UBS On-Air: Market Moves Washington Weekly Podcast: Middle East trip, China trade, Tax legislation
May 12, 2025
Shane Lieberman, a Senior Governmental Affairs Advisor at UBS, shares insights on pressing geopolitical matters. He previews President Trump’s Middle East visit, noting its potential impact on U.S. investments and discussions around legalities involving gifts. Shane also analyzes the recent U.S.-China trade negotiations, including a temporary halt on tariffs. Additionally, he provides an update on tax legislation efforts in Congress, particularly the push to extend existing tax cuts and its implications on trade relations.
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Key Focuses of Trump's Middle East Trip
- President Trump's Middle East trip focuses on securing about $1 trillion in investments in the U.S. over four years.
- Relationships with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE will include military, energy, and AI collaboration topics.
US-China Trade De-escalation
- US-China trade talks resulted in a 90-day tariff reduction pause, not a full deal.
- This de-escalation lowers US tariffs from 145% to 30% and Chinese tariffs from 125% to 10%.
Progress and Nuances in Trade Deals
- Recent trade progress includes an agreement with the UK maintaining a minimum 10% tariff.
- Upcoming deals will be bespoke, varying by sector and country needs.