Friday, 9 May 2025

[Post 1193] How Trump’s China Tariffs Could Shutter Amazon Sellers In The U.S.


Summary

Amazon sellers are reeling amid Trump's 125% tariffs on Chinese goods, telling CNBC they will need to raise prices and could go out of business. Up to 70% of goods on Amazon are imported from China. Seven of the eight U.S.-based Amazon sellers CNBC talked to said that manufacturing in the U.S. isn't financially possible, despite tariffs. One positive: Trump did close a loophole that was helping direct-from-China sellers on Temu and Shein undercut U.S. seller prices. The "de minimis" exemption that allowed goods under $800 to avoid all taxes and duties will end on May 2.

Update: On April 10, 2025, the White House clarified to CNBC that tariffs on imports from China now effectively total 145%.

[Post 1192] Will Trump’s Tariffs Cause the Next Recession?


Summary

President Trump's sweeping new tariffs sparked a $6 trillion market selloff and reignited debate about trade policy. Economists say they're watching for signs the tariffs might break the current economic expansion or worsen inflation. While some suggest the president could walk back parts of the policy to score negotiation wins, others warn that the economic damage is already spreading and recession risks are mounting.

Thursday, 8 May 2025

[Post 1191] How Much Inflation Will President Trump’s Tariffs Cause?


Summary

The U.S. government is poised to shake up global trade in April 2025. Tariff rate increases are scheduled to go into effect on imported goods from Canada, Mexico and China. In the early months of his 2nd term, President Trump has proposed several other tariff rate increases targeting specific industries like automakers and pharmaceutical companies. Some economists argue these new trade policies will be inflationary. Others say foreign countries will pay for them. Research from the Federal Reserve, shows that consumer prices may rise if businesses pass the increasing tax burden onto their consumers. But the central bank’s leaders are considering the full effects of the administration’s trade, immigration, regulatory and fiscal policies before adjusting monetary policy. Watch the video to find out if the new tariffs will be inflationary and what, if anything, the Federal Reserve will do about it.

[Post 1190] How TikTok Shop Became The Fastest Growing Social Media Shopping Platform



Summary

Capitalizing on the success of its video sharing platform, TikTok Shop is quickly taking up market share in the social shopping arena. In just one year the app surpassed Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest in adding new buyers to the platform. TikTok also hosts 7 million U.S. businesses, who use the app as both a marketing tool and place to sell product. Now, another impending deadline to sell in the U.S. could upend the lives of businesses and creators who have come to depend on the app.

Wednesday, 7 May 2025

[Post 1189] How Tariffs Are Scaring Americans Into Shopping More


Summary

Retail sales are holding up, but consumer confidence is slipping. A rising share of Americans are making purchases not out of want, but out of worry. This trend, called "doom spending," is driven by fears of higher prices and supply disruptions. While it may offer a short-term sense of control, it's happening alongside rising debt and financial strain and could set the stage for a sharper slowdown ahead. Watch the video above to learn more about why Americans are spending more amid growing economic concerns.

[Post 1188] Why Beyond Meat And The Plant-Based Meat Industry Couldn't Live Up To The Hype


Summary

Beyond Meat was off to a sizzling start when it went public in 2019. Better-tasting products from the company and others in the plant-based meat industry drove soaring stock prices and booming sales, while growing partnerships with restaurants and retailers increased consumer acceptance. Yet, something has changed over the last few years. Instead of continued growth, the industry has seen declining sales, mounting layoffs and shuttered factories.

Tuesday, 6 May 2025

[Post 1187] What It Really Takes To Transform Vehicles Into Homes


Summary

What if you could turn a vehicle into your dream home? These three adventurous individuals have done just that, transforming unconventional vehicles like planes and trains into extraordinary homes. Take a look inside these unique homes in this special vehicle homes episode of Unlocked.