on manufacturing, even as they point to potential export support if U.S. tariffs ease. China is also set to unveil its economic growth target at the start of its annual national congress this week.

Customers sue FedEx and Ray-Ban maker over tariffs they say were illegal

2026-02-28

Several retail customers have filed proposed class-action lawsuits in federal court seeking tariff-related refunds from FedEx and EssilorLuxottica, the maker of Ray-Ban sunglasses, after the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated the tariffs. The lawsuits aim to ensure consumers receive refunds if the companies recover money through government refund channels. The cases were filed as more than 1,000 companies also moved to preserve their own right to reimbursements through the U.S. Court of International Trade.

Treasury ends union contracts for IRS and Fiscal Service workers

2026-02-28

The Treasury Department terminated collective bargaining agreements for unionized workers at the Internal Revenue Service and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service, escalating President Donald Trump’s push to exert more control over the federal workforce. The agency cited an executive order Trump signed last March as authority for the terminations, according to a letter seen by The Associated Press.

Canada's Carney visits India to restore ties, diversify trade from U.S.

2026-02-27

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is traveling to India to restore diplomatic ties and diversify Canada’s trade away from the United States, according to a report by The Associated Press. His visit comes after years of strain between Ottawa and New Delhi tied to allegations involving a Sikh separatist leader, as well as fresh uncertainty around U.S. tariff threats.

Canada warns USMCA could face annual review, cites investment chill

2026-02-27

Canada’s minister for U.S. trade warned Thursday that the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement could face annual review, saying the uncertainty may be part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade strategy. Dominic LeBlanc told a business audience in Toronto that he will meet with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington next week ahead of the mandatory USMCA review in July.

FedEx pledges to return tariff refunds to shippers and customers

2026-02-27

FedEx said Thursday it will return any tariff refunds it receives to the shippers and consumers who paid charges tied to tariffs President Donald Trump set under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The pledge follows a U.S. Supreme Court decision on Feb. 20 that ruled those IEEPA tariffs were illegal.

IMF says U.S. growth is set to accelerate, but warns tariffs and debt add risk

2026-02-26

The International Monetary Fund said the U.S. economy is “buoyant” and is poised to see accelerated growth and lower unemployment this year. In an assessment published this week, the IMF also warned that federal debt levels represent a growing stability risk and that tariffs could weigh on activity.

Fact check: Trump’s false and misleading State of the Union claims

2026-02-26

President Donald Trump made a series of false or misleading claims in his State of the Union address on Tuesday, according to an Associated Press fact check. The claims AP scrutinized ranged from the economy and jobs to immigration, tariffs, drug pricing and violent crime.

Trump’s State of the Union takeaways: economy pitch, patriotism, and rival attacks

2026-02-26

President Donald Trump used his State of the Union address to project an upbeat message about the economy while honoring the U.S. Olympic men’s hockey team and other recipients of medals. He then shifted to a sharper tone toward Democrats, raised his election integrity claims and discussed tariff and foreign-policy issues, including a warning about Iran.

Ontario’s Doug Ford says Supreme Court tariffs ruling tightens Trump

2026-02-25

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Monday that “the walls are closing in” on President Donald Trump after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down much of Trump’s tariff program and said Trump is looking ahead to the November midterms. Ford warned Canada is in an “economic war” and said “no deal is better than a bad deal” with Trump, as he pointed to impacts on sectors including aluminum, steel, autos and lumber.

Supreme Court tariff ruling leaves Trump trade policy uncertain

2026-02-24

The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling against President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs means the administration cannot impose new import taxes under the emergency law it relied on “on a whim,” attorneys and trade analysts said. But the decision is unlikely to end the uncertainty that has disrupted business planning, as Trump has already moved to other legal authorities and the refund process for duties collected remains unclear.

Canada approves Gulfstream jets after Trump tariff threat

2026-02-24

Canada's transport regulator approved Gulfstream's latest business jets on Monday, ending a trade dispute with President Donald Trump that threatened to ground all Canadian-made aircraft. Transport Canada certified the G700 and G800 models weeks after Trump threatened to decertify Canadian aircraft and impose a 50 percent tariff unless the country approved the planes made by Gulfstream Aerospace, a subsidiary of General Dynamics.

Carney tours India, Australia, Japan to diversify Canadian trade from U.S.

2026-02-24

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is embarking on a tour of India, Australia, and Japan to reduce Canada's economic reliance on the United States, his office announced. The three-country trip comes amid escalating tensions with President Donald Trump, who has threatened 100% tariffs against Canada and claimed the nation could become an American state.

FedEx joins 1,000+ companies seeking tariff refunds after Supreme Court ruling

2026-02-24

More than 1,000 companies are now seeking refunds from the U.S. government after the Supreme Court struck down President Trump's tariffs as unconstitutional. FedEx filed suit Friday in the U.S. Court of International Trade, joining a wave of major corporations — including Costco and Revlon — in demanding reimbursement for tariffs the government collected after President Trump imposed them. The filing states FedEx has "suffered injury" from the tariffs and seeks relief to redress those harms. The Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling Friday determined that Trump's tariffs, imposed under an emergency powers law, exceeded the president's constitutional authority. Trump responded sharply, saying he was "absolutely ashamed" of the justices who opposed him and accusing them of being "disloyal to our Constitution" and "lapdogs."

Supreme Court tariff ruling leaves trade policy uncertainty for businesses

2026-02-23

The U.S. Supreme Court ruling against President Donald Trump’s most sweeping tariffs removes the administration’s ability to create new import taxes under the emergency-powers law at issue, but trade lawyers say uncertainty is likely to persist for importers and trade partners. Businesses face open questions about what legal authorities could replace the struck-down tariff regime, how refunds will work, and whether Trump’s leverage-based trade deals will survive the fallout.

EU pauses trade-deal ratification as Trump imposes 15% global tariff

2026-02-23

The European Parliament's trade committee postponed a ratification vote on its trade deal with the United States on Monday, seeking clarification on how President Donald Trump's newly announced 15% global import tariff would affect the agreement. Trump declared the tariff after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down his use of emergency powers to set new import taxes, and the European Union said the new rate would break the deal's agreed ceiling of 15% on most European goods.

