WSJ What’s News Hardball or a Hail Mary? Trade Tactics Go Down to the Wire
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Aug 6, 2025 Trade tensions are heating up as the U.S. prepares to impose tariffs on India and Switzerland, prompting urgent diplomatic talks. In a significant move, a U.S. envoy meets Putin ahead of a deadline related to Russia's actions in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the U.S. secures a massive arms deal with European nations supporting Ukraine, and there's buzz around recent innovations in mRNA vaccines. The conversation also explores the growing demand for critical minerals amidst geopolitical challenges and an intriguing partnership between the NFL and Disney.
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India's Hardline Tariff Stance
- India resists U.S. pressure to stop buying Russian oil, risking higher tariffs.
- This stance signals its commitment to independent trade decisions despite U.S. threats.
Switzerland's Trade Shock
- Switzerland faces a punitive 39% U.S. tariff, jeopardizing its export-dependent economy.
- This rate is unusually high compared to other allies like the EU and UK, making Swiss goods very uncompetitive.
Swiss Strategy To Beat Tariffs
- Switzerland could mitigate tariffs by investing more in the U.S. or increasing American LNG and defense good purchases.
- Presenting concrete proposals might persuade the U.S. to lower its punitive tariff rate.