Tom Howell Jr.
Articles by Tom Howell Jr.
South Korea scrambles to match Japan’s trade deal with Trump, slash U.S. tariffs to 15% or lower
Japan's major trade deal with President Trump is heaping pressure on South Korea to strike its own agreement to stave off sky-high tariffs on goods it sends to U.S. markets. Published July 24, 2025
Trump says he’s rooting for former ally Musk and his companies
President Trump said Thursday he doesn't want Elon Musk's companies to suffer as one of those firms, Tesla, reported a second straight quarter of declining sales. Published July 24, 2025
South Korea mulls Japan-style investment package to sway Trump
South Korea is reportedly considering a proposal to invest $100 billion in the U.S. as part of trade talks with President Trump. Published July 24, 2025
‘Money flowing in’: White House seizes momentum on trade after big Japan deal
President Trump's "massive deal" with Japan gives the White House a strong head of steam as it nears a pivotal Aug. 1 deadline to reset trade relations with global partners. Published July 23, 2025
‘Investment over tariffs’ sealed deal with U.S., Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba says
Top Japanese and American officials said Wednesday they were able to reach a trade deal because Tokyo agreed to invest heavily in major projects in the United States. Published July 23, 2025
Trump claims Japan trade deal, imposes 15% tariff on goods from Asian superpower
President Trump on Tuesday said he struck a trade deal with Japan, a surprise development after the U.S. leader described the Asian country as "spoiled" by years of favorable trade terms with the American market. Published July 22, 2025
Philippine goods face 19% tariff under new deal with Trump
President Trump said Tuesday he will impose a 19% tariff on goods sent from the Philippines to the U.S. while American products entering the Asian island nation won't be taxed. Published July 22, 2025
AstraZeneca announces $50B investment in U.S., including Virginia facility
President Trump said Tuesday that pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca will invest $50 billion in pharmaceutical manufacturing by 2030, a development he attributed to his threat to impose tariffs on drugs made outside the U.S. Published July 22, 2025
Senate bill would require businesses to accept cash
A bipartisan Senate duo is pushing legislation that would require brick-and-mortar businesses to accept cash payments from customers, saying paper money remains legal tender despite a general transition to electronic payments. Published July 22, 2025
Pay dirt: Trump goes after critical minerals in his global dealmaking
President Trump is positioning himself as a tough trade negotiator, peacemaker and champion for U.S. workers during the first six months of his second term. There is a common thread stitching them together: precious metals, minerals and other valuable stuff that can be pulled from the earth. Published July 21, 2025
Bessent wants a full review of the Federal Reserve operations
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Monday he would like to see a top-to-bottom review of the Federal Reserve to ensure if it is doing a good job for the American people. Published July 21, 2025
Firing Powell could ‘crash’ markets, says Sen. Warren
Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts warned Thursday that the stock market might "crash" if President Trump tries to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Published July 17, 2025
Trump cracks down on fentanyl substances with bill signing
President Trump signed a bill Wednesday that permanently places illicit fentanyl and its chemical cousins on the most restrictive list of drugs in the U.S. Published July 16, 2025
Trump says he doesn’t plan to fire Fed Chairman Powell, despite buzz
President Trump on Wednesday said he has no plans to fire Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell as rumors swirl about a move against the central bank boss. Published July 16, 2025
Canada mulling limits on lumber exports to help U.S. trade talks
A top Canadian official says the country is considering cutting back on sending lumber to the U.S. to win over President Trump during trade negotiations. Published July 16, 2025
Former Sen. Joe Manchin says U.S. better wake up and reduce rare earth reliance on China
Former Sen. Joe Manchin III said Tuesday the U.S. must find new ways to increase production of rare earths, warning China is consolidating its monopoly on the global market for critical minerals that drive semiconductor and military technologies. Published July 15, 2025
Trump says U.S. will get market access in Indonesia, island country knocks down tariff
President Trump said Tuesday he struck a trade agreement with Indonesia, the world's fourth-most populous country, as his team assigns nation-by-nation tariff amounts alongside negotiations. Published July 15, 2025
Inflation rises in June, in line with economic forecasts
Inflation ticked upward in June, rising 0.3% in June compared to 0.1% in May, according to a government report. Published July 15, 2025
Trump tests limits of tariff power as high-stakes court case forges ahead
President Trump's decision to link tariff rates to Brazil's prosecution of ex-leader Jair Bolsonaro is testing the bounds of White House tariff powers and could complicate the president's defense against a high-stakes legal case over his sweeping levies. Published July 14, 2025
European Union trade chief says 30% tariff would ‘prohibit’ trade, pursues U.S. deal
The European Union's trade chief said Monday that trade will be "heavily impacted" if President Trump follows through on his threat to impose a 30% tariff on EU goods. Published July 14, 2025