U.S. stocks fall 1% as Trump escalates tariffs; AI losers decline

2026-02-23

U.S. stocks tumbled Monday after President Trump announced 15% temporary tariffs on imports, escalating trade policy uncertainty just days after the Supreme Court blocked his sweeping "reciprocal" tariffs. The S&P 500 fell 1%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 821 points or 1.7%, and the Nasdaq composite closed at 22,627.27, down 258 points.

Supreme Court strikes down Trump tariffs; Trump plans 15% replacement

2026-02-23

The Supreme Court struck down President Trump's sweeping tariffs on Friday, but financial markets greeted the decision with restraint as the Trump administration moved swiftly to impose a new 15% global import tax under alternative legal authority. The ruling cast doubt on whether the administration's recently negotiated trade deals would survive the shift to new legal grounds, leaving trading partners including China and South Korea uncertain about the stability of commerce with the United States.

Trump dinner with governors ends after Supreme Court tariff ruling

2026-02-22

President Donald Trump’s annual dinner with governors at the White House ended shortly after he learned of the Supreme Court decision striking down his sweeping tariff policy, closing a week marked by disputes over which governors would attend. The dinner on Saturday in Washington featured Republican governors and top administration officials, while Democrats were not seen in the room.

Supreme Court ruling reshapes US-China trade talks ahead of Trump-Xi summit

2026-02-22

The Supreme Court's decision striking down President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs has created new uncertainty in U.S.-China trade relations. Both countries are navigating shifting ground ahead of Trump's scheduled March 31 through April 2 visit to Beijing, where he is set to meet with President Xi Jinping. Analysts say the ruling strengthens China's negotiating hand, but predict Beijing will be cautious in exploiting the advantage, knowing that Trump has other legal authorities for imposing tariffs. Both countries want to maintain a fragile trade truce and stabilize ties ahead of the summit.

EU demands US honor trade commitments after court strikes down Trump tariffs

2026-02-22

The European Union demanded the United States honor its trade commitments on Saturday after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down some of President Donald Trump's most sweeping tariffs. The European Commission said the current situation undermines fair and balanced commerce between the world's largest trading partners and creates uncertainty that weakens global stability. "A deal is a deal," the European Commission said in a statement. "As the United States' largest trading partner, the EU expects the U.S. to honor its commitments set out in the Joint Statement — just as the EU stands by its commitments."

Businesses brace for uncertain trade policy after Supreme Court tariff ruling

2026-02-21

The Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump's tariffs Friday, ruling 6-3 that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act did not give the president authority to impose import taxes — a power that belongs to Congress. Within hours, Trump announced plans to impose a 10% tariff on all imports for 150 days and said he would explore other legal mechanisms to restore the duties. The ruling left businesses across industries facing what they described as a prolonged period of uncertainty.

Trump raises tariffs to 15% despite Supreme Court ruling

2026-02-21

President Donald Trump announced Saturday that he intends to raise global tariffs to 15%, escalating his trade policy following a Supreme Court decision Friday that struck down his emergency-powers tariff authority in a 6-3 ruling. Trump said he would implement the new tariffs using an alternative legal authority through an executive order that bypasses Congress. The Supreme Court ruled that the president lacked constitutional authority to unilaterally impose tariffs because the power to tax rests exclusively with Congress. Trump's original announcement of a 10% tariff rate is set to take effect Tuesday, the same day as his State of the Union address.

Bad Bunny takes on Brazil with sold-out Sao Paulo gigs

2026-02-21

Bad Bunny made his first-ever appearances in Brazil this week, with sold-out concerts in Sao Paulo on Friday and Saturday, according to the Associated Press. The Puerto Rican superstar, who has been a global chart-topper, is drawing demand in a market that previously favored Brazilian artists. Fans and music specialists said the momentum that followed his Grammy-winning “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” and his Super Bowl halftime show has helped widen his audience in the country.

After Supreme Court voids Trump tariffs, $133 billion refund puzzle looms

2026-02-21

The Supreme Court on Friday struck down President Donald Trump's emergency tariffs in a 6-3 decision that invalidated $133 billion in import taxes already collected. But the justices left the government and importers facing a far more complicated challenge: determining how to return the money now deemed unlawfully taken. The Court ruled that Trump's invocation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) did not authorize the tariffs. The law grants no authority to tax imports, the justices said — that power belongs to Congress. Two justices appointed by Trump, including Justice Amy Coney Barrett, joined the majority.

Supreme Court blocks Trump tariffs; Trump announces 15% import tax

2026-02-21

The Supreme Court ruled Friday that Congress, not the president, holds the power to levy taxes on imports, striking down a significant portion of President Donald Trump's global tariff regime. But by Saturday morning, Trump announced a new 15% global import tax under a law that has never been invoked in this manner before.

Trade officials scramble after Supreme Court strikes down Trump tariffs

2026-02-21

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Trump administration's sweeping global tariffs Saturday, prompting trade officials across the world to assess the fallout. President Donald Trump announced a new 10% executive tariff Friday and said Saturday morning he would raise it to 15%. The ruling marked the latest reversal in 13 months of tariff volatility since Trump returned to office.

Trump announces new tariffs after Supreme Court strikes down global rates

2026-02-21

Governments and companies worldwide scrambled Saturday to navigate a Supreme Court ruling that struck down some of President Trump's sweeping global tariffs — only to face an immediate complication: Trump announced he would reimpose them at higher rates. The ruling struck down tariffs Trump had imposed since taking office 13 months ago using emergency powers. Trump signed an executive order Friday imposing a 10% tariff on certain goods and announced Saturday morning he would raise that rate to 15%. The whiplash has sent officials and business leaders from Seoul to São Paulo into an urgent reassessment of their tariff exposure and trade strategy.

U.S. and Indonesia reach reciprocal trade deal alongside Trump’s Board of Peace

2026-02-20

President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia and President Donald Trump discussed a reciprocal trade agreement announced by the White House while Prabowo visited Washington for the first meeting of Trump’s “Board of Peace.” Under the deal, Indonesia will eliminate tariffs for 99% of U.S. goods while the U.S. maintains tariffs of 19% on most Indonesian products, the White House said.

Trump plans alternative tariffs after Supreme Court ruling

2026-02-20

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Trump's global tariff authority Friday in a 6-3 decision, marking a rare institutional check on a president who has wielded tariff power aggressively throughout his second term. Trump immediately vowed to impose new import taxes through alternative legal means, saying the ruling would bring "great certainty" to the economy even as it raised urgent questions about the future of his tariff strategy.

