16 h. ago Trump says Samsung and other smartphone manufacturers will also be subject to 25% Apple tariff – business live

US president says 50% tariff on EU goods to come in 1 June; Apple iPhones and those of other manufacturers made overseas to face 25% tariffTrump says he is hitting EU with 50% tariff as trade talks are ‘going nowhere’As well as cutting UK energy costs (see earlier), Donald Trump can also take credit for growing the German economy!New GDP data this morning shows that Germany’s GDP rose by 0.4% in January-March, twice as fast as the first estimate of 0.2% growth in the quarter.“The reason for the slightly higher growth compared to the initial estimate was the surprisingly positive economic development in March.”“In particular, production in the manufacturing sector and exports performed better than initially expected.The German economy had its best quarterly performance since the third quarter of 2022, and the reason for it seems to be Donald Trump. As a result of the announced tariffs and in anticipation of ‘Liberation Day,’ German industrial production and exports surged in March.Ne...

Economics

17 h. ago European markets suffer losses after Trump ‘recommends’ 50% tariff on EU, and threatens Apple with 25% tariff – business live

US president Donald Trump reignites trade war with threat to impose high tariffs on European goods, and Apple iPhones made overseasTrump says he is hitting EU with 50% tariff as trade talks are ‘going nowhere’As well as cutting UK energy costs (see earlier), Donald Trump can also take credit for growing the German economy!New GDP data this morning shows that Germany’s GDP rose by 0.4% in January-March, twice as fast as the first estimate of 0.2% growth in the quarter.“The reason for the slightly higher growth compared to the initial estimate was the surprisingly positive economic development in March.”“In particular, production in the manufacturing sector and exports performed better than initially expected.The German economy had its best quarterly performance since the third quarter of 2022, and the reason for it seems to be Donald Trump. As a result of the announced tariffs and in anticipation of ‘Liberation Day,’ German industrial production and exports surged in March.Net export...

Economics

19 h. ago Stock markets slump after Donald Trump threatens EU with 50% tariffs

The US president said on Friday that discussions with the bloc were ‘going nowhere’ and that the tariffs would take effect on June 1.

Politics

21 h. ago Ukraine’s Zelenskyy confirms major prisoner swap with Russia – Europe live

The first stage of a major prison swap between Ukraine and Russia has taken place in Turkey, with 390 people released todayFor more coverage of Trump’s tariffs threats – which also include a warning that Apple must pay a 25% tariff unless it manufactures its iPhones in the US – follow our business live blog here:US president Donald Trump has just called the EU “very difficult to deal with,” lamenting the bloc’s “powerful Trade Barriers, Monetary Manipulations, unfair and unjustified lawsuits against American Companies, and more” (original capitalisation!).“Our discussions with them are going nowhere! Therefore, I am recommending a straight 50% Tariff on the European Union, starting on June 1, 2025. Continue reading...

Events

22 h. ago Trump ‘recommending’ 50% tariff on EU, and threatens Apple with 25% tariff – business live

US president Donald Trump reignites trade war with threat to impose high tariffs on European goods, and Apple iPhones made overseasTypical energy bill in Great Britain to fall 7% to £1,720 a year from JulyAs well as cutting UK energy costs (see earlier), Donald Trump can also take credit for growing the German economy!New GDP data this morning shows that Germany’s GDP rose by 0.4% in January-March, twice as fast as the first estimate of 0.2% growth in the quarter.“The reason for the slightly higher growth compared to the initial estimate was the surprisingly positive economic development in March.”“In particular, production in the manufacturing sector and exports performed better than initially expected.The German economy had its best quarterly performance since the third quarter of 2022, and the reason for it seems to be Donald Trump. As a result of the announced tariffs and in anticipation of ‘Liberation Day,’ German industrial production and exports surged in March.Net exports an...

Politics

50 h. ago Downturn across UK firms stretches into May despite tariffs respite

While the UK’s largest sector, services, returned to growth, the manufacturing sector fell at the fastest rate since October 2023.

