Charting the Global Economy: Trump’s Tariffs Struck Down by Supreme Court

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(Bloomberg) — US President Donald Trump’s global tariffs were struck down by the Supreme Court, undercutting his signature economic policy and kicking off what could be a prolonged battle over refunds.

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Net trade ended up barely adding to US economic growth at the end of last year, culminated in a weaker-than-expected fourth quarter that was also restrained by a record-long government shutdown. Even so, a gauge of underlying demand was still strong.

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Earlier in the week, Trump credited tariffs for reaching a trade deal with Japan, in which the country will invest up to $36 billion in US oil, gas and critical mineral projects, the first tranche of its $550 billion commitment.

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Here are some of the charts that appeared on Bloomberg this week on the latest developments in the global economy, markets and geopolitics:

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US & Canada

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Tariff refunds for companies that paid tens of billions were left unresolved by the Supreme Court, which ruled on Friday that Trump didn’t have legal authority to impose the duties under an emergency law. Importers and retailers will likely try to recoup as much as $170 billion in tariffs they’ve already paid to the US government.

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The US economy grew less than expected at the end of last year, dragged down by a record-long government shutdown, consumer spending and trade. Even so, a gauge of underlying demand was still strong in the fourth quarter, capping a solid year for the US economy.

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The Trump administration’s war on foreign vehicles is threatening the long‑term viability of Canada’s automotive industry, which has depended on the flow of parts and vehicles across North American borders — mostly tariff-free — since the 1960s. Many in the Canadian sector are sympathetic to Trump’s desire to have more auto assembly jobs in the US. But the real threat, they argue, is from China.

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Europe

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UK unemployment reached its highest since the pandemic and wage growth eased as the labor market continued to weaken, prompting traders to increase bets on further interest-rate cuts from the Bank of England. Youth unemployment in Britain soared above the European Union average for the first time.

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After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine triggered an about-face on NATO membership, Sweden is starting to consider another historic shift: adopting the euro. If a shift does firm up, it would bolster the euro’s credibility at a time when dollar dominance in world trade and as a reserve currency is being questioned.

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Asia

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Japan’s manufacturing activity stayed expansionary for a third month on the back of solid output, signaling firmer corporate sentiment as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi prepares to promote her investment plans. Friday’s report suggests that growth is becoming more broad based, providing a tailwind for Takaichi’s government as it moves to ramp up business investment in targeted industries.

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Australia’s central bank assessed the economic outlook had “materially shifted” when it decided to execute a U-turn and raise interest rates this month, even as policymakers stopped short of signaling a follow-up move, minutes of its Feb. 2-3 meeting showed.