Core Insights - The Trump administration's economic team is adjusting its messaging strategy in response to weak employment data and ongoing inflation pressures, advising the president to convey a message of patience until next year [1][2] - Despite the current economic challenges, advisors are optimistic about future improvements, projecting that economic indicators will begin to show positive changes by early 2026 [1][3] - Public perception of Trump's economic leadership has become increasingly negative, with recent polls indicating that only 37% of adults approve of his handling of the economy [5] Group 1: Economic Messaging Strategy - Advisors suggest that Trump should focus on a long-term optimistic outlook, indicating that significant economic improvements are expected by 2026 [1][2] - The administration is emphasizing supply-side reforms and historic trade agreements aimed at revitalizing American manufacturing [3] Group 2: Economic Reality and Public Perception - Key economic indicators remain weak, with monthly job growth slowing and inflation continuing to affect consumers [4] - Public opinion has shifted negatively, with a significant portion of voters believing that Trump's policies have worsened the economy since he took office [5] Group 3: Policy Challenges - Independent economists warn that some of Trump's policies, particularly regarding immigration and tariffs, may hinder growth and increase costs in the short term [7] - There is a concern that ignoring comprehensive economic indicators in policy-making could lead to significant government errors [8]

Group 1 - The European Union plans to double the steel import tariff rate to 50%, aligning it with the United States' tariff rate [1][3][4] - Following the announcement, European steel stocks surged, with SSAB rising over 9%, Outokumpu over 8%, and ArcelorMittal over 5% [1][3] - The EU's current temporary mechanism imposes a 25% tariff on most imports once quotas are exhausted, set to expire in June [3][4] Group 2 - The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) has warned that the increased tariffs could raise commodity prices and exacerbate inflation, urging for a temporary measure with a re-evaluation [1][5][6] - Recent statistics show that the Eurozone inflation rate rose to 2.2% in September, surpassing the European Central Bank's target of 2% [6] - Concerns have been raised by some EU member states about the potential negative impact on downstream manufacturers due to increased steel prices [6] Group 3 - EU industry officials have indicated that the new regulations will not have a time limit, differing from the current system that is set to expire [4][6] - The proposal requires approval from the European Parliament and a majority of EU member states, with some countries expressing concerns about inflation and competitiveness [6] - The EU's actions are seen as a response to similar measures taken by the United States and Canada regarding steel imports [4][6]

Core Viewpoint - South Korea is unable to meet the U.S. demand for an immediate $350 billion investment payment as part of a tariff reduction agreement, leading to a search for alternative solutions [1] Group 1: Investment and Economic Implications - South Korea's investment of $350 billion will be structured through loans, loan guarantees, and equity investments, rather than an upfront payment [1] - The South Korean government believes that such a large financial commitment could potentially lead to a financial crisis for the country [1] - South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung indicated that without safeguards like currency swaps, the country could face a crisis if forced to make large expenditures, given its $410 billion foreign exchange reserves [1] Group 2: Trade Agreement Negotiations - Negotiations for a formal trade agreement have reached a stalemate, particularly regarding the U.S. proposal for oversight on the $350 billion investment [1] - The initial agreement reached in July to reduce U.S. tariffs on South Korea from 25% to 15% is now complicated by these financial discussions [1]

他补充道："我们的立场并非是一种谈判策略。" 今年7月，韩国与美国达成了一项3500亿美元的投资承诺，作为一项更广泛的贸易协议的一部分，该协 议旨在将美国关税从25%降至15%。但双方在如何安排这一投资计划的问题上仍存在分歧。 日本也做出了一项类似的5500亿美元投资承诺，但具体实施细节仍不明确，而该协议中披露的细节令首 尔官员感到担忧。 韩国总理金珉奭上周表示，若不与美国达成货币互换协议，这笔投资将对韩国经济造成严重冲击。3500 亿美元的投资相当于韩国外汇储备的80%以上。 日本也对其5500亿美元的美国投资计划也表达了谨慎态度。日本执政党领导人的热门候选人高市早苗表 示，如果与美国的协议不符合日本的利益，那么日本可能会与美国重新进行贸易谈判。 高市早苗周日就该投资基金表示："如果在协议执行过程中发现任何不公平、不符合日本利益的情况， 我们必须坚持立场。这可能意味着需要重新谈判。" 据报道，美国商务部长霍华德·卢特尼克告诉韩国官员，华盛顿更倾向于以现金而非贷款的方式进行投 资。 魏圣洛表示，韩国政府正在探索替代方案，并希望两国领导人下个月在庆州举行的亚太经合组织峰会上 会面时能够取得进展。 智通财经APP ...

