Core Viewpoint - The U.S. tariff policy is causing a "disaster state" in Lesotho and potentially across Africa, disrupting a previously beneficial trade relationship that provided jobs and income stability [1][3]. Group 1: Impact on Lesotho - Lesotho's textile manufacturing sector, which heavily relies on U.S. market demand, is facing factory closures and job losses due to new tariffs, leading to a spike in unemployment [3]. - The U.S. has imposed a 15% tariff on Lesotho, with similar tariffs affecting nearly 20 other African countries, including a 30% tariff on South Africa and 25% on Tunisia [3]. Group 2: Trade vs. Aid - The article argues that trade, rather than aid, is essential for poverty alleviation in Africa, a principle supported by bipartisan U.S. policy through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) [4]. - AGOA, enacted in 2000, significantly increased non-oil exports from sub-Saharan Africa to the U.S., growing from approximately $8 billion to nearly $40 billion [4]. Group 3: Criticism of AGOA - Critics point out that AGOA has limitations, as only 32 out of 54 African countries qualify for duty-free exports, and the benefits are concentrated in a few nations [5]. - There are concerns that AGOA is not mutually beneficial, as many African countries are too poor to purchase more U.S. goods, limiting the program's effectiveness [5]. Group 4: Trade Deficits and Economic Growth - The U.S. has trade deficits with several African nations, including $234 million with Lesotho, which is seen as a sign of successful cooperation that helps develop local industries and create jobs [6]. - The article suggests that trade deficits can lead to economic prosperity in Africa, contrasting with the limitations of aid [6]. Group 5: Future of AGOA - AGOA is set to expire unless Congress approves its renewal, raising concerns that its expiration could allow other countries to increase their influence in Africa and lead to higher prices for U.S. consumers [6].

Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant content provided. Core Views of the Report - The Fed is likely to cut interest rates in September, and the market is focusing on pricing the rate cut amplitude. Inflation pressure will limit the scope of this rate cut [3][4][13]. - China's "dual discount interest" policy has been implemented to boost domestic demand, and the probability of a domestic interest rate cut in the third quarter has further decreased [5][6]. - China's economic data in July was affected by multiple factors, but it is still likely to achieve the annual economic growth target of 5% [8][10][12]. - In the short - term, geopolitical risk premiums have temporarily ended, but there are still persistent impacts. A - shares are in a bull market pattern, but the index may experience short - term corrections. Bond prices will be in a low - level shock state [15][16]. Summary by Directory 1. This Week's Macroeconomic Observation 1.1 Impact of Tariffs on Inflation and Fed Rate Cut Expectations - US CPI in July was slightly lower than expected, but core CPI reached a new high for the second time this year. PPI exceeded expectations, with a 0.9% month - on - month increase, the largest in three years, and a 3.3% year - on - year increase, the highest since February [3]. - The impact of tariffs on commodity prices is gradually emerging, and the upward pressure on commodity inflation will continue to accumulate. The price of the service industry in July significantly contributed to inflation, and the pressure on CPI to rise in the coming months is increasing [3][4]. - Although inflation data shows signs of an uptick, the Fed is likely to cut interest rates in September. The market is focusing on pricing the rate cut amplitude, and inflation pressure will limit the scope of this rate cut [4]. 1.2 Implementation of the "Dual Discount Interest" Policy to Expand Domestic Demand - The "dual discount interest" policy of personal consumer loan discount interest and service industry business entity loan discount interest has been launched, which forms a synergy to stimulate consumption with other policies. It helps improve the efficiency of fiscal funds [5]. - In the future, the policy may continue to explore the synergy between fiscal funds and financial resources, and the weight of structural tools and special fiscal policies may increase. The probability of a domestic interest rate cut in the third quarter has further decreased [5][6]. 1.3 China's Economic Situation in July - China's economic data in July showed a contraction in both supply and demand, with a more obvious slowdown in domestic demand. Consumption recovery momentum weakened marginally, investment remained weak, and financial data also showed slow demand - side repair [8][10][11]. - Although China's economy is affected by multiple temporary factors in the short - term, it is still likely to achieve the annual economic growth target of 5% [12]. 1.4 Next Week's Key Points - The Fed is likely to cut interest rates in September, and the market is pricing the rate cut amplitude. Inflation pressure will limit the scope of this rate cut [13]. - The short - term geopolitical risk premium from the US - Russia summit has ended, but there are still persistent impacts. A - shares are in a bull market pattern, but the index may experience short - term corrections. Bond prices will be in a low - level shock state [15][16]. 2. Domestic Key Events and Important Economic Data - The central bank will implement a moderately loose monetary policy, aiming to maintain liquidity, promote reasonable price increases, and release consumption potential. This week, the central bank achieved a net withdrawal of 4149 billion yuan [17]. - The "dual discount interest" policy has been introduced, with a 1 - percentage - point annual discount interest rate. The personal consumer loan discount interest policy has a cumulative discount interest cap of 3000 yuan per borrower, and the service industry business entity loan discount interest policy has a maximum loan scale of 1 million yuan per household [17]. - China's deflation pressure eased slightly in July. CPI was flat year - on - year, PPI was negative for 34 consecutive months, but the month - on - month decline narrowed. Core CPI increased by 0.8% year - on - year, the highest in 17 months [17]. - In July, the added value of industrial enterprises above designated size increased by 5.7% year - on - year, and social consumer goods retail sales increased by 3.7% year - on - year. The "national subsidy" funds of 138 billion yuan were issued, and the automobile sales volume increased by 14.7% year - on - year [17][18]. - From January to July, national fixed - asset investment increased by 1.6% year - on - year, and real estate development investment decreased by 12.0% year - on - year. The sales prices of commercial residential buildings in 70 large and medium - sized cities decreased month - on - month, and the year - on - year decline narrowed overall [18]. - China and the US suspended the implementation of 24% tariffs for 90 days. As of the end of July, M2 increased by 8.8% year - on - year, M1 increased by 5.6% year - on - year, and M0 increased by 11.8% year - on - year [18]. 3. Overseas Key Events and Important Economic Data - In the US, the PPI in July increased significantly, with a 3.3% year - on - year increase. CPI was flat compared to the previous month, slightly lower than expected, while core CPI reached a five - month high, higher than expected [19]. - After the release of the US CPI data, the probability of the Fed cutting interest rates in September rose to 90.1%. Trump nominated E·J·Anthony as the next director of the Bureau of Labor Statistics and expanded the list of candidates for the Fed chairman [19]. - The EU plans to formulate the 19th round of sanctions against Russia and provide more military assistance to Ukraine. The Japanese central bank is under pressure to abandon an inflation indicator to pave the way for an interest rate hike [19]. - Trump said he would not impose tariffs on gold. The US Treasury Secretary said that the trade team will meet with China in the next two or three months. The US - Russia summit has not reached an agreement but is close [20]. 4. Next Week's Key Data/Events - On August 18, the US will release the NAHB housing market index for August. - On August 20, China will release the one - year and five - year loan prime rates (LPR) for August, and the eurozone will release the CPI and core CPI year - on - year and month - on - month for July, as well as the preliminary PMI values for August. - On August 21, the US will release the number of initial jobless claims for the week ending August 16, the Markit manufacturing, service, and composite PMI preliminary values for August, and the year - on - year total of existing home sales in July. - From August 22 to 23, the Jackson Hole Global Central Bank Annual Meeting will be held (to be determined). [21]

Core Viewpoint - The recent increase in tariffs on 407 derivative products related to steel and aluminum by the Trump administration is a strategic move aimed at protecting domestic industries while also serving political interests in an election year [1][3]. Group 1: Tariff Impact on Industries - The newly added 407 products include items closely related to steel and aluminum, such as alloy wheels for cars and cold-rolled steel sheets for appliances, effectively extending the tariff to a wide range of industries [3]. - Domestic automotive manufacturers that previously relied on imported specialty steel will face increased costs, potentially leading to reduced profit margins or price hikes for consumers [3]. - The tariffs are expected to provide short-term benefits to U.S. steel and aluminum companies, increasing their orders and production [4]. Group 2: Political and Economic Context - The stated purpose of the tariffs is to protect the struggling domestic steel and aluminum industries, which have been facing low capacity utilization rates [3]. - The tariffs may also be a strategic move to secure votes from workers in the "Rust Belt," a key demographic for Trump, as increased orders could lead to job stability [3]. - European countries have threatened retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural products, which could impact U.S. exports of soybeans and corn, indicating a potential escalation in trade tensions [3]. Group 3: Investment Opportunities - Investors should monitor U.S. steel and aluminum companies that may benefit from the tariff-induced demand increase, but caution is advised regarding the sustainability of this policy [4]. - Companies with manufacturing facilities in Mexico or Canada that can circumvent tariffs by processing materials before exporting to the U.S. may find new opportunities [4]. - High-end steel and aluminum manufacturers in China could gain market share in Southeast Asia and South America if they can enhance their technological competitiveness [4]. Group 4: Long-term Investment Strategy - Trade tensions are likened to a prolonged arm-wrestling match, suggesting that investors should focus on companies with strong technology and market presence rather than getting caught up in tariff fluctuations [5].

