President Trump addressed a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, making it clear that he intends to continue the course he set when he took office on January 20. He reaffirmed broad-based tax cuts, increased tariffs, deregulation of US business, increased domestic energy production, along with maintaining America’s leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) and other critical technologies. He praised the work of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for cutting the size of government, the new measures to restrict...

Read more

The tariff landscape for importers remains fluid as new duties on Mexico, Canada, and China took effect this week, with additional announcements made. Here’s the latest on key developments. Mexico & Canada: The previously suspended 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada were reinstated Tuesday, with an amendment (click to read) taking effect at 12:01 AM today. The details of tariff enforcement are becoming complicated. For example, any Mexican or Canadian origin goods that qualify for free entry under the USMCA will NOT...

Read more

EU leaders approve “ReArm Europe” plan to boost defence spending European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled the key elements of her proposed “ReArm Europe” plan on Tuesday (4 March), aimed at strengthening the EU’s defence spending and capabilities in response to the current era of rearmament. The plan includes €150 billion in subsidised loans to help member states bolster their defences. EU leaders endorsed its main lines on Thursday (6 March) during a special European Council meeting. Finally, Ms. Von der Leyen...

Read more

The EIB Group Forum brings together senior policymakers, business leaders, academics, and civil society representatives to discuss Europe’s prosperity, security and global cooperation. President Calviño puts security of our societies at the heart of the EIB Group’s activity, thanks to investments in industries, security and defence, energy grids, green transition, social infrastructure and global partnerships.     The launch of the flagship EIB Group Investment Report calls for EU market integration, simplification and investments in innovation, echoing the most recent European Commission initiatives. Nadia Calviño, President of the European Investment...

Read more

For transportation and logistics, chief concerns are the cost of trucks and steel as most are produced overseas. Whether or not you’re in the importing-exporting business, the planned tariffs are expected to impact most industries because every business needs goods — with many coming from other countries. For transportation and logistics, a chief concern is the future cost of trucks, as most are assembled in Mexico. The price of steel is also a concern, since most of it comes from Canada, Mexico, and Brazil via...

Read more

Overview:  Talk emerged yesterday that the dramatic losses US equities amid recession fears in light of the rash of tariff announcements and threats would draw the new administration's attention. Commerce Secretary Lutnick suggested yesterday that President Trump may consider a compromise on Mexico and Canadian tariffs announced yesterday. There was no sign of that in the president's address to the joint session of Congress yesterday. US index futures are trading 0.6%-0.8% higher. The other significant development is the opening up...

Read more

In what may be a surprise to those who thought that restrictions on the use of noncompetes would go away with the change in administration, this week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that the agency will form a Joint Labor Task Force that will “prioritize rooting out and prosecuting deceptive, unfair, and anticompetitive labor-market practices that harm American workers.” FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson issued a memorandum reminding everyone that the FTC’s authority includes protecting American consumers in their role...

Read more

In recent weeks, while Russia's war on Ukraine continues and Beijing continues to harass its neighbors, the U.S. tariff threats and doubts that its defense commitments will be sustained, have emerged as the most significant challenge for businesses, investors, and policymakers. These tariffs are aimed at protecting domestic industries, forcing a re-shoring of production, and raising revenue. If, and when implemented, the tariffs can be expected to impact economic growth, inflation, and various industrial sectors. It signals a further...

Read more