Economics

3 d. ago JD Sports reveals weaker profits as tariffs set to lift US prices

The company warned there is market ‘volatility’ in the face of the tariff regime launched by US President Donald Trump last month.

Economics

5 d. ago Guinness owner hit by US trade tariffs, Just Eat takeover agreed and AI assisted shopping surge

From Just Eat’s £3.4bn sale and Diageo’s warning over US tariffs, to progress in Keir Starmer’s EU talks, a threat to UK gas storage, record house prices and a surge in AI-assisted shopping – here are today’s top UK business stories.

Economics

6 d. ago This pause in the trade war will be brief. Small businesses, plan accordingly

Trump’s animosity towards China isn’t going to disappear, and his past actions do not bode well for a quick resolutionDonald Trump’s massive Chinese tariffs are on pause. The media debated. Wall Street rejoiced. Many of my clients breathed a sigh of relief. Big retailers jumped for joy. But for how long?For starters, the tariffs that weren’t paused – a 10% levy on all Chinese goods, plus a bonus 20% tax that somehow relates to fentanyl, are still in place. When you take into consideration existing tariffs on steel from previous Trump and Biden administrations, the effective tariff rate on Chinese goods is actually closer to 40%, according to an analysis done by the Wall Street Journal. Continue reading...

Events

9 d. ago How Trump’s tariffs affected property deals across the world

Uncertainty about future policy decisions and their effect on global trade has weighed on businesses

Economics

9 d. ago Tariffs causing slowdown in global property deals, Savills warns

Conditions are expected to recover over the second half of 2025 as trade policy becomes more certain.

Events

1 week ago Chinese businesses view tariff pause with caution and uncertainty

While U.S. President Donald Trump has talked of victory after reaching a weekend deal with China to reduce the sky-high tariffs levied on each others’ goods, businesses in China are reacting to the temporary deal with a cautious wait and see approach

Economics

1 week ago Scottish business ‘resilient’ in face of trade tariffs and rising costs

“The tracker this month reflects the challenges that economic uncertainty can create for businesses of all scales” – Seb Burnside

Economics

1 week ago Jaguar Land Rover ‘cannot discount’ building cars in US amid tariffs

However, the company said it currently has ‘no immediate plans’ to shift production from the UK and Europe.

Politics

1 week ago Goldman Sachs cuts US recession odds on tariff optimism; UK wage growth slows as jobs market cools – business live

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial newsUK pub chain Marston’s has swung back to a profit in the first half of its financial year, thanks to a busy Christmas and Mother’s Day, as well as a tighter focus on costs.The pub owner reported a pre-tax profit of £19m in the 26 weeks ended on 29 March, compared with a loss of £0.2m in the comparable period in 2024.Their revised forecast reflects a combination of a lower effective tariff rate and the recent easing of financial conditions.We raise our S&P 500 return and earnings forecasts to incorporate lower tariff rates, better economic growth, and less recession risk than we previously expected. Our new 3- and 12-month returns forecasts are +1% and +11%, indicating levels of 5900 and 6500 (previously 5700 and 6200). Continue reading...

Economics

1 week ago IG Group bullish on annual outlook after tariff uncertainty boosts trading

The online trading firm said it saw higher-than-usual levels of client trading throughout April.

Politics

1 week ago Equity responds to Trump’s film tariff and says it is ‘industrial action ready’

Earlier in the month the US president said he had authorised a 100% tariff on films ‘produced in foreign lands’.

Politics

2 w. ago Mandelson ‘looking forward’ to bringing down more US tariffs

Donald Trump’s press secretary insisted that the president will stand firm on the blanket 10% tariff on most UK imports into the US

Events

2 w. ago Federal Reserve official sees signs of slowing economy but not ready to cut rates

A top Federal Reserve official said Friday that massive uncertainty created by President Donald Trump’s tariffs has caused some businesses to cut back on hiring and spending, threatening to slow the economy, but he added that it’s not yet clear whether the central bank should cut its key interest rate

Politics

2 w. ago Trump ‘committed’ to 10% tariff rate despite deal, says White House

Sir Keir Starmer has declined to rule out the possibility of changes to tech taxes in any future agreement.

Economics