Group 1 - China has filed a lawsuit against Canada at the World Trade Organization (WTO) due to allegations of dumping canola oil, imposing a deposit of up to 75.8% on imports from Canada starting August 14 [1] - Canadian Agriculture Minister expressed disappointment over China's decision but acknowledged efforts to engage in dialogue with China to resolve trade disputes [3] - Canada has not taken substantial corrective measures in the four days following China's announcement, prompting further action from China [3] Group 2 - Canada imposed discriminatory tariffs on Chinese steel products as a means to address trade tensions with the United States, which has placed significant tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum [3][5] - The Canadian government previously announced a 100% tariff on electric vehicles from China and a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports from China to appease the U.S. [5] - The new Canadian Prime Minister, Carney, has taken a firm stance against U.S. pressure, but recent tariffs on products containing "Chinese steel components" indicate ongoing trade discrimination [5] Group 3 - China is no longer willing to tolerate Canada's previous approach of externalizing internal issues by targeting China, warning that further actions harming Chinese interests will lead to consequences [7] - The expectation is for Canada to recognize the situation and work towards a positive development in bilateral relations with China [7]

Group 1 - US Treasury Secretary Becerra expands the candidate pool for the Federal Reserve Chair, including former St. Louis Fed President James Bullard and former Bush advisor Mark Sobel [1] - Fed Governor Bowman supports three interest rate cuts this year, citing core personal consumption expenditures inflation nearing the 2% target [1] - UK Chief Economist Hugh Pill warns that while inflation pressures may ease, changes in long-term pricing and wage-setting behavior could delay future rate cuts [1] Group 2 - July electric vehicle sales reached a record high, accounting for 9.1% of total passenger vehicle sales, with used electric vehicle sales hitting 36,700 units [1] - The Bank of Japan's July meeting minutes indicate a consensus on future rate hikes, but concerns about the impact of US tariffs have lowered short-term rate hike expectations [1] - Japan's Economic Revitalization Minister Akizawa reveals that the US will modify a presidential order to provide tax relief measures for Japan, refunding overpaid tariffs and reducing tariffs on cars and parts [1]

Group 1: US Economic Policy - Trump signed an executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, raising the total tariff rate to 50%[1] - The US trade deficit in June shrank significantly by 16% to $60.2 billion, the lowest level since September 2023[1] - The probability of a 25 basis point rate cut in September increased from 80.3% to 88.9%[1] Group 2: Economic Indicators - The ISM non-manufacturing index for July fell from 50.8 to 50.1, below the expected 51.5[1] - The GDPNow model predicts a 2.5% annualized growth rate for Q3 2023[1] - Initial jobless claims rose to 226,000, the highest level in a month, exceeding economists' expectations[1] Group 3: Global Economic Trends - Eurozone's composite PMI for July rose to 50.9, a four-month high, but below the initial estimate of 51[1] - The Bank of England cut rates by 25 basis points to 4%, aligning with market expectations[1] - Japan's nominal wages increased by 2.5% year-on-year in June, up from a revised 1.4% the previous month[1] Group 4: Market Reactions - Global stock markets showed recovery, with the S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq rising by 2.4%, 1.3%, and 3.9% respectively[1] - Gold prices increased by 1.4%, while Brent and WTI crude oil prices fell by 4.4% and 5.1% respectively[1] - The US dollar index declined by 0.43% to 98.27, influenced by concerns over the job market and rate cut expectations[1]

Group 1 - Approximately one-third of large Japanese companies expect the Japanese economy to continue growing, a significant decrease from 71% in January [1] - 56% of surveyed companies anticipate zero growth, while 11% expect a moderate contraction [1] - 68% of the surveyed Japanese companies express concern or some concern regarding the impact of U.S. tariffs [3] Group 2 - The Japanese government revised its GDP growth forecast for fiscal year 2025 from 1.2% to 0.7%, primarily due to the impact of U.S. tariffs [4] - Major Japanese automakers, including Toyota and Honda, are expected to see a combined operating profit reduction of approximately 2.67 trillion yen (about 18.1 billion USD) this fiscal year due to U.S. tariffs [5] - The U.S. has implemented tariffs ranging from 10% to 41% on various trade partners, with Japan facing a tariff rate of 15% [5]