Trump eyes alternative tariff authorities after Supreme Court rejection

2026-02-20

President Donald Trump said Friday that the Supreme Court's rejection of his global tariff authority does not constrain his ability to impose import duties on foreign goods. Trump announced he will immediately pursue a 10% global tariff under a trade law allowing duties for 150 days and directed his administration to initiate investigations under other statutes that could permit substantial tariffs with fewer procedural constraints.

Record U.S. goods trade deficit widens in 2025 despite Trump tariffs

2026-02-20

The U.S. trade deficit edged lower in 2025, but the gap in goods trade—a focus of President Donald Trump’s tariffs—hit a record, according to the Commerce Department. The deficit in goods widened 2% to $1.24 trillion last year, even as exports rose 6% and imports rose nearly 5%. Meanwhile, the goods deficit with China fell sharply, as trade shifted to other countries.

Supreme Court voids Trump tariffs as Wall Street posts modest gains

2026-02-20

The Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs on Friday, removing a policy that had sent investors scrambling last year. The S&P 500 rose 0.7%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 230 points or 0.5%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 0.9%, closing at 22,886.07. Analysts said many investors had already anticipated the ruling, leading to a muted response across financial markets.

Trump attacks justices over Supreme Court tariff defeat

2026-02-20

President Donald Trump attacked six Supreme Court justices Friday after they struck down his global tariffs imposed under an emergency powers law. Trump directed particular criticism at Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, both appointed by him, saying their votes represented "an embarrassment to their families."

Supreme Court strikes down Trump's tariffs

2026-02-20

The Supreme Court struck down President Trump's sweeping tariffs Friday in a 6-3 ruling that dealt a significant defeat to a cornerstone of his economic agenda. The court found that Trump's attempt to invoke the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act to justify the levies exceeded his constitutional authority, with the justices noting that Congress, not the president, holds the power to impose tariffs.

Supreme Court strikes down Trump's global tariffs

2026-02-20

The Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump's sweeping global tariffs on Friday in a 6-3 decision, finding that the president violated the Constitution by unilaterally imposing duties without Congressional authority. The ruling prompted Trump to attack the justices he appointed as "disloyal" and to pledge new tariffs under a different law.

Indonesia, U.S. strike reciprocal trade deal during Trump Board of Peace meeting

2026-02-19

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto signed a reciprocal trade agreement with the United States during President Donald Trump’s inaugural “Board of Peace” meeting in Washington, the White House announced Thursday. The deal would eliminate tariffs on 99% of American goods entering Indonesia while keeping tariffs on most Indonesian goods at 19%, and includes steps to address non-tariff barriers and critical-minerals export restrictions, the White House said.

Tariffs paid by midsize U.S. firms tripled last year, JPMorgan study says

2026-02-19

Tariffs paid by midsize U.S. companies tripled over the past year, according to new research released by the JPMorganChase Institute on Thursday. The study, based on payment data, says companies with revenues between $10 million and $1 billion and fewer than 500 employees were paying more, with effects that companies have been addressing through higher prices, fewer workers, or lower profits.

Record U.S. goods trade deficit hits $1.24 trillion in 2025

2026-02-19

The U.S. trade deficit slipped modestly in 2025, but the gap in the trade of goods — a focus of President Donald Trump’s import taxes — widened to a record level, the Commerce Department reported Feb. 19. The goods deficit rose 2% to $1.24 trillion last year even as exports and imports each grew. The deficit with China fell sharply, while gaps with Taiwan and Vietnam rose.

Argentina’s Milei heads to U.S. amid Trump pushback on China trade

2026-02-19

Argentina’s President Javier Milei is set to travel to the United States again as he takes part in the inaugural session of President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” initiative. The visit comes as Washington seeks tighter regional cooperation to counter Chinese influence, while Milei’s government—Argentina’s most China-dependent one—tries to maintain and expand ties with Beijing.

Hassett urges discipline for Fed economists over tariff study

2026-02-19

President Donald Trump’s top economist, Kevin Hassett, said Wednesday that Federal Reserve economists should face “discipline” after a recent study concluded that nearly all new U.S. tariffs are being paid by American companies and consumers. Hassett called the paper “an embarrassment,” as the White House renewed criticism of the central bank’s work and its independence.

Trump family seeks trademark rights for airports using the “Trump” name

2026-02-18

Donald Trump’s family business has filed applications to trademark the use of the president’s name for airports, according to a report by The Associated Press. The applications include airport naming proposals in Florida, where lawmakers are weighing a plan to rename the Palm Beach airport for Trump.

Japan’s exports surge 17% in January as shipments to China rise

2026-02-17

TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s exports surged nearly 17% in January compared with a year earlier, helped by seasonal factors and stronger shipments to China and other parts of Asia, the finance ministry said Wednesday. Imports fell 2.5%, leaving Japan with a trade deficit of 1.15 trillion yen ($7.5 billion), smaller than a year earlier.

Presidents Day 2026: Here’s what’s open and what’s closed

2026-02-17

Federal and state government offices, courts and most schools are closed Monday, Feb. 17, for Presidents Day, but many big retailers plan to operate. U.S. stock markets and banks also close Monday and reopen Tuesday. National parks remain open and free to U.S. residents on the holiday.

Singapore to add airline levy to fund sustainable aviation fuel

2026-02-17

Singapore will begin charging a levy on flights departing from Changi International Airport to help fund sustainable aviation fuel, a cleaner alternative to conventional jet fuel, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore said. The surcharge will apply to flights departing after Oct. 1 and tickets sold after April 1, with charges ranging from 1 Singapore dollar (about 75 U.S. cents) for some economy routes to 41.60 Singapore dollars (about $32) for certain premium flights.

Tax season tips: IRS filing deadline April 15 and key 2025 changes

2026-02-16

Tax season is underway in the United States, and the IRS deadline to file a 2025 tax return is April 15. Tax professionals advise people to start organizing documents now, avoid rushing at the last minute, and keep copies of what they submit. This year’s filings also reflect new deductions created by a Republican tax and spending bill signed by President Donald Trump last summer.

