Marketplace

Corporate bond issuance is at a standstill, leaving firms hesitant to invest long-term. The Democratic Republic of the Congo's extended cobalt export ban is set to impact global prices amid rising competition. Meanwhile, closures in the bar and restaurant sector reflect the struggles of local businesses post-pandemic. The podcast also tackles listener questions on trade policy, highlighting how tariffs and changing geopolitical dynamics are reshaping the economy.

Jennifer Pack, a Marketplace correspondent in Dongguan City, China, shares her insights on the complexities of shoemaking and trade. With current import levies at 54%, she discusses why footwear production is likely to stay in China despite rising costs. The talk also touches on the recent volatility in copper prices and the implications for various industries. Additionally, Pack highlights how European carmakers are strategizing amid trade war dynamics, revealing the delicate balance between consumer behavior and economic uncertainty.

Tariffs are set to hit low-income Americans hard, slashing their disposable income significantly. With rising prices, the labor market may suffer if demand for higher-priced goods declines. Meanwhile, New Mexico is creatively allocating oil and gas revenues to improve childcare access. In West Texas, residents face dire water shortages, complicating economic growth. The gaming industry also wrestles with tariff impacts, specifically regarding supplies from China, prompting companies to rethink strategies.

In this discussion, Sabree Beneshore, a Marketplace reporter specializing in tariffs, dives into the significant effects of these new trade policies on businesses. He explores how tariffs, reaching up to 54%, are driving up prices for consumers, particularly in the retail and construction sectors. Additionally, Sabree discusses the potential economic downturn and the ethical implications of sharing undocumented immigrants' tax information. He highlights personal narratives that reveal the real-life impact of these complex economic issues.

Conor Sen, a Bloomberg columnist, delves into the struggles faced by Generation Z in today's challenging job market. He highlights the slowest merger and acquisition activity in over a decade, attributing it to economic uncertainties. The discussion also sheds light on how automation and negative perceptions are exacerbating employment challenges for younger workers. Additionally, Sen touches on racial disparities in bankruptcy outcomes, showcasing how minority filers are often at a disadvantage compared to their white counterparts.

Gretchen Blau, Customs Broker Manager at Logistics Plus, shares her expertise on the economic ripple effects of tariffs on businesses. She discusses how a potential decline in asset values might trigger lower consumer spending. The conversation touches on the challenges upcoming vehicle tariffs could present to the auto industry and importers. Additionally, Blau explores how small businesses often reflect broader economic trends, underscoring the intricate links between consumer behavior and market volatility.

Joining the discussion is Daniela Velasquez de Leon, General Manager at Organics Unlimited, who brings insights on how tariffs affect her banana import business. They delve into the shocking jump in homeownership costs, now requiring a household income of $117,000—up 50% since 2020. The conversation touches on the emotional impact of fluctuating tariffs and currency values on small businesses, revealing the intricate web connecting everyday expenses and global trade policies.

Consumers are feeling the squeeze of inflation yet continue to spend. An economist suggests this behavior may be unsustainable. Dive into a pilot project aiming for drastic water savings in Los Angeles. Discover how a small business in Michigan thrives by merging values with practices and the role of composting in waste management. Additionally, explore sustainable avocado farming and the impact of trade tensions on tourism.

Martha Gimbel, the Executive Director of the Budget Lab at Yale, dives into the current economic landscape dominated by uncertainty around tariffs. She discusses the latest GDP growth figures and the disconnect between the stock market and everyday consumer experiences. Gimbel highlights the troubling rise in student loan delinquencies and their potential economic ripple effects. Additionally, the podcast explores the alarming rise of train heists that threaten cargo security, shedding light on the challenges facing supply chains today.

Tariffs on vehicle imports are on the rise, with President Trump's plan potentially backfiring by impacting U.S. spending and foreign investment. Discover how the Bureau of Labor Statistics grapples with measuring unemployment and the financial strains on small businesses amid inflation. The conversation also dives into the challenges facing universities due to reduced federal funding and the widening gap between affluent and underfunded institutions. Plus, insights into the struggling Chinese restaurant industry reveal alarming economic trends.