India’s economic activity picked pace in January, a flash survey by HSBC Holdings Plc showed, supported by robust domestic demand despite high US tariffs weighing on the economic outlook.The manufacturing purchasing managers’ index rose to 56.8 from 55 in December, while the services purchasing managers’ index climbed to 59.3 from 58. That drove the composite index up to 59.5, compared with 57.8 in December.Steep US tariffs and protracted trade negotiations with Washington threaten the economic prospects fo ...

Group 1: Market Reaction - Shares in home furnishing retailers experienced significant increases following President Trump's announcement of a one-year pause on higher tariffs on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities, with RH rising 9.5% and Wayfair jumping 6.3% [1] - Williams-Sonoma's stock, which focuses on kitchenware and home decor, increased by 5.3% [1][15] - Other American furniture retailers, such as Ethan Allen and La-Z-Boy, saw modest gains of 1% and 0.4%, respectively [3] Group 2: Tariff Details - The original tariff rate of 25% on furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities, set by Trump in September, will remain in place instead of increasing to 30% and 50% as previously planned [4][7] - The higher tariffs were delayed until January 1, 2027, due to ongoing trade negotiations, not a retreat from the tariff agenda [7] - The White House continues to defend the use of tariffs as a national security measure while addressing trade reciprocity concerns [5][13] Group 3: Economic Impact - Economists had expressed concerns that the proposed tariff hikes could lead to substantial price increases for consumers, as furniture is a tariff-sensitive category and a significant purchase for many American families [4] - In November, furniture and bedding prices were reported to have increased by 3% year-over-year according to the Consumer Price Index [4] Group 4: Industry Performance - The furniture industry had mixed results in the previous year, with Wayfair's shares surging over 125% in 2025 as consumers prioritized value [13] - Conversely, RH's shares fell more than 50% during the same period, with the CEO publicly reacting to the stock decline [13][14] - Williams-Sonoma's stock also dipped more than 3% last year [14]

Trade Policy & Tariffs - The administration aimed to reset the global trading order towards a fair and balanced approach, implementing numerous trade deals and tariffs [1][2] - The tariff program is considered crucial for building a new global trading order and protecting US industry, with trading partners having largely accepted the system [5] - The removal of tariffs on specific goods like bananas, coffee, and cocoa was considered to address affordability concerns, especially for goods not produced in the United States [9] - The primary goal of the trade program is to reshore American manufacturing, protect American food security, create jobs, and increase wages, rather than driving prices [12][13] US-China Trade Relations - The US aims for stability in trade relations with China, seeking a more balanced trade relationship, with the trade deficit decreasing by 25% [20] - A potential agreement with China in the first half of next year could outline specific trade items and volumes, representing a form of managed trade [21] - Rare earth elements continue to flow from China, and China has purchased over 5 million metric tons of soybeans, indicating ongoing trade between the two countries [18] - Discussions regarding the TikTok deal involve both private sector agreements and government approvals from the US and China, with an expectation of Chinese government approval [15][16] Trade Relations with Other Regions - The US has expressed strong concerns regarding discriminatory regulatory measures by Europe against US tech companies, which appear to target companies based on revenue or business models [31][32] - Negotiations with India are ongoing to find a good landing zone, while other trade partners have concluded negotiations more quickly [36] - Mexico has requested modifications to steel and aluminum tariffs, and discussions are ongoing, with the US acknowledging Mexico's constructive approach in addressing US concerns [39][40][41] Export Controls & National Security - Export controls are fluid and constantly reviewed to balance national security with technological advancements and foreign availability [25] - Approvals for exporting certain items, like H2O chips, to China are subject to Commerce Department review to ensure US national security is not jeopardized [26] - The US government is closely monitoring China's development of AI chips and semiconductor tools [25]

Trade & Investment - Firms are hesitant to invest due to ongoing country-to-country trade negotiations and the resulting uncertainty [1] - Companies are awaiting clarity on potential tariffs before making investment decisions [1]

International Relations - Brazil seeks US assistance in combating organized crime [1] Trade Negotiations - The collaboration is part of ongoing trade negotiations between Brazil and the US [1]

President Trump has announced frameworks for agreements on reciprocal t trade with El Salvador, Argentina, Ecuador, and Guatemala. Joining us right now on the latest on trade negotiations is United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Jameson Greer. And Ambassador, thank you for being here today.Uh the way it's being boiled down, at least in the headlines, and tell us if this is the right way of seeing this, is that there are going to be uh exemptions to these terri tariff barriers that are there for goo ...

Thailand plans to scrap levies and sharply expand its feed-corn import quota next year to make room for American supplies, part of its concessions in US trade negotiations https://t.co/DBmBenhoXj ...

Trade Relations - US President Donald Trump terminated trade negotiations as punishment for a Canadian-made television ad [1] - The ad used Ronald Reagan's words to explain the dangers of protectionism [1] - Canada can ill afford to provoke America's president [1]

Market Trends - Tesla's stock price increased due to warming trade negotiations between the U_S and China [1] Financial Performance - Elon Musk's net worth surpassed $500 billion again [1]

Trade Negotiations - Treasury Secretary Counselor Joe Lavorgna discusses trade negotiations [1] Government & Policy - The report focuses on the latest news regarding trade negotiations [1]