Tag: IEEPA

In early 2025, President Donald Trump reasserted his "America First" trade agenda, initiating a series of aggressive tariff measures aimed at addressing longstanding trade deficits and promoting domestic manufacturing. These policies, characterized by substantial tariffs on imports from key trading partners, have led to significant market volatility and raised complex legal questions regarding the extent of executive power in trade matters.

On May 9, 2025, global financial markets witnessed a notable shift as gold prices declined following the announcement of a U.S.-U.K. trade agreement and in anticipation of upcoming U.S.-China trade talks. The spot price of gold fell to $3,274.38 per ounce before rebounding slightly to $3,316.29, while U.S. gold futures settled at $3,321.60 . This movement reflects the complex interplay between international trade relations and investor behavior, particularly regarding safe-haven assets like gold.

The early months of 2025 have witnessed a significant escalation in tensions between the United States and Canada, as well as between the Trump administration and the Education Policies. On May 6, 2025, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, marking their first official meeting. Carney firmly stated that Canada is not and will never be for sale, dismissing Trump's past references to Canada as the “51st state.” The meeting, described by both sides as constructive, addressed tensions stemming from U.S. tariffs and suggestions of annexation. Carney, who recently won the Canadian election promising to counter U.S. trade pressures, emphasized the need for a renewed bilateral economic and security relationship. Despite previous criticisms, both leaders praised each other publicly, and Trump welcomed continued friendship and protection for Canada. However, he remained unmoved on removing tariffs.

On May 4, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a proposal to impose a 100% tariff on foreign films. This declaration, made via his social media platform, has sent shockwaves through the global film industry, raising concerns about its legality, economic impact, and cultural ramifications. “This is a direct attack on the global nature of the film industry and could have far-reaching consequences,” said Dr. Emily Carter, Professor of International Trade Law at Columbia University. The proposed tariff aims to penalize U.S. studios that outsource film production to countries offering tax incentives, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Trump justified the move by citing national security concerns and the need to revitalize domestic film production. However, critics argue that such a tariff could violate international trade agreements and disrupt the collaborative nature of modern filmmaking.

In 2025, the United States found itself at a crossroads in economic governance and constitutional authority. Following President Donald Trump’s re-election, the administration reinvigorated its protectionist trade agenda, dramatically escalating tariffs on a wide array of imports. These tariffs, extending beyond specific industries to broad sectors of consumer goods, were implemented under emergency powers justified by claims of national security and economic self-defense.