India’s central bank is taking active steps to allow free-trade partners to settle transactions with it more easily in the rupee, a person familiar with the matter says https://t.co/yXHQ6I5IDX ...

A mix of rising Chinese competition, the after-effects of covid-19 and a broad shift away from multilateral free trade has left Britain peculiarly vulnerable https://t.co/U6o4JrXMhp ...

Liberalise at home and lead a new free-trade revolution https://t.co/NdOkcu1aha ...

Core Points - The Supreme Court's potential ruling on President Trump's tariffs could significantly impact economic forecasts and business planning, particularly if the tariffs are deemed unconstitutional [1][2] - Tariff uncertainty has led to a slowdown in hiring and capital spending across various sectors, with businesses hesitant to commit due to the unpredictable tariff landscape [3] - New tariffs can still be imposed under national security laws, which are not affected by the current ruling, potentially expanding tariffs on industries like semiconductors and pharmaceuticals [4] Economic Impact - If the challenged tariffs remain in place, consumer prices could rise by approximately 1%, leading to reduced spending, although this may not trigger a recession [5] - The global economy is undergoing structural changes as businesses adapt to tariff uncertainties, with a shift towards shorter supply chains and diversified sourcing strategies [6][7] - These adjustments may lead to a slight increase in production costs, impacting consumer prices but not significantly harming the overall economy [10] Business Strategies - Companies are increasingly sourcing materials locally or diversifying their supply chains to mitigate risks associated with tariffs [7][9] - The transition to more localized production and diversified sourcing will take time, but it is expected to gradually reshape global production dynamics [11] - The outcome of the Supreme Court decision will have varying effects on specific companies, necessitating close monitoring by affected business leaders [12]

Business strategy - The company emphasizes its global reach due to its small size and exclusive, high-end brand with a "made in Italy" DNA, requiring worldwide sales [1] - The company focuses on maintaining production in Italy to ensure security and stability for customers [2] - The company is prepared to handle complexities and adapt to whatever challenges arise in the business environment [3] Trade and Tariffs - The company views free trade as the ideal approach [1][3] - Tariffs have created uncertainty, but the company anticipates finding a balance between costs and customer impact [3] Competitive Landscape - The company states it has no competitors inside or outside the US [1]

Market Trends & Strategy - Lamborghini emphasizes regionalization over globalization, recognizing the growth in high-net-worth individuals globally, including in previously untapped markets like China [7][8] - The company aims to avoid market saturation by maintaining a global sales view across its 56 markets and 186 dealers, given the context of 80 million cars delivered annually worldwide [9] - Lamborghini is strategically expanding its model lineup from two to three models, with the Urus SUV contributing significantly to volume growth [5][10] - The brand is considering a fourth model, a Gran Turismo (GT) car, to fill a gap in the supercar market [14] - Lamborghini is delaying the all-electric vehicle timeline due to flattening EV demand, opting for a plug-in hybrid Urus successor [29][30] Brand & Customer Profile - Lamborghini sales have increased at least fivefold in the last 20 years, driven by unique brand elements and limited-edition cars that appreciate in value [5][6] - The company's clients, predominantly male entrepreneurs, value the "made in Italy" heritage and typically own at least five cars, with Reuelto owners averaging ten cars [16][17] - The average Lamborghini buyer is under 45 years old, with a significant portion in Asia around 30 years old, including both second-generation wealth and self-made entrepreneurs [18] - Lamborghini is actively working to attract more female buyers through targeted events like "She Drives a Lambo" and by leveraging the Urus's broader appeal [20][21] External Factors - Lamborghini emphasizes the importance of free trade for its global operations, given its small size and exclusive brand positioning [23][24] - The company acknowledges the complexities of tariffs but remains committed to finding a balance between its interests and customer value [26]

Market Dynamics - The report suggests that the current global landscape deviates from a purely free trade and market competition environment [1] - US dynamism is expected to outperform planning and economic statecraft in a free market scenario, but this is not the current reality [1]

Pricing Strategy & Tariff Impact - Lamborghini aims to maintain stable pricing for its Urus and other models [1] - The company acknowledges absorbing a portion of tariff costs on new cars [1] Global Trade & Market Access - Free trade is crucial for Lamborghini's global sales success [2] - "Made in Italy" is a key differentiator, limiting competition and emphasizing production location [2] Future Strategy & Investment - Lamborghini prioritizes profitability for reinvestment in future technologies [3] - The company focuses on brand awareness and image to cultivate a loyal customer base [3] - Staying ahead of trends is essential for Lamborghini's continued success [4]

Manufacturing & Supply Chain - Bringing manufacturing back to America is a desirable goal, echoing Steve Jobs' vision of integrated design and manufacturing [1] - End-to-end control over the manufacturing process, from microchips to finished products, is crucial for high-end products [1][9] - Global supply chains, while offering comparative advantages, can lead to a disconnect between design and manufacturing [1] - A potential 10-15% advantage for companies building in America could incentivize domestic manufacturing [1] Trade & Policy - The speaker has shifted from a staunch free trade advocate to recognizing the importance of domestic manufacturing for job creation and economic stability [1][2] - Unpredictable tariffs, like those implemented by President Trump, are not the ideal approach to incentivizing domestic manufacturing [1][3] - Manufacturing chips in America is crucial to reduce reliance on China [6] Company Specific - Apple's CEO Tim Cook is praised for his ability to navigate political administrations and his expertise in managing complex global supply chains [1] - Apple's collaboration with Corning on Gorilla Glass exemplifies the importance of close partnerships for product perfection [8][9] - Intel's stock is down by 3.8% following concerns about the CEO's ties to China [5]

Trade Policy & Tariffs - The Trump administration imposed new tariffs, some as high as 41%, on countries that haven't reached a trade deal, with these tariffs taking effect a week later [2] - Canada's tariff rate was raised from 25% to 35% [3] - The US has trade deals in place with the UK, Europe, Vietnam, and South Korea, but the tariff increases are significant compared to pre-Trump levels, and the details remain unclear [4] - A federal appeals court is questioning the legality of Trump's unilateral imposition of tariffs using emergency powers [5] - The imposition of tariffs is leading to a "permanent tariff curtain" around the US, potentially ending the era of global free trade led by the US [7] - Future tariffs with most trading partners are expected to be around 15% or higher [10] - Exemptions worth approximately $1 trillion have been granted, with an unclear process for obtaining them [20] Economic Impact & Market Reaction - Tariffs are considered a tax on the American public, with companies initially absorbing the costs before passing them on to consumers, leading to inflation [23] - The market's positive performance is largely driven by a few massive tech companies, while manufacturing companies are bearing the brunt of the tariffs [31] - Specific sectors are negatively impacted, with apparel and accessories stocks down 19%, household products down 7%, and pharmaceuticals down 6% [33] Geopolitical & Legal Considerations - Tariffs are being used not only to correct economic imbalances but also to achieve foreign policy goals, such as influencing Canada's position on Palestine [16] - The legality of using national security as justification for tariffs, especially in cases unrelated to genuine security threats, is under scrutiny [29] - Businesses face uncertainty regarding tariff rates, effective dates, affected goods, and the legal validity of the tariffs [30]