特朗普稳赚，欧洲将向美企提供稀土，美联储分歧加大，降息悬了

Core Insights - The article highlights the contrasting dynamics of the U.S. economy, showcasing the impact of Trump's tariff policies on both strategic resources and monetary policy challenges [1][3]. Tariff Policy Impact - Trump's tariff policy has significantly increased the U.S. weighted average tariff rate from 2.5% at the beginning of the year to 13.6%, representing a more than fivefold increase, effectively acting as a substantial tax hike on the U.S. economy [3]. - The tariff strategy has led to a critical situation in the global rare earth market, where the U.S. relies heavily on imports from China, accounting for over 90% of its rare earth needs [4]. Rare Earth Supply Agreements - In October, Solvay Group, a major European chemical company, announced significant agreements to supply rare earth oxides to U.S. companies, indicating a strategic move to diversify supply sources [6]. - Solvay is one of the few companies capable of competing with China in rare earth processing, having recently restarted production lines in France, although full capacity for certain rare earth elements will not be achieved until 2026 [7][9]. Supply Limitations - Despite the agreements, the supply quantities are marked as "limited," and commercial production is contingent on ongoing support from customers and the government [9]. - Solvay's raw materials will need to be sourced from countries like Australia or through recycling, and there are considerations for establishing manufacturing facilities in the U.S. due to more substantial financial support compared to Europe [9]. Federal Reserve's Monetary Policy Dilemma - The Federal Reserve is facing a significant internal debate regarding interest rate policies, with differing views on the urgency of addressing inflation versus maintaining current employment levels [11][13]. - The ongoing government shutdown has led to a unique situation where critical economic data, such as CPI and employment reports, may never be released, complicating the Fed's decision-making process [15]. Inflation Concerns - A UBS report indicates that Trump's tariff policies could raise core personal consumption expenditure inflation by 0.8 percentage points by 2026, with cumulative effects potentially reaching 1.9 percentage points when considering supply chain shifts [16]. - The Fed is grappling with the dual challenge of a slowing economy that may require rate cuts and persistent inflation driven by tariffs, creating a complex environment for monetary policy [18]. Price Implications - Solvay's expansion in France is expected to result in higher production costs, with U.S. defense procurement officials noting that domestic rare earth products are priced two to three times higher than their Chinese counterparts [19]. - This price disparity is likely to be passed on to consumers, affecting the prices of various products that utilize rare earth elements, which is a scenario the Fed is keen to avoid [19].