The IMF says Trump's trade policies haven't hurt the global economy as much as feared—in fact, they've slightly raised their growth forecasts for 2025 and 2026. While trade tensions under Trump were initially seen as risky, the numbers now suggest the world economy is chugging along better than expected.

Editor’s Note: Trade wars usually spell trouble, but this update hints that the fallout wasn’t as bad as economists predicted. It’s a reminder that economic forecasts aren’t set in stone—and that real-world impacts can surprise even the experts. For markets and policymakers, it’s a cautious sigh of relief.

The US and China are likely to delay another round of tariffs after trade talks in Stockholm ended without a major breakthrough. While negotiators agreed in principle to extend the current truce, any final decision hinges on President Trump’s approval. Both sides acknowledged they’re still stuck on key issues, but at least they’re buying more time to avoid an immediate escalation.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t a solution—just a temporary pause in a long-standing economic tug-of-war. For businesses and markets, it means a bit less uncertainty in the short term, but the big disagreements (like tech, agriculture, and intellectual property) are still unresolved. If Trump rejects the extension, things could get tense fast.

The U.S. and China have agreed to keep talking about extending their current tariff truce, which pauses new trade war escalations for 90 days. China’s lead trade negotiator, Li Chenggang, mentioned progress after two days of meetings in Sweden, though details remain sparse. Both sides seem willing to keep negotiating—for now.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t a breakthrough, but it’s not a breakdown either. With global markets jittery over trade tensions, even small signs of cooperation matter. If talks stall, tariffs could snap back, hitting businesses and consumers on both sides. So, "still talking" beats "walking away"—but the real test is whether they can actually close a deal.

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney pressed Donald Trump to drop the 10% tariffs on Scotch whisky during their meeting at the US president’s Aberdeenshire golf resort. Swinney hinted at a "window of opportunity" to resolve the issue, as the two leaders gathered ahead of a glitzy ceremony for Trump’s new golf course. The tariffs, part of a broader trade dispute, have been a sore point for Scotland’s whisky industry, which relies heavily on US exports.

Editor’s Note: Whisky isn’t just a drink in Scotland—it’s a major economic lifeline. The US is the industry’s biggest market, so these tariffs could hit Scottish producers hard. Swinney’s appeal shows how local leaders are scrambling to protect key exports amid global trade tensions. And let’s be honest, meeting at Trump’s golf course adds a layer of surreal political theater to the whole thing.

U.S. economic officials just wrapped up trade talks with China in Sweden and are heading back to brief President Trump. The big question on the table? Whether to extend the current pause on tariffs—a temporary truce in the ongoing trade war. NBC’s Monica Alba reports that the discussions could signal whether both sides are inching toward a deal or gearing up for another round of economic sparring.

Editor’s Note: Tariffs might sound like dry economic policy, but they directly impact prices on everything from electronics to groceries. If the pause ends, consumers and businesses could feel the pinch. On the flip side, an extension could mean progress—or just kicking the can down the road. Either way, it’s a high-stakes waiting game.

European drugmakers are sounding the alarm over Trump’s new 15% tariff on medicines imported from the EU, warning it’ll hurt patients by driving up costs, disrupting supply chains, and potentially slashing funding for critical research. The industry trade group slammed the policy as a "blunt instrument" with ripple effects on both sides of the Atlantic.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a trade spat—it’s a direct hit on people who rely on these medications. Higher tariffs could mean pricier prescriptions, delays in getting treatments, and less money for developing new drugs. With big pharma players like Novo Nordisk already facing setbacks (as the linked article shows), this adds another layer of instability to an industry that’s already under pressure. For patients, it’s a lose-lose.

A fresh analysis warns that Donald Trump's proposed tariff hikes could hit US factories hard, potentially driving up their costs by 2% to 4.5%. As the former president gears up to announce new trade barriers, manufacturers relying on global supply chains are bracing for tighter margins—and some may struggle to stay afloat.

Editor’s Note: Tariffs might sound like a way to protect American jobs, but this report highlights the hidden squeeze on factories that depend on imported materials. If costs rise, companies could cut jobs, raise prices, or even shut down—rippling through the economy just as voters head to the polls. It’s a reminder that trade wars aren’t just about politics; they’re about real-world balance sheets.

The IMF is sounding the alarm about growing risks to the global economy, fueled by trade tensions and tariffs—particularly under the shadow of Donald Trump’s trade policies. Meanwhile, Trump, during his UK visit, took aim at Britain’s North Sea oil taxes, calling them nonsensical and pushing for incentives instead. The tone from economists is cautious, with concerns leaning heavily toward the downside.

Editor’s Note: Trade wars and policy unpredictability aren’t just political noise—they’re shaking the foundations of the global economy. When the IMF warns of downside risks, it’s a signal that businesses, markets, and everyday consumers could feel the ripple effects. Trump’s comments on UK oil taxes add another layer of uncertainty, showing how one leader’s offhand remarks can stir economic debates. This stuff matters because it shapes everything from gas prices to job markets—so buckle up.

The U.S. Trade Representative, Jameison Greer, struck an optimistic note about ongoing trade talks with China, saying negotiations are "going in the right direction." Both sides are working to resolve long-standing tariff disputes, though tensions remain. The key takeaway? Regular meetings suggest progress, even if a final deal isn’t imminent.

Editor’s Note: Trade tensions between the U.S. and China have been a headache for businesses and consumers for years, driving up costs and creating uncertainty. If these talks actually lead somewhere, it could ease some of that pressure—but for now, it’s more of a "cautious hope" situation than a breakthrough. Worth keeping an eye on, though, because any shift here could ripple through global markets.