Despite Section 232 global steel tariffs and quotas on European raw steel, imports of steel slabs and steel products like steel rebar are up. The surge is eating into domestic producer market share, and companies are closing shop.
Jamieson Greer seems certain to be approved as the next United States Trade Representative (USTR), but the Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee proved once again that they are anti-tariff—unless the target is China.
Thanks in no small part to a strong dollar, and the animal spirits of the U.S consumer and businesses, the United States goods trade deficit broke a record in 2024.
The tariff threats against America’s northern and southern neighbors were designed to exact concessions from these countries to help Trump address the flow of migrants and drugs across the border.
Trump’s Commerce Secretary pick Howard Lutnick, former head of Cantor Fitzgerald in Manhattan, faced off with the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday in his nomination hearing.
JA Solar is a member of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)—a solar importers lobby deeply connected to Chinese companies—that has been a consistent advocate for policies to benefit China solar imports.
President Donald Trump did a roughly one-hour video call with the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, reminding those in attendance that he is serious about correcting trade imbalances.
The geopolitics of solar are impacting a number of top China solar companies. Trina Solar is the latest. Tariffs on solar made in their southeast Asian factories were increased this month for circumventing duties, and a $235 million investment into Texas was sold in late 2024.
Food imports into the U.S. are on the rise. The trend now is for agricultural commodity trade deficits, rather than surpluses, with key commodities like beef usually in a deficit. Despite the increase in food imports, the Food and Drug Administration conducted far fewer than the annual goal of 19,200 inspections, according to FDA data.
Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent faced a divided Senate Finance Committee on Thursday for another Trump nomination hearing this week. To his credit, Bessent demonstrated a masterful view of the macroeconomics around tariffs, trade, and currency.
