US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said he expects President Trump to sign more trade deals with countries in Southeast Asia during a trip later this year https://t.co/ueLt24mVDU ...

Geopolitical Relations - A secret letter from Xi Jinping to Indian officials aimed to improve Beijing-Delhi ties [1] - The letter raised concerns about potential harm to China's interests from US trade deals [1]

Trump’s so-called trade deals over the past month had an important shortcoming: they weren’t exactly fully fledged https://t.co/RGgL28dQjS ...

Geopolitical Strategy & Trade Negotiations - The US is employing a non-linear, multi-lever economic strategy in geopolitics, leveraging military operations, diplomatic channels, financial sanctions, and oil markets to bring parties to the table and secure agreements [5][9][11] - The US is using military operations, such as those in Ukraine, as levers in negotiations, challenging notions of Russian dominance and pushing back against perceived leverage [7][8][9] - The US is leveraging financial sanctions, including freezing assets and potentially seizing Russian assets for Ukrainian benefit, as a significant tool in trade negotiations [13][14] - The US is considering offering "carrots" like lifting sanctions on Russian banks and cooperating on Arctic routes to incentivize cooperation alongside pressure tactics [15][16] - Arctic shipping routes are emerging as a critical geopolitical factor, with China and Russia collaborating to create a challenger to existing routes, impacting shipping insurance premiums and logistics costs [18][19] Digital Assets & Currency Competition - The rise of BRICS economies, de-dollarization efforts, and CBDC experiments are driving a rejig of the trade and dollar system, raising concerns within the US [23] - The US legalization of crypto has led to a significant liquidity event, with potential for further influx from other regions, particularly through 401ks [23] - Sovereign Bitcoin reserves are emerging, with the US and China becoming major holders, signaling a shift in government attitudes towards crypto as a reserve asset [24][25] - China is seriously considering launching a yuan-backed stablecoin from Hong Kong, indicating growing competition in the stablecoin space [27] - Different theaters are emerging around digital assets, including dollar-backed ecosystems, potentially neutral areas like Bitcoin, and alternative stablecoins/CBDCs from BRICS regions [28][29] Financial Market Dynamics - Liquidity dried up in bond markets after tariff announcements, but this has largely been resolved, though global bond markets and interest rates are experiencing significant shifts [32]

Economic Outlook & Policy - The discussion revolves around the US economy's performance and the impact of President Trump's policies, particularly tariffs, on the market and inflation [3][4][5] - Experts initially predicted significant negative impacts from tariffs, including potential recession, especially if tariffs reached levels like 145% [6][9] - However, after 90 days of tariffs, inflation has not risen as drastically as predicted, suggesting the market is responding positively [10] - Tariffs are being used as a negotiation tactic to bring countries to the table and recalibrate government financing [8][9] Trade & Negotiations - Trade deals with countries like Japan, Philippines, and the EU are considered wins, largely attributed to the use of tariffs as leverage [8] - There is optimism for a favorable trade deal with China in the coming months [8] - The aim is to encourage countries to invest in the US market and secure better trade terms [9][14] Business & Investment - Capital expenditures are increasing, which is seen as a positive indicator for future economic growth [20] - The US is being recentered as the focal point of the global economy, attracting investment [14] - Real wages for working people have increased by $1,100 this year [19] Presidential Impact & Perception - The president's approach is viewed as prioritizing what's best for America, focusing on both capital and labor, and aiming for market success and wage growth [7] - There are divided opinions on the president's strategies, with some trusting his negotiation skills and others questioning his understanding of economic matters [11][17] - The president's actions have caused discomfort and confusion among some supporters, requiring them to defend certain policies [17][18]

For all the triumphalism from Trump on trade deals, a symptom of his rush to raise tariffs is emerging: messy economic consequences https://t.co/gck36bfFuU ...

Trade Policy - Donald Trump's advisers employed aggressive strategies to secure desired trade agreements for the president [1] - Significant aspects of numerous trade agreements remain incomplete [1]

Trade Policy & Legal Challenges - A federal appeals court is hearing arguments about whether President Trump overstepped his authority to impose tariffs, potentially rendering trade deals illegal [1] - Piper Sandler suggests the administration is struggling to justify the tariffs, arguing the President is claiming national emergency powers without statutory authority [2][3] - The legality of tariffs is questioned, citing Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution, which grants Congress the authority to impose tariffs [4][5] - The case is likely headed to the Supreme Court, with potential rulings in the coming months and a decision possibly by June [6][7] - There is a possibility that the Supreme Court may strike down the tariffs, with originalist and liberal judges potentially aligning against broad presidential authority [7][8][9] Market Impact & Investor Sentiment - The market's reaction to a potential overturning of trade deals is uncertain, with investors seemingly unconcerned about the tariffs [10][11] - The market consensus appears to be that the worst of the tariffs is over, but this view is challenged as deals are raising, not lowering, tariffs [11][12][13]

What are these trade deals that the Trump administration is doing going to do for Ford's EV competitiveness globally. And what if anything needs to happen in these uh negotiations the administration's in with China. >> Well, yes.I I think first of all, you know, the EU and the Japan trade agreement are pretty material for our for our industry. For a company like Ford who makes most of its products in the US, you know, that's a $5 $6,000 benefit. Um and so what we're working with the administration is the la ...

Tariffs Impact & Mitigation - Ford experienced an $800 million impact from tariffs in Q2 and expects a $2 billion impact for the full year [1] - The company is in productive conversations with the administration to mitigate the tariff impact [2] - Ford aims to reduce its tariff bill due to multiple layers of tariffs on imported parts, despite manufacturing 80% of its vehicles in the US [6] - The company is working with the administration to simplify tariffs and decrease the burden to become more competitive with imported brands [14] Quality & Recalls - Ford had a $570 million charge in Q2 related to recalls [8] - Initial quality is now competitive, with Ford being the most awarded company and brand in IQS JD Powers initial quality [9] - Recalls are primarily related to vehicles engineered from 2015 and 2016, often involving software updates [9] - The company expects recalls to potentially increase as it enhances quality inspections and addresses issues in older vehicles [10] - Warranty coverages are decreasing due to quality improvements [11] Trade Deals & Competitiveness - EU and Japan trade agreements offer a $5,000 benefit for Ford, which manufactures most of its products in the US [13] - The company is working with the administration to address the layering of tariffs to improve competitiveness [13][14]