Cash “money bouquets” and recycled scrap win Valentine hearts in Zimbabwe

2026-02-14

Liquidity and sustainability are shaping how Zimbabweans celebrate Valentine’s Day, with some sellers promoting “money bouquets” made from U.S. dollar notes and others offering gifts recycled from scrap metal. At a flower market in Harare, florists said demand for cash-and-flower arrangements is rising as people seek gestures that feel meaningful in difficult economic times. In Harare’s shops and workshops, artists also are turning discarded metal into long-lasting keepsakes for partners.

Nissan reports larger loss but says restructuring keeps turnaround on track

2026-02-13

Nissan said it recorded a 28.3 billion yen ($185 million) loss in the October-December quarter, widening from a year earlier, as restructuring costs weighed on results. Chief Executive Ivan Espinosa said the company expects an operating loss for the fiscal year ending in March and is working toward an operating profit by the end of fiscal 2026.

At Wine Paris, fast-growing pours come with little or no alcohol

2026-02-13

PARIS — A growing market for zero- and low-alcohol drinks is drawing attention at Wine Paris this week, as producers and consumers test non-alcoholic versions of familiar wines and sparklers. At the trade show, some backers say the products help people socialize without drinking, while others argue younger consumers are rethinking alcohol’s role in daily life.

US reaches trade deal with Taiwan cutting most tariff barriers to 15%

2026-02-13

The Trump administration reached a reciprocal trade deal with Taiwan that would eliminate or reduce 99% of Taiwan’s tariff barriers, the U.S. Trade Representative said Thursday. Most Taiwan exports to the U.S. would face a 15% tariff rate, matching rates levied on other U.S. trading partners in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the USTR’s office.

House votes to reverse Trump tariffs on Canada in bipartisan rebuke

2026-02-12

WASHINGTON — The U.S. House voted Wednesday to terminate President Donald Trump’s national-emergency tariffs on Canada, in a rare rebuke that brought Republicans to back a Democratic-sponsored resolution. The measure passed 219-211 and now heads to the Senate, where supporters said they are seeking to curb what they call an abuse of emergency powers.

Canada bans assault-style firearms and freezes most handgun sales

2026-02-12

Canada’s government has renewed restrictions on firearms that include a ban on assault-style weapons and a national freeze on the sale, purchase and transfer of most handguns, while requiring owners of prohibited guns to dispose of or permanently deactivate them by Oct. 30. The measures include a compensation program for businesses that turned in certain weapons between November 2024 and April 2025 and a parallel program for individuals, which opened last month, to compensate gun owners who voluntarily surrender banned firearms.

Trump threatens to block Gordie Howe Bridge opening over Canada asset demands

2026-02-10

President Donald Trump threatened Monday to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge between Detroit and Canada unless Canada agrees to U.S. demands, including turning over at least half of the bridge’s ownership. In a lengthy social media post, Trump complained that the U.S. would get nothing from the bridge and that Canada did not use U.S. steel in building it.

Tariffs boost Maine softwood mill while others brace for uncertainty

2026-02-10

The owners of Pleasant River Lumber in Enfield, Maine, say U.S. tariffs on Canadian lumber imports have helped them expand production since 2020, even as some other Maine wood-product manufacturers warn that tariffs and retaliatory measures have added volatility. Co-owner Jason Brochu said trade protection has supported investment that could strengthen the mill, but competitors focused on hardwood products say demand has weakened and planning has become harder.

Trump administration launches TrumpRx website for discounted prescription drugs

2026-02-08

The Trump administration launched the TrumpRx website on Thursday, presenting it as a way to help Americans buy prescription drugs at discounted rates amid rising health-care costs. President Donald Trump said at the site’s unveiling that Americans “’re going to save a fortune,” and the administration said the government-hosted site will point users to drugmakers’ direct-to-consumer purchasing pages and pharmacy coupons.

India and US release framework for interim trade deal cutting Trump tariffs

2026-02-08

India and the United States released a framework for an interim trade agreement aimed at lowering tariffs on Indian goods, a day after President Donald Trump said he would reduce some import taxes on India. The framework, announced in a joint statement, would lower tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from 25% after Prime Minister Narendra Modi agrees to stop buying Russian oil, Trump said.

Baghdad traders protest new customs tariffs as Iraq grapples with shrinking oil revenue

2026-02-07

Baghdad traders and customs clearance company owners protested in central Baghdad on Sunday, urging the Iraqi government to reverse newly imposed customs tariffs they said raised costs and disrupted trade. The tariffs took effect Jan. 1 as part of efforts to cut the country’s debt and reliance on oil revenues as oil prices fall, while traders said fees have reached as high as 30% in some cases.

Argentina and US sign trade deal slashing tariffs and expanding imports

2026-02-06

Argentina and the United States signed a trade and investment agreement in Washington that will cut hundreds of reciprocal tariffs and expand market access between the two countries, according to officials. The deal advances President Javier Milei’s effort to open Argentina’s economy and reflects the Trump administration’s push to lower costs for Americans, the Associated Press reported.

Toyota names Kenta Kon CEO after 43% drop in quarterly profits

2026-02-05

Toyota reported a 43% drop in quarterly profits and said CFO Kenta Kon will become chief executive and chairman in April, replacing Koji Sato. The company also said it expects shareholder approval in June and raised its full-year profit forecast despite weaker performance in its October-December period.

Pizza Hut to close 250 U.S. restaurants as Yum Brands reviews options

2026-02-05

Yum Brands said it will close about 250 Pizza Hut restaurants in the first half of 2026 as it targets underperforming locations in the U.S. The company said it is also working through a formal review of options for the brand after struggling store performance and competition.

Trump credits tariffs for growth. Fact-check finds mixed results and inflation

2026-02-05

President Donald Trump, reviewing his first year of a second term, argued that tariffs on foreign products have produced an “American economic miracle” while inflation and trade outcomes improve. An AP fact check finds several of his figures are cherry-picked or based on data distorted by disruptions, and it says the tariff story does not match the broader picture for growth, inflation and the trade deficit.

Trump to cut tariffs on India to 18% after Modi agrees to stop Russian oil

2026-02-05

Donald Trump said Monday he plans to reduce tariffs on Indian products to 18% from 25% after India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, agreed to stop buying Russian oil. Trump linked the move to ending Russia’s war in Ukraine and said India would also cut to zero import taxes on U.S. goods.

Valentine’s Day flower imports rise through Miami airport despite tariffs

2026-02-05

Miami International Airport expects to process about 990 million stems of cut flowers in the weeks before Feb. 14, with most fresh Valentine’s Day blooms traveling through the South Florida hub. Officials and industry representatives said tariffs on imports from Colombia and Ecuador and higher costs this year could push up retail prices.

