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- Why America’s ‘Beautiful Beef’ Is a Trade War Sore Point for Europe
Why America’s ‘Beautiful Beef’ Is a Trade War Sore Point for Europe
Global Power Plays: Trade Tensions, Tech Rivals, and Shifting Alliances
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Why America’s ‘Beautiful Beef’ Is a Trade War Sore Point for Europe
9 minutes by the New York Times
Europe resists importing American meat because of strict food safety rules, cultural values, and a desire to protect small, traditional farms. U.S. producers use cost-cutting methods like hormones and chemical rinses, which the EU bans. While the U.S. argues these practices are safe, European consumers and policymakers prioritize natural, traceable, and locally produced food. Even when trade talks offer hormone-free options, Europe refuses to lower its standards, seeing them as essential to fairness, tradition, and public trust.
Why the US and China pulled back from the edge
6 minutes by Politico
The U.S. and China reached a deal in Geneva to slash tariffs significantly, averting a full economic split. The U.S. reduced tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, while China cut its retaliatory tariffs from 125% to 10% for a 90-day truce. This de-escalation, driven by fears of a U.S. recession and shrinking manufacturing, acknowledges the mutual pain of a trade war. Global markets rallied, but the agreement lacks major Chinese concessions on trade practices, and underlying tensions, like the U.S. trade deficit, persist.
Tesla under threat? 5 Chinese EV brands giving sleepless nights to Elon Musk
7 minutes by Bijin Jose
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brands like BYD, NIO, XPeng, Li Auto, and Zeekr are challenging Tesla’s dominance in China’s competitive EV market. These brands offer innovative, high-tech models at lower prices, forcing Tesla to cut prices significantly—Model 3 prices dropped below $30,000 in China compared to $45,000 in the U.S.
More And More Questions Arise About The Supposed Efficiency Goals Of Musk’s DOGE
5 minutes by Carolyn Fortuna
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) aimed to cut federal spending but has faced scrutiny for ineffective and misleading claims. Promised savings fell short, with less than 10% of targeted reductions achieved, and many "receipts" of cuts were either inaccurate or reversed, often targeting functional programs like Social Security. The initiative caused bureaucratic chaos, disrupted contracts meant to improve efficiency, and appeared to prioritize Musk’s regulatory interests over genuine reform.
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Saudi Arabia Fears Backlash Over BRICS Entry
3 minutes by Luc Jose
Saudi Arabia is navigating a delicate geopolitical balancing act, delaying its full integration into the BRICS alliance to maintain strong ties with the U.S. Despite participating in BRICS events, Riyadh’s hesitation stems from negotiations with Washington over critical arms, nuclear, and technology deals. The U.S. is pressuring Saudi Arabia to distance itself from China and the BRICS bloc, which seeks to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar.
Politics China sees the U.S. trade deal as a huge win for Beijing
3 minutes by Eunice Yoon & Erin Doherty
After two days of negotiations, China secured a significant reduction in U.S. tariffs from 145% to 30%, easing trade tensions that had disrupted global markets. Beijing views this as a major win, having faced economic strain from high tariffs and a deflationary loop. In return, China lowered its tariffs on U.S. goods from 125% to 10%. The 90-day tariff truce signals a temporary de-escalation, with the U.S. maintaining 20% fentanyl-related tariffs. Markets reacted positively, with treasury yields and crude oil prices rising, though some analysts question whether the deal reflects genuine concessions or strategic posturing by both sides.