Small US companies are critical to the US economy, in part because they’re the source of more than half of the country’s job creation. But Donald Trump’s trade war is set to clobber them with a one-two punch: Here’s your Evening Briefing https://t.co/PocsRWKxAX ...

Joining us now, NBC's Gabe Gutierrez reporting from the White House, CNBC's Steve Leeman. With me on set, NBC's Christine Romans and independent journalist Philip Bump. Christine, in the meantime, with all these tariff ups and downs, this is what Yell's Budget Lab found.They calculate the inflationary effects of tariffs will cost a typical household an average as much as $2,400 this year. So, let me start with a question. People want to know what's going up and when.>> Yeah. I mean, we don't know how much a ...

The global economy reset overnight. President Trump's trade war escalated. His new wave of wide-ranging tariffs going into effect at midnight with American consumers set to feel it.On social media, the president celebrating the tariffs which will hit 90 countries. The US imposing a baseline 10% tax on most countries exports, but the tariffs on products from many like Canada, Brazil, and some European countries will be higher. We have a country that is uh going to be very rich.It's uh a country that we're ve ...

So the drink of the summer, the drink of the moment, matcha maybe getting caught up in the Trump administration's trade war and like it is definitely the drink duour. You've probably seen it like in your algorithm on your for you page. Maybe you lined up for it yourself in ice cream form perhaps.But there are new concerns now that we could be drinking and eating the matcha supply dry, especially with the Trump administration's extra 15% tariff on stuff coming in from Japan. Of course, the home of matcha. ...

