Articles in this Cluster
09-07-2025
The White House delayed its planned “reciprocal” tariffs from early July to 1 August, signaling difficulties in securing trade deals despite promises of “90 deals in 90 days.” Markets remain calm on expectations of rolling delays (“TACO”), but the letters sent to trading partners admit limited progress and further strain ties with countries like Japan and South Korea. Global responses are hardening: Japan hints at leveraging its vast U.S. debt holdings, and a court challenge could still deem the tariffs illegal. Meanwhile, the dollar has fallen about 10% this year—contrary to administration expectations—compounding inflation risks. Trade patterns are shifting: U.S.-bound Chinese exports are down 9.7%, but China’s exports to other regions are up, while U.S. tariff revenues hit records and the effective U.S. tariff rate has climbed to roughly 15% from a historical 2–4%. As the U.S. raises barriers, other countries are trading more with each other, increasing the risk of future market turbulence.
Entities: White House, United States, Japan, South Korea, China • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
09-07-2025
The U.S. announced 25% tariffs on imports from Japan and South Korea starting Aug. 1, intensifying existing duties on autos (25%) and steel/aluminum (50%). Both export-reliant economies are already weakening: their Q1 GDPs contracted, Japan risks a technical recession, and South Korea’s central bank cut its 2025 growth outlook to 0.8%, citing U.S. tariffs. Japan’s government seeks a mutually beneficial deal but rejects any agreement without removing auto tariffs; Oxford Economics estimates the new measures could shave 0.1 percentage point off Japan’s GDP by end-2026, with growth near stall speed into 2026. The U.S. remains a critical market for both countries’ autos and, for Korea, steel. Trump indicated potential tariff adjustments if Japan and Korea open their markets more to U.S. goods. Markets are largely calm, viewing the letters as extending negotiations and leaving room for a softened outcome.
Entities: United States, Japan, South Korea, Donald Trump, Oxford Economics • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
09-07-2025
President Trump claimed in April he’d completed trade deals with 200 countries, but to date has announced three (China, the UK, Vietnam). Facing a self-imposed July 9 deadline for higher “reciprocal” tariffs, the White House extended it to August 1 to allow more talks, chiefly with the European Union. US–EU negotiators are close to a framework that would set 10% tariffs and outline broader talks, with potential sector-specific adjustments (autos, steel) and EU pledges to boost purchases of US energy and defense goods. The EU is preparing retaliatory measures if no deal is reached. Meanwhile, Trump has begun issuing tariff letters, including 25% levies on Japan and South Korea, to gain leverage. Other prospective deals have stalled: India has hardened its stance, South Korea is hung up on auto tariffs, and Japan has grown more pessimistic. Trump's team, led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, argues more time is needed as several negotiations near final stages.
Entities: Donald Trump, European Union, United States, tariffs, trade deals • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
09-07-2025
President Trump said at least seven more countries will receive tariff letters Wednesday, with up to 15–20 notices going out over two days, and reaffirmed that new tariffs take effect August 1 with no extensions. He plans a 10% tariff on imports from BRICS countries to counter perceived threats to the US dollar, plus a 50% tariff on copper and a 200% tariff on pharmaceuticals, adding to market uncertainty. Letters have already gone to 14 nations; only the UK and Vietnam have preliminary deals, and China agreed to a truce until August 12. Despite ongoing talks, Trump said the EU will also get a tariff letter. He framed BRICS-focused measures as protection against efforts to undermine the dollar’s reserve status.
Entities: Donald Trump, BRICS, US dollar, tariffs, China • Tone: urgent • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
09-07-2025
Amid renewed tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump against BRICS members, Brazil and India showcased unity by pledging to triple their bilateral trade during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Brasilia. The two countries signed multiple agreements and outlined plans to deepen India’s engagement with Mercosur. Trump labeled the U.S. dollar the “king,” accused BRICS of undermining it, and warned of a 10% charge on BRICS countries. While BRICS has discussed increasing intra-bloc trade and alternative payment systems, de-dollarisation was not prioritized in this year’s agenda or leaders’ statement. The expanded BRICS now includes South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the UAE; the bloc has not formally responded to Trump’s rhetoric.
Entities: Brazil, India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, U.S. President Donald Trump, BRICS • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
