155%

What has President Trump said this week?

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What has President Trump said this week? 〰️

1. 155% Tariffs

President Trump has floated tariffs of up to 155% on certain Chinese imports, framing the proposal as leverage ahead of a potential meeting with President Xi. Reports indicate that White House advisers view the measure as a contingency if talks stall, while markets are closely monitoring both the likelihood and scale of implementation (Economic Times, 2025). Risk assets initially steadied on hopes of renewed dialogue, though market sensitivity remains elevated (Bloomberg, 2025). 

Economists warn that broad-based tariffs could quickly feed into consumer prices and industrial costs, echoing inflationary effects seen in prior trade rounds (The Guardian, 2025). The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cautioned that, while global growth remains resilient, risks tied to trade fragmentation and tighter financial conditions could be amplified by a major tariff shock (Bloomberg, 2025). For private equity investors, immediate concerns include margin pressure in import-reliant portfolios, higher working-capital requirements, and potential demand softening in consumer-driven sectors. 

Politically, the administration suggests tariff escalation could be adjusted based on the outcome of the Trump–Xi engagement in South Korea later this month. President Trump has said the meeting could be “successful,” while also acknowledging it may not occur at all (Bloomberg, 2025). As a result, market expectations range from a limited, targeted tariff package to a broader escalation scenario. 

2. U.S.–Australia on Rare Minerals

The United States and Australia have reached a critical-minerals pact aimed at securing supplies of rare earths and related materials essential for clean energy and defense manufacturing. The agreement seeks to accelerate investment in Australian extraction and processing, expand U.S. supply partnerships, and strengthen integration across magnet and battery value chains (Washington Post, 2025; New York Times, 2025). Officials described the deal as a strategic complement to U.S. efforts to onshore key industries amid growing global uncertainty. 

The pact follows China’s continued tightening of export controls on rare-earth technologies, justified by Beijing as national-security measures. Analysts view the U.S.–Australia partnership as a hedge against supply concentration risk, designed to mitigate potential price spikes, licensing delays, and geopolitical disruptions tied to China’s dominance in the sector (The Guardian, 2025). The policy linkage between trade and minerals is clear: progress on alternative supply could inform the scope and durability of U.S. tariff actions, while setbacks could keep mineral access at the center of negotiations with China.

For investors, the pact opens new opportunities across the critical-minerals value chain, from Australian mining and refining projects to U.S.-based manufacturing and advanced materials development. By reinforcing bilateral cooperation, the initiative aims to replace vulnerable supply routes exposed by the ongoing U.S.–China trade tensions and enhance long-term industrial resilience. 

3. Fortune 500 Lawsuit vs. H-1B Visa Fee

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block the administration’s new $100,000 fee per H-1B visa petition, arguing that the policy exceeds executive authority and violates the Immigration and Nationality Act (Washington Post, 2025; BBC, 2025). Representing roughly 300,000 businesses across sectors, the Chamber seeks an injunction to suspend enforcement while the case proceeds (Reuters, 2025). Meanwhile, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued new guidance clarifying who must pay the fee and outlining limited exemptions. The policy applies to new petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025, for individuals outside the United States without valid H-1B visas.It does not apply to extensions, amendments, or changes of status for individuals already in the U.S., such as students moving from F-1 to H-1B status, nor to existing visa holders or petitions filed before that date (Forbes, 2025).

While the complaint is brought by the Chamber and allied groups, the membership spans many Fortune 500 firms in technology, finance, manufacturing, and healthcare. Plaintiffs and supporters argue that the $100,000 fee, far above the historical $2,000–$5,000 cost per application, would raise labor costs, limit hiring, and disproportionately burden startups and smaller employers (BBC, 2025; Reuters, 2025). 

The administration defends the fee, claiming it is intended to deter misuse of the H-1B program and protect U.S. workers, aligning with the President’s broader policy stance (Washington Post, 2025). The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for companies’ workforce planning and operational costs. If the courts suspend the fee, firms may resume hiring under the current visa framework. If not, employers, particularly those in tech and innovation sectors, could face higher expenses and slower talent acquisition.

In the near term, investors should monitor the legal proceedings closely, evaluate exposure in technology-heavy portfolios, and plan for potential cost adjustments related to specialized labor.