It is time for money, power, politics. And tonight, the president is ramping up tariff pressure on India, a key US trading partner. He threatened to raise tariffs over their purchases of Russian oil, accusing them, of profiteering and funding Russia's war in Ukraine.India criticized the escalation, calling it unjustified and unreasonable. Because last year, the United States, that is US, publicly supported India's plan. It kept oil flowing in global supply, but at a cheap enough price to shrink Russia's rev ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is targeting significant cost savings in 2025 and has reduced capital spending for 2026, indicating a cautious outlook on macroeconomic conditions [7][8] - There is an expected mid-single-digit drop in demand for the second half of the year, influenced by trade dynamics and seasonality [12][16] - The company anticipates a utilization headwind of approximately $75 million to $100 million in the second half of the year due to inventory reduction efforts [13][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The chemical and materials business is facing challenges due to overcapacity from China, impacting profitability [20][21] - The Methanalysis unit is performing well, with expectations of improved profitability through debottlenecking investments [30][32] - The fibers business is experiencing a decline due to tariff impacts and market demand issues, with a projected $20 million headwind from tariffs [56][91] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The automotive market is expected to see low single-digit declines in the back half of the year, influenced by tariff concerns and consumer behavior [50][51] - The consumer durables market is particularly affected by trade dynamics, leading to cautious purchasing behavior among customers [41][42] - The textile market has slowed down significantly due to tariffs, impacting overall demand [57][58] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on cash generation and cost management in response to current market uncertainties [13][17] - There is a strategic emphasis on improving the structural strength of the business and enhancing profitability through targeted investments [22][24] - The company is exploring alternative options for its Methanalysis investments, indicating a flexible approach to capital allocation [34][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges significant uncertainty in demand due to trade dynamics and macroeconomic factors, emphasizing the need for cautious forecasting [10][15] - There is optimism about potential stabilization in 2026, driven by pro-growth policies and resolution of trade issues [16][17] - The management is committed to maintaining cost discipline and optimizing working capital to navigate the current challenges [45][62] Other Important Information - The company is experiencing volatility in customer demand, particularly in consumer discretionary markets, which are highly sensitive to trade conditions [70][72] - The company has a strong focus on maintaining price-cost stability in its AFP business, which has contributed to its performance [55][56] Q&A Session Summary Question: How representative of the second half should be when thinking about trough earnings levels? - Management indicated that the second half is heavily impacted by trade situations, making it a poor indicator of overall company performance [8][10] Question: How far along is the investment in the Metapasys unit? - Management confirmed that the investment is progressing well, with expectations of significant profitability improvements [18][30] Question: What triggered the change in customer dialogue in July? - Management noted that the trade pause allowed customers to reassess their inventory and demand outlook, leading to a more cautious approach [39][41] Question: Can you provide more color on the automotive end markets? - Management highlighted that while the aftermarket performed well, the interlayer business faced challenges due to production moderation in response to tariffs [49][50] Question: What is the current state of tariffs and their impact on the fibers business? - Management stated that tariffs have significantly impacted the textile market, leading to a cautious outlook for the fibers segment [56][58] Question: What are the expectations for cash flow next year? - Management indicated that while cash flow may decrease due to pulling forward cash flow this year, they expect to build off a stable platform for future growth [62][63]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is targeting a reduction in capital spending for 2026, indicating a focus on cost savings in 2025 as well [6][14] - There is an expected mid-single-digit drop in demand for the second half of the year, influenced by trade dynamics and seasonality [12][15] - The company anticipates a utilization headwind of approximately $75 million to $100 million in the second half of the year due to inventory reduction efforts [13][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Chemical Intermediates segment is expected to improve by over $30 million, while the Specialty and Fibers segments are projected to decline by a similar amount [70] - The AFP business saw a 4% year-over-year price increase primarily driven by cost pass-through contracts [54] - The Fibers business is facing a $20 million headwind due to tariffs and a $20 million asset utilization headwind, alongside higher energy costs [95][96] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The automotive market is expected to see a low single-digit decline in the back half of the year, with challenges stemming from tariff impacts and consumer behavior [50][51] - The textile market has slowed down significantly due to tariffs, impacting demand and leading to a cautious approach from customers [57][58] - The company is experiencing accelerated demand in certain areas, particularly in mechanical recycling for food-grade packaging applications [35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on cash generation and cost management in response to current market uncertainties [13][16] - There is an emphasis on improving the structural strength of the business, particularly in the chemical and materials segments [21][22] - The company is exploring debottlenecking investments to enhance operational efficiency and profitability in its methanol system plant [30][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the chaotic nature of the current operating environment, driven by trade dynamics and consumer caution [12][14] - There is a belief that stability may return in 2026, contingent on resolving trade issues and improving economic conditions [15][16] - The management remains cautious about predicting demand due to ongoing uncertainties in the market [40][81] Other Important Information - The company is targeting additional cost cuts of $75 million to $100 million, which will be detailed in plans for the second half of the year [103] - The methanol system plant is performing well, with expectations for increased profitability as operational efficiencies are realized [30][31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you help us understand how representative the second half should be when thinking about trough earnings levels? - Management indicated that the second half is heavily impacted by trade situations, making it a poor measure of overall company performance [7][10] Question: How far along is the investment in the Metapasys unit, and what gives confidence in profitability? - Management discussed ongoing challenges in the chemical and materials business but expressed optimism about improving profitability through strategic investments [20][24] Question: What triggered the change in customer dialogue in July? - Management noted that the trade pause allowed customers to reassess their inventory and demand, leading to a more cautious approach [41][42] Question: Can you provide more color on the weakness in the automotive end markets? - Management confirmed that while the aftermarket performed well, the interlayer business faced challenges due to production moderation in response to tariffs [49] Question: What is the outlook for the Fibers business next year? - Management indicated that the Fibers business is facing headwinds this year but expects stabilization and potential recovery in the following year [94][100]

Just hours before President Trump's trade deadline was set to take effect today, he signed an executive order announcing sweeping new tariffs for dozens of countries countries as well as formalizing the trade deal frameworks that his administration had already negotiated with a handful of nations. These new rates range from 10% to as high as 41% and they're scheduled to take effect on August 7th, next week. In an exclusive phone interview with NBC News, Trump said that it was too late for other countries to ...

Beerse, Belgium – July 31, 2025 – 20:30 CET Campine NV, metals recycling and specialty chemicals company from Beerse, Belgium and listed on Euronext Brussels, navigates in an agile way through the different effects of trade wars. Following the U.S. administration’s announcement on April 2nd, 2025, of new import tariffs for European products, Campine received official confirmation that its antimony trioxide (ATO) is exempt from these duties. This contrasts sharply with the 15% tariffs now applied to most oth ...

Back to the business in Washington. The Senate rejected two measures that would have blocked $675 million worth of bombs and firearms to Israel. But with a growing number of Democrats supporting the resolutions, they're proposed by independent Senator Bernie Sanders, who wants to stop the sale of bombs and assault rifles to Israel.While both measures were voted down, the first resolution did receive 27 votes in favor, 25 of which came from Democrats. The other two yes votes were from Sanders and fellow inde ...