Key Takeaways
- The White House announced new tariffs, including an additional 40% on Brazil, bringing the total to 50%, and a universal 50% tariff on semi-finished copper products and copper-intensive derivatives, effective August 1.
- The U.S. will suspend the "de minimis" exemption for commercial shipments globally, effective August 29, impacting low-value imports that previously entered duty-free.
- Airbus (AIR) is confident a resolution can be reached to avoid a strike at its UK wings plant, despite workers voting overwhelmingly in favor of industrial action over pay.
- Airbus (AIR) acknowledged that achieving its 2025 delivery target of around 820 commercial aircraft will be challenging, with deliveries expected to be "back-loaded" due to persistent engine supply issues, particularly for the A320 program.
The global economic landscape is seeing significant shifts today, marked by new tariff implementations, ongoing supply chain challenges, and anticipation surrounding central bank decisions.
The White House has announced a series of new tariff measures. Most notably, an additional 40% tariff will be imposed on Brazil, increasing the total tariff amount to 50%. This decision is attributed to Brazil's recent policies that the Trump administration views as an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economy, specifically citing politically motivated persecution and censorship of former President Jair Bolsonaro and his supporters. The Brazilian stock market (IBOV) has seen recent declines, with the Ibovespa index falling to 132,685 points on July 30, 2025, a 0.03% loss from the previous session and a 4.92% decline over the past month.
In a move impacting global trade, the White House also declared the suspension of the "de minimis" exemption for commercial shipments worldwide, effective August 29. This exemption previously allowed low-value imports (under $800) to enter the U.S. duty-free, and its suspension aims to combat tariff evasion and the influx of illicit or unsafe products.
In the aerospace sector, Airbus (AIR) is navigating potential labor disruptions and production hurdles. The Airbus CEO expressed confidence that a resolution can be reached to avert a strike at its UK wings plant, even after over 3,000 workers voted overwhelmingly in favor of industrial action due to a pay dispute. These workers are crucial for the production of wings for the A320 family, A330, and A350 jets. Separately, Airbus (AIR) acknowledged that achieving its 2025 delivery target of around 820 commercial aircraft will be challenging. Deliveries are expected to be "back-loaded" in the second half of the year due to persistent engine supply issues, particularly affecting the A320 program. Despite a strong first half in commercial performance, lower aircraft deliveries compared to the previous year reflect these challenges.
Meanwhile, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) press conference is scheduled for approximately 2:30 PM ET today, following the announcement of their key benchmark interest rate decision at 2:00 PM ET. Experts anticipate that the central bank will likely keep interest rates unchanged at their current level of 4.25% to 4.50%, citing economic uncertainties and the impact of recent tariffs. President Donald Trump has publicly urged the Federal Reserve to cut rates, arguing that high interest rates are detrimental to the economy.
Adding to the tariff landscape, the White House has also announced a universal 50% tariff on imports of copper input materials and scrap, excluding them from Section 232 and reciprocal tariffs. This comes after President Trump ordered a Section 232 investigation into copper imports earlier in the year. This 50% tariff on semi-finished copper products and copper-intensive derivative products is effective August 1. Copper prices had surged to an all-time high of $5.70 per pound following the initial tariff announcement in early July, a 13% single-day increase and up 42% since the start of the year. The U.S. is the world's second-largest consumer of refined copper, and these tariffs aim to strengthen domestic production and reduce reliance on imports. Companies involved in copper mining include Southern Copper Corporation (SCCO).
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.