Group 1 - The Trump administration is conducting a significant tariff investigation on furniture imports, with tariffs to be determined within 50 days [2] - The imposition of tariffs across various sectors, including furniture, is expected to have profound impacts on inflation and global supply chains [3] - Canadian Prime Minister Carney announced the cancellation of several retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, while maintaining tariffs on U.S. automobiles, steel, and aluminum, indicating a complex trade relationship between the U.S. and Canada [3] Group 2 - Fitch Ratings reported that U.S. consumer spending is expected to slow significantly in the first half of 2025, influenced by trade policy uncertainty and stock market volatility [4] - Despite a rebound in Q2 GDP data, the underlying growth structure is not ideal, with consumer and investment growth showing signs of slowing down due to ongoing tariff impacts [4] - The potential for continued downward pressure on U.S. consumer spending and private investment growth is anticipated as a result of Trump's tariff policies [4] Group 3 - The Federal Reserve's actions are closely monitored by global capital markets, with calls for a 100 basis point rate cut this year from a prominent candidate for the Fed chair position [5] - Fed Chair Powell's recent comments suggest a potential shift towards a more dovish stance, opening the door for rate cuts in September [6] - Concerns about an aging population impacting economic growth and inflation have been raised, with labor shortages potentially leading to increased wage demands [8]

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 - The Chinese government urges the U.S. to respect economic laws, abandon zero-sum thinking, and stop the broad and abusive use of the "national security" concept [1] - The U.S. has increased tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from 25% to 50%, effective from April 4 [1] - The Chinese Ministry of Commerce criticizes the U.S. for its unilateral and protectionist actions, stating that the increased tariffs will disrupt global supply chains and do more harm than good [1] Group 2 - The U.S. Trade Representative's Office has extended the exemption period for the 301 investigation into China's technology transfer and intellectual property practices until August 31, 2025 [3] - The Chinese government maintains a consistent opposition to the 301 tariffs, labeling them as unilateral and harmful to both U.S. businesses and consumers [3] - The Chinese government calls for the complete removal of all restrictions on China, including the 301 tariffs, to promote healthy and stable U.S.-China economic relations [3][4] Group 3 - The Chinese government expresses strong dissatisfaction with the U.S. for implementing new restrictions that undermine previously established agreements [4] - The Chinese government warns that if the U.S. continues to harm China's interests, it will take strong measures to protect its legitimate rights [4] Group 4 - In response to questions about China's export controls on rare earths, the Chinese government states that such measures are common international practices due to the dual-use nature of these materials [5] - The Chinese government has implemented export controls on seven categories of heavy rare earths, effective from April 4, to safeguard national security and fulfill international obligations [5] - The Chinese government emphasizes its commitment to responsible governance and willingness to engage in bilateral dialogues to promote compliant trade [5]

Domestic News - The Ministry of Commerce spokesperson stated that the U.S. has continuously provoked new trade frictions, increasing uncertainty and instability in bilateral economic relations, and has unjustly accused China of violating agreements from the Geneva trade talks [1] - From May 26 to June 1, national freight logistics operated in an orderly manner, with national railways transporting 77.638 million tons of goods, a decrease of 0.16% month-on-month; highway freight traffic reached 52.008 million vehicles, down 6.14%; monitored ports completed a cargo throughput of 277.418 million tons, an increase of 2.24%, while container throughput was 6.517 million TEUs, down 0.72% [1] - On June 2, the national railway is expected to send 17.9 million passengers, with 1,279 additional passenger trains planned [1] Strategic Mineral Control - Various regions in China are implementing measures to prevent the illegal outflow of strategic minerals, with the National Export Control Coordination Mechanism issuing a deployment plan for comprehensive control of strategic mineral exports [2] - Guizhou will strictly follow the deployment plan, while Hunan will conduct systematic inspections of local strategic mineral export enterprises and guide them to enhance compliance awareness [2] - Guangxi will intensify supervision of strategic mineral exploration and mining, cracking down on illegal mining activities [2] Real Estate Market - In May, the total transaction volume of new and second-hand housing in Shanghai reached 2.23 million square meters, a year-on-year increase of 17% [2] - The real estate market in Shanghai has shown characteristics of "increased volume and stable prices" from January to May this year [2]