us trade policies

Amazon has dismissed a proposal to display US tariff-related price increases to customers, following criticism from the White House. The plan, which would have indicated the impact of Trump's tariffs on product prices, was deemed a "hostile and political act." UPS also announced a significant workforce reduction due to a changing trade environment and declining business from Amazon.

S&P Global Ratings has lowered India's GDP growth forecasts for 2025-26 and 2026-27, citing trade-related uncertainties stemming from potential US tariff policies. This revision aligns with similar downward adjustments by the Reserve Bank of India.

US President Donald Trump defended his trade policies, asserting China would likely bear the tariff costs. In an ABC News interview, Trump dismissed concerns about price increases, stating China was "ripping us off." He doubled down on China tariffs, saying 'They deserve it.

Germany's new Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said Wednesday there was "no time to lose" to jump-start Europe's beleaguered top economy, even as hardline us trade policies complicate his task. Klingbeil also said that he would speak with European finance ministers Wednesday and that a key challenge would be finding ways of boosting investment using EU institutions.

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has criticized China and India, among other nations, for unfair trade practices impacting the American textiles and apparel sector. China's non-market policies and India's high tariffs and export incentives are disadvantaging US manufacturers. The EU also faces scrutiny for imposing non-tariff barriers, increasing compliance costs for American exporters.

India's economic growth could be slashed by 0.5% due to US tariffs, according to Finance Secretary Seth. Speaking in Washington, Seth highlighted potential damage from indirect consequences, even as India aims for 7% growth in the next decade. The WTO forecasts a global trade slowdown, exacerbated by US policies and tensions with China.

Moody's Ratings has revised India's GDP growth forecast for 2025 to 6.3% due to global policy uncertainty and trade limitations. Geopolitical friction with Pakistan and terror attacks present additional risks. While maintaining a 6.5% growth prediction for 2026, Moody's anticipates the RBI will implement rate cuts to bolster domestic economic growth.

India and the US are in trade talks, with India proposing zero-for-zero tariff arrangements on specific items like steel and pharmaceuticals, contingent on reciprocity and import volumes.

Apple's shares declined by 5% following a $10 billion reduction in its stock buyback program and a $900 million cost impact due to US-China trade tensions. CEO Tim Cook cited uncertainties from US tariff policies as the reason for this cautious approach. Despite narrowly beating revenue expectations, Apple forecasts modest growth and is diversifying its supply chain away from China.

Donald Trump is attributing economic successes to his policies while blaming Joe Biden for recent downturns, including the GDP contraction. Despite market volatility caused by his tariffs, Trump defends them as beneficial and claims credit for investments. He criticizes Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell but signals he won't remove him early, anticipating a future replacement.

Amid US-China trade tensions, India and Japan could negotiate more favorable trade deals with the US. However, they are unlikely to jeopardize their significant trade relationships with China, which has warned against agreements detrimental to its interests.

S&P Global Ratings has revised down the US GDP growth forecast for 2025 to 1.5% and 2026 to 1.7%, citing uncertainties from reciprocal tariffs announced by the US. While anticipating a slowdown, S&P doesn't foresee a US recession, but acknowledges downside risks due to potential tariff impacts on the real economy and global trade.

Amid economic concerns after new tariffs, Donald Trump attributed the downturn to Joe Biden. Trump stated tariffs will boost the US economy. He reminded that he assumed office in January. The US economy shrank in the first quarter. This was due to increased imports and decreased government spending. Peter Navarro called the data a positive sign.

Gold prices fell on Wednesday due to optimism surrounding potential U.S.-China trade talks, diminishing demand for safe-haven assets. Investors are keenly awaiting the U.S. Federal Reserve's policy announcement later today.

Declining travel demand, fueled by trade policy uncertainties and anti-American sentiment, threatens significant economic losses for the US. Major travel companies report stalled demand and withdrew projections, while analysts estimate reduced foreign travel expenditure could lower US GDP by billions. Americans are also showing caution in discretionary spending, exacerbating concerns about a potential recession.

China asserts it's on the "right side of history" amidst escalating trade tensions with the US, marked by hefty tariffs. A top Chinese official, Zhao Chenxin, warned that the US's trade war would backfire, criticising its unilateral actions. Beijing pledged to protect its economy, acknowledging pressures on exports and job impacts due to US tariffs.

India is considering increasing fertiliser imports from the US to address trade imbalances and reduce reliance on countries like China and Russia. This move aligns with efforts to negotiate a trade agreement with the US, seeking better access for Indian exports in exchange for increased imports of American goods, including automobiles and farm products.

Moody's Ratings projects a significant slowdown in China's economic growth, forecasting GDP to dip below 4% in the next two years. Intensifying trade tensions and weakening global conditions are expected to dampen investment and consumer confidence.