Trump’s Three-Pronged Tariff Strategy
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.
Howard Lutnick Goes Big on ‘Reciprocal’ Tariffs, Reshoring Supply Chains
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.
Trump’s America First Trade Policy: CPA Reviews New Trade Agenda
On day one of the new administration, rather than any new tariffs, President Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum titled America First Trade Policy.
Free Trade Agreements Have Damaged U.S. Agricultural Trade Performance
Decades of free trade agreements have led to a record $39 billion agricultural trade deficit in 2024, undermining the broader U.S. agricultural industry.
Trump Tells Davos: Prepare for Tariffs, “Golden Age”
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.
China-based Trina Solar’s Market Access to U.S. Faces Increasing Hurdles
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.
As Food Imports Rise, FDA Drops Ball on Food Inspections Worldwide
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.
At Scott Bessent Treasury Hearing: A Battle over Tax Cut Extensions and Questions About Tariffs
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.
Marco Rubio a Shoo-in for Secretary of State; Talks Trade as Key Component of China Strategy
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) will be confirmed as Secretary of State. He had very little pushback in his confirmation hearing among his colleagues on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Senate Finance Committee Priorities: Renew Tax Cuts Expiring This Year, Open Markets for Agriculture Exports
Senator Michael Crapo (R-ID) is already setting his agenda: renewing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), expiring this year, and new trade deals that open agriculture markets to U.S. exports.
