tariffs

Donald Trump has once again shaken global markets. On Thursday, he announced two major measures that could reshape the pharmaceutical and automotive industries. Starting October 1, all branded and patented drugs imported into the U.S. will face a 100% tariff, while heavy trucks from abroad will be hit with a 25% tariff.

Branded Drugs Under Pressure
Trump delivered a clear message to pharmaceutical giants: either manufacture in America or pay the price. Exceptions will apply only to companies that have already started building production plants on U.S. soil—even if the construction has only just begun.
According to the White House, the goal is to accelerate the return of drug manufacturing to the U.S. and reduce dependence on foreign supply chains. The measure will primarily affect firms with production concentrated in China, India, and other Asian countries.

Heavy Trucks and Market Protection
Just hours after the pharmaceutical announcement, Trump unveiled another tariff. From October, all imported heavy-duty trucks will face a 25% tariff. He argued that the measure is necessary to protect American manufacturers such as Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, and Mack Trucks from foreign competition.
“We must protect our companies and workers from unfair imports,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Asian Markets React Sharply
The announcement immediately rattled Asian markets. Japan’s Topix Pharma fell 1.47%, with major players like Daiichi Sankyo and Chugai Pharmaceutical losing more than 3%. Sumitomo Pharma dropped over 5%.

South Korea also took a hit, with Samsung Biologics down 1.71% and SK Bio Pharmaceuticals down 3.71%. In Hong Kong, Alibaba Health fell 2.92% and JD Health slipped 2.23%.
Australia’s market hovered near flat, China’s CSI 300 remained unchanged, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dropped 0.86%. The steepest decline came from South Korea’s Kospi, which sank 2.02%.

Policy and Economics Intertwined
At the same time, the Trump administration is probing other industries, from robotics to medical supplies. Any new tariffs could further burden foreign firms.
While U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturers may see opportunities, Asia and Europe view Trump’s tariffs as a looming threat. Trade tensions are once again on the rise, and investors are searching for safe havens.
The message from Trump is clear: “Manufacturing must return home.”

#TRUMP , #Tariffs , #TradeWar , #GlobalMarkets , #Inflation

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to use tariff revenues to temporarily fund the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program, which provides nutritional assistance to low-income mothers and children. The move comes as the government shutdown drags on, threatening to leave the program without funding for over 7 million Americans.

WIC on the brink of collapse
The WIC program helps families purchase essential foods — from baby formula and milk to fruits, vegetables, and bread. Due to the budget deadlock, it was expected to run out of federal funds this week.
The Trump administration therefore announced a plan to redirect millions of dollars from tariff revenues to prevent an immediate collapse. “President Trump’s White House will not allow mothers and children to go hungry because of Democrats’ political games,” said press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
However, it remains unclear how much money will actually be available, how quickly states will receive it, or even whether this measure is legal.

States struggle as federal support falters
Currently, WIC supports about 7 million Americans, though nearly twice as many qualify. Many states have already begun preparing emergency funding from their own budgets to keep the program running for a few more weeks until Congress resolves the stalemate.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said it could release up to $150 million from its reserve funds to cover the most critical shortfalls. It also urged states to use local resources and infant formula rebate funds to help fill the gaps.
According to Georgia Machell, executive director of the National WIC Association, these temporary fixes only postpone the inevitable:
“Families need stability, not short-term uncertainty. No one yet knows how long this aid will last or how much funding it will truly provide,” she warned.

Critics question legality of the plan
Trump’s decision quickly sparked legal and political concerns. Chris Towner, director of budget policy at the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, cautioned:
“The problem isn’t that the government lacks money — it’s that Congress hasn’t authorized them to spend it.”
Experts argue that using tariff revenues to fund social programs could violate federal spending laws, potentially leading to new clashes between the White House and Congress.

Rising demand and inflation pressure
The number of families relying on programs like WIC continues to grow, as inflation drives up the prices of food, baby formula, and basic necessities. Many low-income households now depend on federal aid just to get by.
At the same time, Trump’s 2026 budget proposal includes cuts to fruit and vegetable benefits, which critics say will worsen the situation further.
WIC thus finds itself squeezed between shrinking funding and deep political divisions, both of which could determine its survival.

Summary
Trump’s effort to save WIC with tariff revenues may temporarily ease the crisis but fails to address its root cause. Whether the move will withstand legal scrutiny remains uncertain.

For millions of mothers and children who rely on WIC every day, it’s now a race against time — and hunger.

#TRUMP , #USPolitics , #Tariffs , #Inflation , #economy

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“