Global Microeconomics Monitor

US-EU Auto Tariff Escalation

• 🔥 Trump Raises Tariffs to 25%: Trump announced tariffs on European cars and trucks entering the US will rise to...

• Tariff escalation: Trump hikes EU auto tariffs to 25%, exempting US-assembled vehicles to boost domestic production.
• Relocation push: Encourages...

Key shifts in Canada-China energy ties signal de-globalization risks for US firms:

• Major pact signed after Carney's Beijing visit covers oil, LNG,...

• Bold defiance: Beijing's Commerce Ministry calls US sanctions illegal and issues injunction to protect refiners buying Iranian oil.
• Firm strain...

BYD dominates with Q1 sales up ~400-fold to 3,968 units, driving Chinese EVs to 36.5% of new registrations—on track for >40% yearly.

• Rivals...

• 70% localization rule for EU subsidies in EVs, solar, batteries discriminates against Chinese dominance
• China warns of symmetrical...

Texas authorities probe ~30 companies for H-1B visa misuse via ghost offices to hire foreign workers.

• Targets include Blooming Clouds, Virat...

• China controls nearly 80% of global silver refining capacity, turning raw ore into usable 999-grade metal.
• Beijing could tighten supply via...

India now exports Apple components to China, flipping the previous flow and showcasing its manufacturing rise via Make in India. This positions India as a key player reshaping global tech supply chains.

Auto Trade Tensions

• 🔥 Trump Threatens 25% Tariffs on EU Autos: President Trump stated he will increase tariffs on EU cars and trucks to 25%...

US-EU auto trade frictions intensify with Trump's announcement:

• 25% hike next week on EU cars and trucks for alleged non-compliance.
• From July's...

China's Hundred Model War exploded post-ChatGPT, creating a state-backed AI ecosystem via policies like the 2017 AI Plan and 2023 GenAI Measures.

-...

Tariff-free access expanded for more African countries, hailed as trade breakthrough, but zero tariffs alone won't rebalance China-Africa trade.

Key...

BYD's global pivot counters China's EV involution:

• Domestic sales fall for eighth straight month amid weak demand and brutal price war
• Profits...

Tariff relief meets persistent headwinds for Ford:

• $1.3B one-time IEEPA refund from March 2025-Feb 2026 tariffs provides Q1 boost.
• $1.5-2B extra...

Canada's diversification play under PM Mark Carney targets eroding US financial leverage via emerging markets.

Key moves:

• 20+ partnerships for...

US Tariff Refunds and Probes

• 🔥 Tariff Refunds Filing Opens: Companies can officially start filing for $166 billion in tariff refunds today,...

• Firm export push: BYD plans 300 fast-charging stations in South Africa by end-2026, amid intensifying China price war.
• Govt stabilization: Since...

Key milestones in the $166B tariff refund rollout:

• Filing opens today (May 1) for companies to return Trump's import duties
• First refunds issued...

• US tariff barrage hits Canadian softwood lumber at 34.83% effective rate, with exports to US down 28% YoY; new forced labor probe targets Canada...