Trump demands $1 billion from Harvard as standoff deepens

2026-02-04

President Donald Trump on Feb. 3 demanded that Harvard University pay $1 billion to end a prolonged standoff with the Ivy League campus, doubling the amount he previously sought. In comments posted on Truth Social, Trump said the university must pay the government directly and that his administration wants “nothing further to do” with Harvard going forward.

Trump signs $1.2 trillion bill ending partial shutdown, sets DHS fight

2026-02-04

President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed a roughly $1.2 trillion government funding bill that ends a partial federal shutdown that began over the weekend. The bill passed the House on a 217-214 vote and includes provisions that fund the Department of Homeland Security for two weeks, through Feb. 13.

Allies seek deals to shield themselves from Trump tariffs

2026-02-04

The allies of the United States are increasingly trying to reduce their exposure to President Donald Trump’s tariffs by striking trade arrangements with one another, according to a report this week by the Associated Press. The article cites efforts by governments and institutions to accelerate trade diversification, including in Europe and Asia, while also pointing to market signals that reflect changing investor sentiment toward the U.S. dollar.

Truckers protest Ecuador-Colombia tariffs as trade war escalates

2026-02-04

Colombian and Ecuadorian truckers and merchants staged a protest at a border crossing Tuesday, calling for both governments to remove 30% tariffs on goods amid an escalating trade war. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced the tariffs on Colombian goods last month, citing cocaine smuggling, and Colombia responded with reciprocal 30% tariffs and a threat to halt electricity sales.

Trump signs short extension of AGOA trade deal for African countries

2026-02-03

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed into law a short extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. The extension runs only until Dec. 31 and is intended to be modified to reflect tariffs imposed under Trump’s “America First” trade policy.

India’s budget boosts infrastructure spending while vowing fiscal discipline

2026-02-02

New Delhi—India’s government presented its 2026-27 budget to Parliament on Sunday, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman saying it would keep investing in infrastructure and domestic manufacturing while maintaining fiscal discipline. The budget targets a deficit of 4.3% of gross domestic product next fiscal year and projects economic growth in a 6.8% to 7.2% range.

Trump nominates economist Brett Matsumoto to lead BLS

2026-02-02

President Donald Trump said Friday he is nominating government economist Brett Matsumoto to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Trump has previously accused the agency of releasing low monthly jobs numbers to make him look bad, and he replaced the BLS director after the July jobs report.

Bessent warns Carney against fight ahead of USMCA review

2026-01-30

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney that his public comments on U.S. trade policy could backfire as the formal review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, approaches. Bessent issued the warning in an interview on CNBC, urging Carney not to “pick a fight” before talks tied to the 2020 deal. Carney later told reporters he meant what he said at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Starbucks plans to open hundreds of new U.S. stores, add more seating

2026-01-30

Starbucks said it plans to open up to 175 new stores in the United States this year and about 400 in 2028, adding seating at thousands of existing locations. The company also outlined steps to speed service, adjust its loyalty program starting March 10, and grow same-store sales in its 2026 fiscal year.

Mark Carney stands firm on Davos speech, plans new Canada trade deals

2026-01-30

Mark Carney told reporters in Ottawa that he “meant what” he said at the World Economic Forum in Davos, pushing back on claims he had walked back the comments during a phone call with President Donald Trump. The Canadian prime minister also said Canada plans to sign a series of new trade deals to reduce its dependence on the United States.

Carney defends Davos speech, says Trump impressed by trade plan

2026-01-30

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesday he told President Donald Trump that he meant the criticism of US economic coercion he delivered at Davos last week. Carney rejected the Trump administration's claim that he had walked back his remarks during a Monday phone call with the president. Carney said Trump told him he was impressed with Canada's plan to negotiate a dozen new trade deals across four continents in six months.

Supreme Court weighs Trump tariffs decision as timeline stretches

2026-01-29

The Supreme Court is still considering a decision in President Donald Trump’s tariffs case months after it granted unusually quick arguments, with the justices not scheduled to meet in public for more than three weeks, according to a report Thursday by the Associated Press. Lawyers had urged speed, citing warnings about the risk of economic disruption from delay.

German government cuts 2026 growth forecast to 1% as momentum fades

2026-01-27

Germany’s government cut its forecast for economic growth for 2026, projecting gross domestic product will expand about 1% this year, Economy Minister Katherina Reiche said Wednesday. The revision comes as the chancellor’s coalition seeks to revive an economy that grew only modestly after a two-year contraction.

EU trade deal with India shows Europe seeking new partnerships

2026-01-27

The European Union’s new free trade agreement with India, announced Tuesday, highlights the bloc’s push to diversify its economic ties amid uncertainty in U.S. trade and security policy. The deal, which reflects nearly two decades of negotiations, could affect as many as 2 billion people and cut tariffs on most goods traded between the EU and India, according to the European Commission and EU officials.

Foreign pledges of $5 trillion in US investment face skepticism

2026-01-27

Top US trading partners pledged more than $5 trillion in investment in America, responding to President Donald Trump's use of tariff threats to extract concessions. But a study released Tuesday by researchers at the Peterson Institute for International Economics raises substantial doubts about whether the money will actually materialize. "How realistic are these commitments?" wrote Gregory Auclair and Adnan Mazarei of the Peterson Institute. "The short answer is that they are clouded with uncertainty." The researchers examined investment pledges made in 2025 by the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and the Persian Gulf states of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

Canada’s Carney says Trump tariff threats are “bluster” ahead of talks

2026-01-27

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Monday that some U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats should be understood as “positioning” ahead of renewed U.S.-Canada free-trade talks. Carney made the remarks as Canada prepares for a review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement this year, with trade officials characterizing the process as a “review” rather than a full renegotiation.

Trump raises tariffs on South Korean goods over stalled trade-deal approval

2026-01-26

President Donald Trump announced Monday he is increasing tariffs on South Korean goods because the country's legislature has yet to approve a trade framework announced last year. Import taxes on autos, lumber and pharmaceutical drugs from South Korea will be raised, while rates on other goods would increase from 15% to 25%, Trump said on social media.