Group 1 - South Korea is unable to provide $350 billion in cash to the U.S. as part of a trade agreement aimed at reducing tariffs from 25% to 15% [2][3] - The South Korean government is exploring alternative solutions, including loans and bilateral currency swap arrangements, to mitigate economic impacts [2][3] - The $350 billion investment fund is a core component of the trade agreement, but both parties are at an impasse regarding the fund's operational structure [3] Group 2 - South Korea's National Security Advisor stated that the proposed cash payment is beyond the country's capacity [2] - The South Korean government emphasizes the economic disparity between South Korea and Japan, which recently finalized a $550 billion investment commitment [3] - Discussions regarding currency exchange rates have concluded, with details expected to be announced soon, indicating a separation from currency swap negotiations [2]

大家好，关注一则韩国发生的大事件。 韩国无法按贸易协议以现金支付3500亿美元 周日，一位韩国高官表示，按照华盛顿方面的设想，韩国无法向美国以现金提供3500亿美元，以换取下 调关税。 国家安全顾问魏圣洛在接受电视采访时说："我们的立场并不是谈判策略。这在客观上、现实中都不是 我们能够承受的水平。我们无法以现金支付3500亿美元。" 美韩谈判陷入僵局 此前，美韩在7月就一项3500亿美元的投资承诺达成一致，作为更广泛贸易协议的一部分，以把美国关 税从25%降至15%。但双方仍在如何设计该安排上存在分歧。 韩方官员正寻求通过贷款以及与美国达成双边货币互换安排来缓冲经济影响，并指出该金额相当于其外 汇储备的80%以上。 据报道，美国商务部长已告知韩方，美方更倾向于以现金而非贷款进行投资。特朗普近期也将这笔出资 描述为"预先支付"。 韩国方面表示，政府正在探索替代方案，并希望在下月于庆州举行的APEC峰会上两国领导人会晤时取 得进展。 另据韩联社报道，韩国财政部长表示，已就汇率问题与美方结束磋商，相关细节将很快公布；他同时指 出，该讨论与货币互换谈判属于不同议题。 他指出，虽然确定由谁来作出基金的投资决策以及如何分 ...

Core Viewpoint - South Korea is unable to pay the $350 billion in cash to the U.S. as part of a trade agreement aimed at reducing tariffs, highlighting significant economic constraints and differing expectations between the two nations [2][3]. Group 1: Trade Agreement Details - A South Korean official stated that the country cannot provide $350 billion in cash to the U.S. to lower tariffs from 25% to 15% as previously agreed upon [3]. - The amount requested by the U.S. represents over 80% of South Korea's foreign exchange reserves, making it an unrealistic demand for the Korean economy [3]. - The U.S. Secretary of Commerce has indicated a preference for cash payments rather than loans for the investment, complicating negotiations [3]. Group 2: Negotiation Stalemate - The negotiations between the U.S. and South Korea have reached a deadlock, with South Korea emphasizing that it cannot accept terms similar to Japan's $550 billion investment commitment due to differences in economic scale [4][5]. - South Korea's National Policy Office Director pointed out that the economic environments of South Korea and Japan are fundamentally different, particularly regarding currency swap arrangements and the status of the yen as a reserve currency [5][6]. - The $350 billion fund is a critical component of the trade agreement, yet there are ongoing disagreements about its operational structure and management [6].

