** Japan’s export growth hit the brakes in April, rising just 2% compared to last year—down from March’s 4% bump. The slowdown was driven by weaker demand for cars and steel, partly due to U.S. tariffs squeezing shipments. Economists are now warning this could push Japan closer to a recession if the trend continues.

What This Mean: ** Japan’s economy leans heavily on exports, so when trade slows, it’s a big deal. The U.S. tariffs aren’t helping, and if demand keeps dropping, it could spell trouble for jobs and growth at home. This isn’t just a Japanese problem—it’s a sign of how trade tensions and weaker global demand are rippling through economies worldwide.

** Big retailers are trying to dodge steep U.S. tariffs by hiking prices in other countries instead—but that could backfire by pushing inflation higher in those markets. Essentially, they’re shifting the financial pain around, but it might just create new problems elsewhere.

What This Mean: ** This isn’t just about U.S. shoppers feeling the pinch anymore. If companies keep playing this shell game with prices, it could ripple through economies worldwide, making everyday goods more expensive for millions. It’s a reminder that in a connected global market, there’s no easy way to sidestep the fallout from trade wars.