Carney says Canada won’t pursue free trade with China as Trump warns of tariffs

2026-01-26

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Sunday that Canada has no intention of pursuing a free trade agreement with China, responding to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of a 100% tariff on goods imported from Canada. Carney said Canada’s recent China agreement cuts tariffs on a limited set of sectors that had been hit with tariffs, and he said the country is instead honoring commitments tied to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariff over China trade deal

2026-01-24

President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened to impose a 100% tariff on Canadian goods if Canada proceeded with a trade deal with China, intensifying a dispute with Prime Minister Mark Carney over both trade policy and geopolitical alignment. Trump said in a social media post that if Carney "thinks he is going to make Canada a 'Drop Off Port' for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken."

Global growth showing resilience despite Trump trade disruption, leaders say

2026-01-23

Global economic leaders gathered at the World Economic Forum in Davos said Friday that the world economy is showing unexpected resilience despite tensions from the Trump administration's trade policies. The International Monetary Fund raised its growth forecast to 3.3 percent for 2026, though leading policymakers warned the growth is insufficient to address mounting challenges.

EU readies countermeasures, including its “trade bazooka,” against US threats

2026-01-22

The European Union is preparing countermeasures against the United States amid rattled by U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats over Greenland, the Associated Press reported. Because the EU is primarily a trading bloc, its toolkit is largely financial, including steep tariffs and an instrument known as the Anti-Coercion Instrument.

Japan posts 5th straight trade deficit in 2025, hit by Trump tariffs

2026-01-21

Japan posted a trade deficit for the fifth straight year in 2025, according to preliminary Finance Ministry data released Thursday. The deficit was 2.65 trillion yen ($17 billion), as exports were pressured by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and a diplomatic rift with China.

China meets initial soybean purchase goal, but Trump tariff threats cloud deal

2026-01-21

China has met an initial goal to buy U.S. soybeans, but uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s shifting tariff policy could disrupt a trade agreement announced last October, the Associated Press reported. The milestone was described Tuesday by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent after he met with China’s Vice President He Lifeng during a major economic forum in Davos, Switzerland.

EU warns of trade 'bazooka' as Trump's Greenland tariffs rattle NATO allies

2026-01-20

European Union leaders warned Tuesday of sweeping countermeasures against the United States after President Donald Trump announced plans to impose 10 percent import tariffs on goods from eight European nations, framing the taxes as retaliation for those countries' deployment of troops to Greenland in symbolic support of Danish sovereignty. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, called the plan a "mistake" and warned that the bloc's response "will be unflinching, united and proportional." French President Emmanuel Macron said the EU could use its anti-coercion instrument — known colloquially as a trade "bazooka" — against the United States for the first time.

China meets soybean purchase target as Trump tariff threats loom

2026-01-20

China has completed its initial commitment to purchase 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Tuesday from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. But the broader trade agreement—which requires China to buy 25 million tons annually over the next three years—faces uncertainty as President Donald Trump threatens to shift tariff policy.

Wall Street sinks 2% on Trump tariff threat to 8 European nations

2026-01-20

Stocks fell sharply on Wall Street on Tuesday, with the S&P 500 declining 2.1% to 6,796.86 after President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 10% tariff on imports from eight European nations including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland.

Canada cuts EV tariffs for China as Trump trade pressure reshapes deals

2026-01-18

Canada broke with the United States and slashed its 100% import tax on Chinese electric vehicles, striking a trade deal that it said lowers Chinese tariffs on Canadian exports, including canola. The shift, announced Friday, comes as U.S. President Donald Trump renews broad tariff pressure on trade partners and as Canada prepares for negotiations tied to the renewal of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

European shares fall and US stock futures sink after Trump tariff threat

2026-01-18

U.S. stock futures and European shares mostly fell on Monday after President Donald Trump threatened a 10% extra tariff on imports from eight European countries over their opposition to U.S. control of Greenland. Trading was muted in the United States for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday, while investors looked ahead to a fresh week of corporate earnings and another inflation update for the Federal Reserve.

Trump joins Davos talks on inequality, AI and trade amid protests

2026-01-18

El presidente de Estados Unidos, Donald Trump, llegó a Davos, Suiza, para participar en el Foro Económico Mundial, que comienza esta semana con el lema “mejorar el estado del mundo” y el tema “Un espíritu de diálogo”. El encuentro de cuatro días congrega a líderes empresariales, de defensa y gubernamentales mientras el foro se desarrolla en un contexto de inquietud por la desigualdad económica y la erosión de la confianza.

Taiwan hails best US tariff deal as China protests

2026-01-17

Taiwan’s premier said on Friday the island secured what he called the “best tariff deal” in its trade arrangement with the United States, as China’s foreign ministry criticized the accord in Beijing. The agreement cuts U.S. tariffs on Taiwanese goods to 15% in exchange for $250 billion in new investments in the U.S. tech industry.

Canada cuts Chinese EV tariffs, wins canola access in deal that risks US trade pact

2026-01-17

Canada slashed its 100% import tax on Chinese electric vehicles and secured sharply lower Chinese tariffs on canola seeds in a trade deal struck Friday in Beijing, as Prime Minister Mark Carney moved to diversify Canada's economic partnerships amid sustained U.S. tariff pressure. The agreement reduces Canada's EV tariff to 6.1% for a quota of 49,000 Chinese vehicles annually — rising to about 70,000 in five years — while China cut its tariff on Canadian canola from 84% to 15%.

Banks face Trump's Jan. 20 credit card rate cap deadline with no clear answers

2026-01-17

With President Donald Trump's self-imposed Jan. 20 deadline for a 10% credit card interest rate cap days away, banks, consumer advocates, and members of Congress remained uncertain Friday about what the White House has planned — or whether any enforcement mechanism exists. The White House has not specified what consequences, if any, credit card companies will face if they do not comply.

Canada's tariff cut on Chinese EVs raises stakes for U.S. automakers

2026-01-16

Canada agreed this week to cut its tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in exchange for concessions on Canadian farm products, a deal that industry analysts said could accelerate Chinese automakers' expansion into North American markets and sharpen competitive pressure on American car companies.

Canada cuts EV tariffs from China; U.S. officials warn of job losses

2026-01-16

Chinese automakers are expanding their electric-vehicle sales across North America, and the move could give them an easier path into Canada after the country agreed to cut tariffs this week. The shift is raising concerns among U.S. officials about competitiveness and jobs as American automakers lag electrification efforts, according to analysts and U.S. remarks described by the Associated Press.

