Overview

• President Trump reaffirmed that the 145% tariffs on Chinese imports are temporary, hinting at potential negotiations, though no formal discussions are underway.
• Major corporations, including General Motors and Ford, report multibillion-dollar profit hits, while small businesses struggle with rising costs and supply chain disruptions.
• U.S. stock markets declined as investor concerns grow over prolonged trade tensions and unclear White House trade policies.
• Container traffic from China to the U.S. has dropped by 35%, highlighting severe disruptions in trade flow and economic activity.
• Retailers and economists warn of rising consumer prices, with businesses delaying investments and hiring decisions due to ongoing uncertainty.