Core Points - The U.S. government has implemented adjusted "reciprocal tariffs" ranging from 10% to 41% on several trade partners, leading to dissatisfaction from countries like India, Japan, and Switzerland [1] Group 1: Japan's Response - Japan faces a 15% "reciprocal tariff" and is strongly urging the U.S. to amend the presidential executive order, citing unfulfilled commitments regarding tax reductions [2] - Japanese Prime Minister Kishida expressed that there is no disagreement between Japan and the U.S. on this issue, emphasizing the need for clarity on whether the new tariffs will be added to existing rates [2] - Japan is also seeking a reduction in tariffs on automobiles during discussions with U.S. officials [2] Group 2: India's Position - India is subject to a 25% "reciprocal tariff," with an additional 25% imposed by President Trump due to India's imports of Russian oil, effective by the end of August [3] - Indian Prime Minister Modi stated that the welfare of farmers is paramount and that India will not compromise on this issue, despite the potential heavy costs [3] - The trade negotiations between India and the U.S. have collapsed after five rounds due to disagreements over agricultural market access and oil purchases [3] Group 3: Switzerland's Stance - Switzerland faces the highest tariff rate among developed countries at 39% and is committed to negotiating with the U.S. to lower these tariffs [4] - The Swiss government held an emergency meeting and is in close contact with affected industries, aiming to continue discussions with U.S. authorities [4] - Switzerland is not considering retaliatory tariffs, as such measures would burden its economy and increase import prices from the U.S. [4]

Core Viewpoint - The aggressive trade policy initiated by the Trump administration is pushing the U.S. into a new phase of protectionism, creating significant uncertainty for the global economy and raising concerns about inflation and financial market impacts [1] Group 1: Tariff Implementation and Economic Impact - The new tariff policy has raised the average tariff rate in the U.S. from 2.3% last year to an alarming 15.2% [1] - The new tariffs will take effect on August 7, with specific rates for listed countries and a general rate of 10% for others, while goods circumventing tariffs through third-party countries will incur a 40% transfer tax [1] - Financial analysts from major institutions like Morgan Stanley and Deutsche Bank have warned that the S&P 500 index may face short-term declines in the coming weeks or months due to these changes [2] Group 2: Global Supply Chain and Negotiations - The announcement of new tariffs has created ongoing uncertainty in global supply chains, with many countries accepting the reality of high tariffs for the long term [3] - Key details regarding tariff exemptions for the automotive industry in the EU, Japan, and South Korea remain unresolved, contributing to continued uncertainty [4] - Countries like Switzerland have failed to negotiate lower tariffs, and additional tariffs have been imposed on goods from India in response to its oil imports from Russia [4] Group 3: Economic Indicators and Future Outlook - Recent economic data indicates a significant downward revision in U.S. job growth, with consumer spending slowing and economic growth decelerating in the first half of the year [5] - Experts warn that while the current low unemployment rate and stable prices may not reflect immediate inflation, rising prices are likely as companies can no longer absorb increased costs [6] - The contradiction between rising tariff revenues and the goal of revitalizing domestic manufacturing raises questions about the long-term viability of the Trump administration's trade agenda [7]

Core Viewpoint - The trade war initiated by President Trump is expected to conclude after August 7, with a clear structure of tariffs established for different categories of countries and goods [1][2]. Summary by Sections Tariff Structure - Trump has set up four tariff categories for goods imported into the U.S.: 10% for friendly countries, 20% for normal countries, 30% for unfriendly countries, and a 40% transit tax for goods routed through third countries [2]. Revenue Impact - U.S. customs revenue has significantly increased during the trade war, with net revenue rising from $15.6 billion in April to $27.3 billion in June. Morgan Stanley predicts an annualized customs revenue of $327 billion [4]. Investment Commitments - The commitments from trade partners to invest and purchase U.S. goods are substantial, with Japan and the EU alone promising $1.9 trillion. The total commitments from various partners could exceed $10 trillion [6][7]. Challenges for Chinese Companies - The 40% transit tax poses a significant challenge for Chinese companies that use third countries like Vietnam and Mexico to circumvent tariffs. The implementation of this policy is still pending due to the lack of a clear standard for determining the origin of goods [11][12]. Market Adaptation - Companies must adapt to the new trade environment by finding ways to enter and operate in the U.S. market effectively. This requires both innovation and collaboration among businesses [4][16].