Whitmer warns Trump tariffs will worsen auto woes and aid China

2026-01-16

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, speaking at the Detroit Auto Show, warned that President Donald Trump’s tariff strategy would worsen auto industry conditions and benefit Chinese competitors. Whitmer’s remarks came two days after Trump defended his tariff approach in Detroit, where he toured a Ford plant in Dearborn.

AP-NORC: Trump approval holds at 4 in 10 one year into second term

2026-01-15

About 4 in 10 U.S. adults approved of President Donald Trump's performance as president as of early January, according to a new AP-NORC poll — a figure virtually unchanged from March 2025, shortly after Trump began his second term. The poll, conducted Jan. 8–11, 2026, among 1,203 adults, found Trump's overall approval has remained unusually stable despite a year of active domestic and foreign policy moves.

Minifridge recall expands to 964,000 Frigidaires after fire reports

2026-01-15

Curtis International, a Canada-based appliance distributor, expanded a minifridge recall Thursday to cover roughly 964,000 Frigidaire-branded units sold in the United States, after six fires linked to a newly recalled model compounded dozens of incidents reported under a larger recall last year. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said electrical components in the affected fridges can short circuit and ignite the plastic casing, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.

Whitmer warns Trump's tariffs aid China, as auto industry faces job losses

2026-01-15

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Thursday at the Detroit Auto Show that President Donald Trump's tariff strategy has contracted American auto manufacturing and is benefiting Chinese competitors, delivering her first speech of 2026 two days after Trump defended his trade policies in the same city. Whitmer, a term-limited Democrat in her final year as governor, said American manufacturing has contracted for months, causing job losses and production cuts. "This will only get worse without a serious shift in national policy," she said.

Saks Global seeks bankruptcy protection after debt-heavy Neiman Marcus acquisition

2026-01-14

Saks Global, the New York company that owns Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Wednesday in the Southern District of Texas, less than 18 months after completing a $2.65 billion acquisition of Neiman Marcus that compounded already significant debt. The company said it has secured roughly $1.75 billion in financing and that its stores will remain open and continue to honor customer programs during restructuring.

Trump's Iran tariffs threaten US-China trade truce, could raise American prices

2026-01-13

President Donald Trump announced Monday he would impose a 25% tariff on imports from any country that does business with Iran, seeking to pressure Tehran to end its violent suppression of nationwide protests that have killed more than 2,500 people, according to activists. Trade analysts and economists warned the measure threatened to unravel a fragile trade truce with China and could raise prices for American consumers.

Trump visits Dearborn Ford plant, defends tariffs as voters worry about rising prices

2026-01-13

President Donald Trump toured a Ford Motor Co. assembly plant in Dearborn, Michigan, on Tuesday and addressed the Detroit Economic Club to defend his tariff policy, asserting that import taxes have triggered what he called a domestic manufacturing boom. The visit was Trump's third trip to a swing state in as many months to make the case for his economic record amid persistent voter concern over rising prices. Consumer prices rose 0.3% in December from the prior month, the Labor Department said — the same rate as in November — providing modest evidence that cost pressures are easing but not reversing.

Detroit Auto Show opens with hands-on demos as splashy debuts fade

2026-01-13

DETROIT — The Detroit Auto Show opened its media and industry preview days Tuesday at a Detroit convention center, showcasing more than 40 vehicle brands and leaning heavily on test-track ride experiences rather than the high-profile model unveilings that once defined the annual event. The show drew 275,000 attendees a year ago, organizers said, when participants took more than 100,000 rides in vehicles on display.

China reports record 2025 trade surplus of nearly $1.2 trillion amid tariffs

2026-01-13

China’s trade surplus surged in 2025 to a record of almost $1.2 trillion, the government said Wednesday, even as exports to the United States fell after President Donald Trump returned to office and escalated tariffs. The reported surplus followed export growth of 5.5% for the year, while imports stayed flat, according to customs data cited by the government.

Canadian PM Mark Carney to meet Xi in bid to rebuild ties with China

2026-01-12

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney is visiting China for the first time in nearly a decade, aiming to rebuild ties with President Xi Jinping amid new U.S. tariff pressure. Carney arrives in Beijing on Wednesday, with meetings scheduled with Xi on Friday and other Chinese officials before the trip ends Saturday.

Trump visits Ford in Michigan to defend tariffs and tout economic plan

2026-01-12

President Donald Trump visited a Ford factory floor in Dearborn, Michigan, on Tuesday to defend his sweeping tariffs and argue they have boosted domestic manufacturing. At the Detroit Economic Club and later at the MotorCity Casino, he linked his economic message to concerns about job weakness and higher prices. <a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-michigan-manufacturing-8843cdb26cdfcdf9bf8c8273823c6d84">Associated Press reported</a> the trip came as Democrats pressed his record and voters remained worried about the economy.

Trump wears new “Happy Trump” lapel pin but says he’s never happy

2026-01-11

Trump on Friday wore a new “Happy Trump” lapel pin at the White House, but told reporters he is “never happy” and “never satisfied.” Asked about the accessory during an event with oil executives discussing future U.S. control of Venezuela’s energy industry, he said, “That’s called a Happy Trump.” The president has worn a similar design before, including during a February ceremony swearing in Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence.

Trump brushes off early posting of confidential jobs figures

2026-01-11

President Donald Trump posted a graphic on social media late Thursday showing U.S. jobs figures from December that were not scheduled to be released until Friday’s Labor Department employment report. Trump said Friday he had been given “some numbers” and posted them, as questions swirled over the confidentiality process at the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Trump calls for 10% credit card interest rate cap; banks push back

2026-01-10

President Donald Trump on Friday night called for a one-year, 10% cap on credit card interest rates, reviving a campaign pledge that banking and credit card companies immediately opposed. The industry donated heavily to his 2024 campaign and has backed his second-term agenda. Trump did not specify in his Truth Social post whether the cap would take effect through executive action or legislation. He said he hoped it would be in place by Jan. 20, 2027, one year after he took office. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., said he had spoken with the president Friday night and planned to advance legislation with Trump's "full support."

Trump models a “Happy Trump” lapel pin at the White House

2026-01-10

President Donald Trump wore a “Happy Trump” lapel pin during an East Room appearance on Friday while discussing future U.S. control of Venezuela’s energy industry, and he told reporters the pin was made “called a Happy Trump.” The AP reports the cartoon pin has a likeness of Trump with a large head, and Trump said it was given to him by someone he did not identify.