Core Viewpoint - South Korea's National Security Office Chief, Wei Shenglu, stated that the country cannot fulfill the $350 billion investment commitment to the U.S. as suggested by Trump, and is currently seeking alternative solutions, with discussions expected in October [1] Group 1 - South Korea is looking for alternative solutions regarding the $350 billion investment to the U.S. [1] - A trade agreement framework was established between South Korea and the U.S. in July 2025, where the U.S. would lower tariffs on South Korean goods in exchange for the investment [1] - Lee Jae-myung warned that if South Korea complies with the U.S. demands, it could face a situation similar to the 1997 financial crisis [1]

1. Report Industry Investment Rating - Not provided in the document 2. Core View of the Report - This week, natural rubber is expected to operate in a weak and volatile manner. Supply is in the peak season with weakening upward momentum of raw materials. Downstream tire factories have basically completed pre - holiday restocking, and it is difficult for the spot inventory of natural rubber to see a significant reduction. Coupled with the increasing risk - aversion sentiment of funds approaching the holiday and the weakening of the macro - commodity sentiment, it is expected that RU will fluctuate weakly [97]. 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs 3.1 Industry News - In the first eight months of 2025, Thailand's total exports of natural rubber and mixed rubber were 2.906 million tons, a year - on - year increase of 6.3%, and its total exports to China were 1.807 million tons, a year - on - year increase of 27% [5]. - In August 2025, the global light - vehicle sales reached 7.2 million units, a year - on - year increase of 4.1%, and the cumulative sales from January to August increased by 5% to 59 million units [6]. - On September 24, 2025, the US government officially announced the implementation of the US - EU trade agreement, imposing a 15% tariff on EU - imported cars and auto products since August 1 [6]. - In August 2025, EU passenger - car sales increased by 5.3% year - on - year to 677,786 units, but the cumulative sales in the first eight months decreased by 0.1% year - on - year [7]. 3.2 Price - This week, RU was weak, while the futures prices of standard rubber and smoked sheets rose. On September 26, 2025, the closing price of RU2601 was 15,470 yuan/ton, a month - on - month decrease of 0.42%; the closing price of NR2601 was 12,465 yuan/ton, a month - on - month increase of 0.56%; the closing price of Singapore TSR20:2601 was 172.6 cents/kg, a month - on - month increase of 0.52%; the closing price of Tokyo RSS3:2601 was 308.3 yen/kg, a month - on - month increase of 0.49% [10][12]. 3.3 Basis and Spread - **Basis and Calendar Spread**: On September 26, 2025, the basis of whole - milk rubber to RU01 was - 820 yuan/ton, a month - on - month increase of 1.80% and a year - on - year increase of 43.06%; the 01 - 05 calendar spread was 35 yuan/ton, a month - on - month increase of 600.00% and a year - on - year increase of 124.14% [18]. - **Other Spreads**: RU - NR, RU - BR, and RU - JPX RSS3 spreads decreased, while the NR - SGX TSR20 spread increased. The prices of imported rubber in the market decreased this week, and the trading of non - standard basis was light. The spread between whole - milk and Thai - mixed rubber and the spread between 3L and Thai - mixed rubber decreased [19][22][25]. 3.4 Substitute Prices - This week, the overall price of synthetic rubber declined. The supply of butadiene increased, and the cost side lacked driving force. The pre - holiday restocking was coming to an end, and downstream buyers continued to purchase on dips [30]. 3.5 Capital Flows - The virtual - to - physical ratio of RU decreased slightly, and the settled funds decreased significantly. The virtual - to - physical ratio of NR continued to decline, and the settled funds also declined significantly. On September 26, 2025, the virtual - to - physical ratio of RU was 12.10, a month - on - month decrease of 0.65% and a year - on - year increase of 10.54%; the virtual - to - physical ratio of NR was 27.26, a month - on - month decrease of 8.82% and a year - on - year increase of 252.19% [33][35]. 3.6 Fundamental Data 3.6.1 Supply - **Weather in Producing Areas**: In Thailand, the rainfall in the southern part was slightly lower than the same period last year, and the rainfall in the northeastern part was at a seasonal high. In China, affected by typhoons, the precipitation in Hainan increased on the 25th and 26th, but the average precipitation in the past month decreased compared with last week. Yunnan is gradually entering the end of the rainy season [38][40]. - **Raw Material Prices**: Raw material prices were differentiated. The price of Thai cup lump rebounded, while the prices of Thai latex, smoked sheets, and Hainan latex decreased [42]. - **Raw Material Spreads**: The spread between Thai latex and cup lump decreased, and the spread between Hainan latex for concentrated latex production and that for whole - milk rubber production increased [50]. - **Upstream Processing Profits**: The overall rubber processing profit improved [51]. - **Delivery Profits**: The delivery profit of whole - milk rubber in Hainan continued to decline, while that in Yunnan increased marginally [56]. - **Exports**: In August, Thailand's natural rubber exports continued to increase month - on - month, but the exports of standard rubber decreased significantly both year - on - year and month - on - month. The exports of natural rubber from Thailand to China, Indonesia to China, and Vietnam to China all showed different degrees of growth. In August, China imported 520,800 tons of natural rubber (including mixed rubber and compound rubber), a month - on - month increase of 9.68% and a year - on - year increase of 5.39% [62][65][68][72][76][79]. 3.6.2 Demand - **Tire Capacity Utilization and Inventory**: Currently, most tire enterprises maintain their previous operating levels. The overall operating rate is slightly adjusted. The tire inventory continues to rebound slightly. During the "National Day" holiday, some enterprises plan to take a 5 - 8 - day holiday, which will have a greater impact on the capacity utilization rate of sample enterprises in the next period [85]. - **Tire Exports and Heavy - Truck Sales**: In August, the exports of all - steel and semi - steel tires decreased month - on - month but remained at a relatively high level year - on - year. In August, the sales volume of heavy trucks continued to recover both year - on - year and month - on - month, and the sales volume of passenger cars increased both year - on - year and month - on - month [86]. - **Highway Transportation Turnover**: In August, the freight turnover of highway transportation improved slightly both year - on - year and month - on - month, while the passenger turnover decreased year - on - year [89]. 3.6.3 Inventory - **Spot Inventory**: The current natural rubber inventory continues to decline. The inventory in Qingdao continues to decline moderately, the Yunnan rubber inventory shows a slight increase, and the decline in Vietnam is gradually expanding compared with the previous period [91]. - **Futures Inventory**: On September 26, 2025, the futures inventory of natural rubber on the Shanghai Futures Exchange was 149,400 tons, a week - on - week decrease of 3.55% and a year - on - year decrease of 37.78%; the futures inventory of 20 - numbered rubber on the Shanghai International Energy Exchange was 42,900 tons, a week - on - week decrease of 3.62% and a year - on - year decrease of 67.28% [94].

