Tracking Trump's Tariffs and Turbulent Trade Talks

Welcome to the Precious Metals Bug Forums

Welcome to the PMBug forums - a watering hole for folks interested in gold, silver, precious metals, sound money, investing, market and economic news, central bank monetary policies, politics and more.

Why not register an account and join the discussions? When you register an account and log in, you may enjoy additional benefits including no Google ads, market data/charts, access to trade/barter with the community and much more. Registering an account is free - you have nothing to lose!

A breakthrough and a burden? What the U.S.-EU trade deal means for the auto sector​

  • The U.S. and European Union have agreed a deal that means Washington will impose a blanket tariff of 15% on most EU goods.
  • Automotive industry groups and analysts have welcomed the breakthrough, while expressing concern about the potential consequences.
  • The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) said Monday that the new tariff reality will cost domestic car companies billions every year.
U.S. President Donald Trump has hailed the framework trade agreement with the European Union as the biggest trade deal ever made and one that promises to be “great for cars.”

An agreement brokered on Sunday between the U.S. and the EU means the Trump administration will impose a blanket tariff of 15% on most EU goods.

It represents a significant reduction from Trump’s threat to impose charges of 30% from Aug. 1 and almost halves the existing tariff rate on Europe’s auto sector from 27.5%.

More:

 

Trump ends de minimis exemption for global low-cost goods​

  • President Donald Trump signed an executive order ending the de minimis trade loophole for low-value packages shipped from all countries.
  • The order takes effect August 29.
  • The move comes after Trump in May suspended the provision for shipments from China and Hong Kong, where a significant share of de minimis packages originate.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order ending the de minimis trade loophole for low-value packages shipped from all countries.

The order, which takes effect August 29, will subject any shipments of imported goods into the U.S. worth $800 or less to duties, the White House said.

More:

 

Trump slaps universal 50% tariff on copper imports; metal’s price plunges​

  • President Donald Trump has signed an order imposing a universal 50% tariff on copper, the White House says.
  • The new duty takes effect on Friday, the same day his “reciprocal” tariffs and other duties are set to restart.
  • The copper tariffs follow the 50% U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum that Trump previously imposed.
President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed on order imposing a universal 50% tariff on copper imports, the latest metal he has targeted with a steep import tax.

U.S. copper prices plunged as much as 18% in after-hours trading as soon as the White House announced the new tariff rate. Copper miners Freeport-McMoRan and Southern Copper were down about 10% and more than 6%, respectively.

More:

 
 
T say's we're taking in trillions. He said it, so it must be true. And I'm all for me getting a dividend. MAGA!!

 
Live Updates
Updated Fri, Aug 1 2025 6:46 AM EDT

Trump unleashes sweeping new tariffs in a blow to global trade

If other nations don't like tariffs on their stuff coming to America, the answer is simple. They should get rid of the tariffs THEY impose on American goods.


Why is it only considered "free trade" when we don't have tariffs, but all other nations have them on our exports?


Why do none of these articles posted explain why tariffs are terrible for our nation, but wonderful for other nations?

If tariffs are bad, they are bad for all nations, not just ours.
 
The US has slapped tariffs on imports of one-kilo gold bars, in a move that threatens to upend the global bullion market and deal a fresh blow to Switzerland, the world’s largest refining hub.

The Customs Border Protection agency said one-kilo and 100-ounce gold bars should be classified under a customs code subject to levies, according to a so-called ruling letter dated July 31, which was seen by the Financial Times. Ruling letters are used by the US to clarify its trade policy.
...

More:
https://www.ft.com/content/78be1315-608d-43c6-b8e7-80b9e18c5ce7

Oh boy... Here we go!
 
Bloomberg

Gold Bar Tariff Surprise Gives New Blow to Switzerland​

(Bloomberg) — A US move to put tariffs on imports of one-kilogram and 100-ounce gold bars is unleashing fresh turmoil in the global bullion market and threatening to upend trade flows from Switzerland and other key refining hubs.

The US Customs and Border Protection agency has clarified that the gold bars face tariffs and are not exempted as the industry had initially understood, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified. The decision was first reported by the Financial Times.

More:

 

Trump tariffs live updates: Gold bar tariff surprise hits Swiss refiners, as Trump boasts of billions​

The US is imposing tariffs on imports of 1kg and 100oz gold bars, a move first reported in the FT on Friday, has shaken the bullion markets and could disrupt trade from key hubs like Switzerland.

The US Customs and Border Protection confirmed the bars are not exempt, as many in the industry had expected. The change has sparked some confusion among traders.

More:

 
SD Bullion

Gold Mayhem! Swiss Tarriff Shock Causes $100+ Spike in Gold Future Prices​

Aug 7, 2025
The gold market was dealt a massive wild card today when it was clarified that gold kilo and gold 100 oz bars coming out of Switzerland will be subject to tariffs in the US.
The paper and physical gold price contango is already happening with a separation of the two prices by more than $100.
SD Bullion CEO Chase Turner and COO Cole Keller jump on to discuss what this could mean to the markets as well as retail gold bullion investors.


19:20

Win 500 Silver Coins, enter here: https://SDBullion.com/sweepstakes
 

Trump tariffs live updates: Gold bar tariff surprise hits Swiss refiners, as Trump boasts of billions​

The US is imposing tariffs on imports of 1kg and 100oz gold bars, a move first reported in the FT on Friday, has shaken the bullion markets and could disrupt trade from key hubs like Switzerland.

The US Customs and Border Protection confirmed the bars are not exempt, as many in the industry had expected. The change has sparked some confusion among traders.

More:


I don't even know anymore, some type of TACO or fake news or market test.

 
No paywall:
Donald Trump will issue an executive order “clarifying” the US’s stance on gold bar tariffs, after a ruling that a widely-traded form of the precious metal is subject to levies sent shockwaves through the bullion market.

“The White House intends to issue an executive order in the near future clarifying misinformation about the tariffing of gold bars and other speciality products,” a White House official said on Friday.
...

https://www.ft.com/content/c2868087-9951-4f04-818f-5082437f603a

I was anticipating this. The CBP letter seemed like some administrative flunkies interpreting administration policy. There seems to be a breakdown in communication in the administration.
 

Trump warns courts against knocking down tariffs, says duties are ‘huge positive’ for stock market​

  • President Donald Trump warned U.S. courts against blocking his tariff policy.
  • He said tariffs have been good for markets and that such a move could create a harsh economic downturn.
President Donald Trump on Friday warned U.S. courts against blocking his tariff policy, citing its “positive impact” on the stock market and saying such a move could cause a severe economic downturn.

“If a Radical Left Court ruled against us at this late date, in an attempt to bring down or disturb the largest amount of money, wealth creation and influence the U.S.A. has ever seen, it would be impossible to ever recover, or pay back, these massive sums of money and honor,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform Friday morning.

More:

 
FWIW:

N351466: The tariff classification of cast gold bars from Switzerland.

 
Back
Top Bottom