Trump brushes off early posting of confidential jobs report data

2026-01-10

President Donald Trump said Friday he was unsure whether officials posted confidential jobs figures early after he shared a graph on social media before the Labor Department’s monthly employment report. The posting, according to the AP report, included unemployment data for December and revisions that were scheduled for release Friday at 8:30 a.m. eastern.

MichAuto report warns Michigan auto industry faces 'critical' inflection point

2026-01-09

Michigan must move decisively to protect its $348 billion stake in the global automotive industry or risk losing jobs, engineering and production to rival states and overseas competitors, according to a new report from MichAuto, the statewide industry advocacy group. Glenn Stevens, MichAuto's executive director, said the state has reached "an inflection point like we've never seen before" and called 2026 a decisive year for the state's signature economic sector. The report arrives as Michigan prepares for the Detroit Auto Show, scheduled for January 17–25 at Huntington Place.

UN forecasts global growth at 2.7% this year as tariffs weigh

2026-01-09

The United Nations forecast on Thursday that the global economy will grow 2.7% this year, slightly lower than its estimate for 2025, citing the impact of higher U.S. tariffs, economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions. UN economists also projected growth would edge to 2.9% in 2027.

Trump brushes off early posting of confidential jobs report data

2026-01-09

President Donald Trump on Friday brushed off questions about posting jobs figures from December that were not supposed to be released until the Labor Department’s monthly employment report. The White House released the graph on social media Thursday night ahead of the 8:30 a.m. ET release, and Trump told reporters he posts numbers he is given.

Trump blasts defense contractor dividends, then proposes $1.5 trillion military budget

2026-01-08

Defense contractor shares swung sharply this week after President Donald Trump criticized major military suppliers on Truth Social for paying billions in dividends and stock buybacks while underinvesting in production capacity, then reversed investor anxiety by proposing a $1.5 trillion defense budget for fiscal year 2027. Shares of Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, and RTX — the parent of Raytheon — fell on Trump's initial posts, then recovered after he announced the proposed budget, which would represent a substantial increase from the $901 billion allocated for 2026.

IRS sets Jan. 26 start for 2026 tax season despite 26% workforce cut

2026-01-08

The IRS will begin accepting 2025 income tax returns on Jan. 26, opening a filing season complicated by a 26% reduction in agency staffing and retroactive tax law changes in Republicans' spending package enacted last summer. The deadline to file and avoid penalties and interest remains April 15. The agency expects to receive roughly 164 million individual income tax returns, on par with last year.

Italy backs EU plan to seal Mercosur trade deal after 25 years

2026-01-08

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Friday there were “no ideological objections” to the European Union’s long-negotiated free trade deal with Mercosur after Italy signaled support for the bloc’s bid to finalize the agreement. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the pact would boost exports, as EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the vote would send a “strong signal” of European economic clout and stability.

Canadian PM Mark Carney to visit China next week as ties thaw

2026-01-07

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday that he will travel to China next week to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The visit, scheduled for Jan. 13 to 17, comes as Canada tries to reduce reliance on the United States amid tariff threats. Carney said the plan is aimed at building “stronger and more resilient” partnerships for Canada’s economy.

Trump Mobile's T1 phone misses promised 2025 release, deposits still accepted

2026-01-06

Trump Mobile, a smartphone venture operating under President Donald Trump's family business, has not shipped its T1 phone after missing its promised end-of-2025 delivery window — while continuing to accept $100 deposits from customers who signed up for the device. The T1, pitched at launch as a $500 smartphone that would be "proudly designed and built in the United States," has quietly shed that manufacturing claim and seen its release timeline grow steadily vaguer since the service debuted last June.

Vietnam courts China investment in boomtowns as tariff shifts raise costs

2026-01-06

Vietnam’s rapid factory growth in places such as Bac Ninh has been fueled by foreign investment redirected from China amid U.S. tariff pressure, but rising labor costs and infrastructure gaps are beginning to test the pace of expansion. The story comes as Vietnam is trying to move into higher-value manufacturing and expand beyond the United States while neighbors compete for new projects.

OECD finalizes amended global minimum tax pact exempting US multinationals

2026-01-05

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development announced Monday that nearly 150 countries have agreed to a revised global minimum corporate tax framework that carves out large U.S.-based multinationals from the 15% floor, closing out negotiations that reshaped a landmark 2021 agreement. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hailed the outcome as a sovereignty win while tax transparency advocates warned it would allow the largest American companies to continue sheltering profits in low-tax jurisdictions.

USDA sets per-acre farm aid for crops hurt by Trump’s China tariffs

2026-01-01

Farmers are starting to learn how much federal assistance they can expect under a $12 billion package President Donald Trump announced earlier this month, after the U.S. Department of Agriculture released Wednesday the per-acre amounts for major row crops. The payments are designed to help producers weather disruptions from the tariff dispute with China, which halted purchases of American soybeans.

Unfulfilled Trump tariff threats in 2025 show what did not take hold

2026-01-01

President Donald Trump made numerous tariff threats and trade promises in 2025, but several of the most sweeping ones had not taken effect as of late December. An Associated Press review of his public comments found examples ranging from plans for a new “External Revenue Service” to proposals for 100% tariffs on imports ranging from films to pharmaceuticals.

Italy parliament approves 2026 budget, targets 2.8% deficit under EU rules

2025-12-31

Italy’s Parliament on Dec. 30 approved the government’s 2026 budget, setting deficit-cutting measures aimed at bringing the deficit down to 2.8% of gross domestic product, from a previously targeted 3%. The conservative coalition led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni won final approval in the lower house by a 216-126 vote.

South Korea’s LNG deals with US cast doubt on its coal-cut climate pledge

2025-12-29

South Korea has pledged to retire most of its coal-fired power plants by 2040 and cut carbon emissions by 2035, but it is also in talks tied to U.S. trade demands that could increase imports of U.S. liquefied natural gas. At United Nations climate talks, South Korea’s new ministry laid out the coal phaseout and emissions goals, while climate and energy experts said the parallel push for LNG could lock the country into fossil-fuel dependence. The potential U.S.-Seoul energy deal would include large-scale investment and LNG purchases alongside negotiations shaped by Trump-era tariffs.