Group 1 - The Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC) reported a record high insured business of HKD 160.848 billion for the fiscal year 2024/25, representing a year-on-year increase of 26.5% [1] - The ECIC recorded a profit of HKD 158.79 million, which includes net investment income of HKD 114.01 million, compared to a profit of HKD 253.5 million and net investment income of HKD 164.14 million in the previous year [1] - The three major insured markets for the ECIC are Mainland China (24.9% of total insured business), the United States (22.1%), and Singapore (14%) [1] Group 2 - The largest insured product category is electronic products, which saw a year-on-year increase of 29%, while textiles and garments and mineral products increased by 17.5% and 119.7%, respectively, ranking second and third [1] - The ECIC aims to support exporters and expand its business portfolio while maintaining low and stable compensation levels despite challenging external environments [1] - The ECIC continues to integrate ESG principles into its operations and is committed to promoting environmental, social, and governance responsibilities [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant impact of tariff policies under the Trump administration, highlighting the adverse effects on U.S. businesses, supply chains, and the broader economy, while also emphasizing the potential long-term consequences for global trade governance [1][10]. Group 1: Impact on U.S. Businesses - Tariff-induced uncertainty has led to a decline in product demand, making it difficult for U.S. companies to pass on rising costs to customers, with some businesses facing potential bankruptcy [4]. - The Dallas Fed's manufacturing survey indicated a sharp decline in the business activity index to -35.8 in April, reflecting the turmoil caused by tariff policies [3]. - Many companies are experiencing increased operational costs due to the need to shift supply chains, with estimates suggesting an 18%-25% increase in operational costs for those relocating production [4]. Group 2: Employment and Economic Consequences - The imposition of tariffs has resulted in negative employment growth in the manufacturing sector, with job losses projected to increase significantly as tariffs rise [5]. - The agricultural sector, particularly U.S. farmers, is facing declining net income and increasing bankruptcy rates due to canceled orders from China, a major buyer of U.S. agricultural products [5]. Group 3: Environmental and Social Implications - The shift in supply chains to countries with weaker industrial bases, such as Vietnam and Mexico, is expected to increase carbon emissions and environmental pollution [7]. - The tariff policies disproportionately affect low-income households, as they spend a larger portion of their income on essential goods that are sensitive to tariff increases, exacerbating income inequality [8][9]. Group 4: Global Trade Governance - The unilateral tariff actions have led to a breakdown of the global trade governance system, replacing multilateral agreements with bilateral coercion, which undermines the effectiveness of the WTO [10]. - The article argues that the tariff policies represent a blend of populism and monopolistic capitalism, posing a legitimacy crisis for global governance and pushing the world towards a "zero-sum game" scenario [10].