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A federal appeals court has temporarily reinstated President Trump's extensive tariffs, reversing a prior ruling by the US Court of International Trade that declared their enactment unlawful. The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued a temporary stay, allowing time for legal review, with the administration's briefings due by June 9. Despite the legal uncertainty, Trump's tariff agenda remains a cornerstone of his economic policy, with the White House prepared to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court if needed. The tariffs, including reciprocal duties and China-focused levies, continue to impact global trade, with ongoing negotiations involving India, the EU, and Taiwan. Corporate America, including tech giants like Nvidia and Apple, grapples with export controls and tariff threats, while analysts warn of potential economic repercussions, such as an accelerated US debt ceiling deadline. The situation remains fluid, with international tensions, particularly with China over tech and student visas, adding complexity to trade relations.
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President Trump announced a significant increase in tariffs on steel imports, raising them from 25% to 50%, during a rally in Pennsylvania, claiming it will strengthen the U.S. steel industry. This move coincides with heightened tensions with China, as Trump accused them of violating a trade agreement without providing specifics. Meanwhile, his broader tariff agenda faces legal uncertainty; a federal appeals court temporarily upheld the tariffs after a trade court ruled their implementation unlawful, with potential Supreme Court involvement looming. The tariff hikes, including those on steel and aluminum, could raise costs for consumers, impacting prices from groceries to big-ticket items like cars due to the metals' widespread use. Amidst this, trade negotiations with the EU and India persist, with critical deadlines in June and July, including a potential 50% tariff on EU imports if no deal is reached. Legal challenges, such as the "major questions doctrine" previously used against Biden’s policies, now threaten Trump’s economic initiatives. Additionally, companies like e.l.f. Beauty, reliant on Chinese manufacturing, face increased costs but remain committed to their supply chains. The unfolding trade and legal saga continues to reverberate globally, with upcoming G7 discussions and court rulings set to shape the future of Trump’s tariff policies.
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Oil prices climbed as OPEC+ implemented a production increase of 411,000 barrels per day in July, a move that was less aggressive than some market fears, pushing Brent crude toward $65 and West Texas Intermediate above $62. This decision came amidst geopolitical unrest, with Ukraine targeting Russian air bases and Iran reacting to scrutiny over its uranium stockpiles, both of which could constrain supply from sanctioned OPEC+ nations. Trade tensions, exacerbated by President Trump's planned tariffs on steel and aluminum, continue to weigh on the market, contributing to a nearly 15% price decline this year following a turbulent period of tariff wars and a shift away from OPEC+'s previous high-price defense strategy. The production hike also signals Saudi Arabia's push to penalize over-producing members like Kazakhstan and Iraq, despite opposition from countries such as Russia and Algeria who favored a pause. Analysts at Westpac Banking Corp. predict Brent prices will hold within a $60-$65 range this summer, with potential slowdowns in output increases as OPEC+ prepares to review August levels on July 6.
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Elon Musk has unveiled XChat, a new encrypted messaging feature for X (formerly Twitter), as part of his vision to create a privacy-centric "everything app." Announced with features like audio/video calls, vanishing messages, and all-file sharing, XChat boasts a "Bitcoin-style encryption" on a new architecture, though technical specifics are unclear. This phrase has ignited excitement in crypto communities, with users speculating it could outshine competitors like Telegram in security. Comments on platforms like CryptoLeaks and Solana DEX servers highlight enthusiasm for enhanced privacy and operational security (OPSEC). Alongside XChat, Musk introduced X Money, a payments feature set for a cautious beta launch later this year. The updates position X to rival apps like Signal and WeChat by blending messaging, social media, and finance under one encrypted platform. Reported by TheStreet on June 1, 2025, this development underscores Musk's commitment to transforming X into a multifaceted, secure digital hub, sparking significant buzz and anticipation among users and tech enthusiasts alike.