US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday that could impose a 25% tariff on countries that continue to trade with Iran. Trump first threatened the measure last month as tensions between Washington and Tehran continued to rise over Iran’s nuclear program and a bloody crackdown by the Islamic Republic on anti-regime protests.
Economic data released by Germany's statistical office on Friday showed a plunge in exports to the United States in 2025, as US President Donald Trump's tariffs upend trade with Europe's largest economy and top exporter.
South Korea's government appeared to be blindsided last week as Donald Trump accused Seoul of "not living up" to a bilateral trade deal concluded in October, and announced a new 25% tariff on Korean imports. The Asian nation has yet to ratify the US trade agreement in the National Assembly.
For the past year, countries around the world have been in panic mode as the United States added tariffs or threatened trade wars. The sheer uncertainty of President Donald Trump's whims has added a real sense of urgency to the situation.
The US dollar continues to fall sharply in value against other major currencies, continuing the trend that saw its steepest annual drop in almost a decade in 2025. The dollar fell by 1.3% against a basket of currencies on Tuesday, meaning that it has fallen by 2.6% since the start of 2026.
Roomba robot vacuums made by iRobot are displayed on a shelf at a Target store in California. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Justin Sullivan/Getty Images The U.S. company that put robot vacuums into American homes has hit the skids.
Soybean farmers like Kevin Deinert in South Dakota have grain bins full of unsold beans they were planning to send to China before President Trump initiated a trade war with that country. China has recently started buying U.S. soybeans again, but in much smaller quantities than before.
Dan Duffy uses a tractor to plant soybeans on land he farms with his brother on April 28, 2025 near Dwight, Illinois.
A shopper pushes a cart toward the entrance of a Costco warehouse in Colorado. David Zalubowski/AP hide caption toggle caption David Zalubowski/AP Costco is now one of the largest companies to sue the Trump administration over tariffs, hoping to secure a refund if the Supreme Court declares the new import duties illegal.
President Donald Trump speaks during an event to announce new tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Washington.