Listen "Elon Backs Down, Australia’s High-Stakes Election, Trade War Heats Up & Trudeau Slams “Dumb” Tariffs"
Episode Synopsis
1. Trade and Tariffs:US-Canada/Mexico Trade War: Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggests a potential compromise on tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. The administration might offer tariff relief if Canada and Mexico offer concessions. "So I think he's going to work something out with them — it’s not going to be a pause, none of that pause stuff, but I think he’s going to figure out: you do more and I’ll meet you in the middle some way and we’re going to probably announcing that tomorrow." Daniel Tisch, Ontario Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, warns the trade war will "lower the standard of living for every Canadian."Global Stock Market Reaction: The initial tariff announcements caused global stock market declines. "Stocks dipped globally following the administration’s announcement. From New York to London and Tokyo, equities sank — with the S&P 500 losing 1.2% on the day, returning to pre-election levels."Lindt & Spruengli Adjusts Supply Chain: The Swiss chocolate maker is shifting its Canadian supply chain to Europe to avoid Canadian tariffs. "Lindt & Spruengli (LISN.S), opens new tab will supply chocolate to Canada made in Europe to avoid Canadian tariffs imposed to punish Canada after Trump put tariffs on Canadian goods."China's Retaliation: China is imposing retaliatory levies on U.S. agricultural exports. "China slaps 10%-15% retaliatory levies on U.S. agriculture exports." They are also targeting US companies. "It also put 10 U.S. companies on its Unreliable Entity List for selling arms to Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, although the self-governing island rejects that."2. Ukraine Crisis and Geopolitical Tensions:US Aid Pause: The US has paused military aid to Ukraine after a clash between Trump and Zelenskyy. "White House officials confirmed a dramatic halt of all US military aid to Ukraine, days after the US president, mEuropean Response: European nations, led by Britain and France, are attempting to create a peace plan. They are also considering a "coalition of the willing" to enforce a potential peace deal. Ursula von der Leyen has announced plans to beef up Europe's defence capability.JD Vance Controversy: US Vice-President JD Vance sparked controversy by dismissing European peacekeeping efforts in Ukraine, possibly insulting the UK and France, though he later denied specifically targeting those nations. "JD Vance was hit by a wave of criticism from British and French politicians Tuesday as he mocked Europe’s plan to deploy troops on the ground in Ukraine to keep the peace."Australian Consideration of Troops: Australia's Prime Minister Albanese is rope considers a “coalition of the willing” to enforce any peace deal."North Korean Involvement: Reports indicate North Korean soldiers are fighting in Ukraine on Russia's side, with families facing severe punishment if soldiers are captured. "A former sergeant in the North Korean military says that few of Pyongyang's soldiers have been captured fighting against Ukraine because they're told their families will be executed if they are caught alive."rland has extended sanctions against Russia."3.Mexico suing US gun manufacturers: Mexico's lawsuit against US gun manufacturers faces skepticism in the US courts, even from liberal justices. "During oral arguments on Tuesday, liberal and conservative justices alike expressed scepticism about Mexico's claims that US guns contribute to criminal networks."4. National Politics and Social Issues:Irish Military Neutrality: Ireland is considering changes to its military deployment rules, potentially removing the need for UN approval, sparking debate about neutrality. "The proposed change would mean removing the need for UN approval and raising to 50 the number of troops that can be deployed without sign off from the Dáil." Sinn Féin opposes the move. "Sinn Féin have described the move as an "abandonment" of Ireland's policy of neutrality."