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing trade negotiations between the U.S. and South Korea are facing significant challenges, particularly regarding the large investment demands from the U.S. and the potential financial risks for South Korea [1][3][4]. Group 1: Trade Agreement Details - In July, a verbal trade agreement was reached where the U.S. would reduce tariffs on South Korean goods from 25% to 15%, in exchange for South Korea establishing a $350 billion investment fund to support its companies in the U.S. [3] - Out of the $350 billion, $150 billion is earmarked for the shipbuilding industry, and South Korean private enterprises have committed to an additional $150 billion investment [3]. Group 2: Economic Concerns - South Korean President Lee Jae-myung expressed concerns that fulfilling the U.S. demand for a $350 billion cash investment could lead to a financial crisis similar to that of 1997, given South Korea's foreign reserves of $416.3 billion compared to Japan's $820 billion [3][4]. - The South Korean government is emphasizing that any investment must align with national interests and be commercially viable [3][4]. Group 3: Negotiation Stalemate - The negotiations are currently stalled, with South Korean representatives pushing for the majority of the funds to be provided as loans rather than direct investments [4]. - The recent U.S. immigration enforcement actions against South Korean companies in Georgia have added further uncertainty to South Korean investments in the U.S. [4][6]. Group 4: Visa Issues - The ongoing visa issues for South Korean workers in the U.S. are creating additional complications for investment projects, with South Korean officials urging the U.S. government to resolve these matters promptly [4][6]. - South Korean Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum indicated that without a resolution to the visa issues, substantial progress on investment projects is unlikely [4][6].