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Authoritative economic thinktank report finds tariffs have ‘no effect’ on US manufacturing employment

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A new report published on the VoxEU website, part of the Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR), argues that US President Trump’s so-called “reciprocal” tariffs have failed to deliver on one of their most politically sensitive promises: bringing manufacturing jobs back to America.

The column, titled “The (non) effect of tariffs on manufacturing employment”, reviews data on US trade policy and employment and concludes that tariffs have little to no positive impact on overall manufacturing employment. [Read more…] about Authoritative economic thinktank report finds tariffs have ‘no effect’ on US manufacturing employment

US government takes 10 percent stake in Intel for $9 billion

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The United States government has agreed to take a 9.9 percent stake in Intel through an $8.9 billion investment, marking one of the most significant interventions in the history of the American semiconductor industry.

The deal converts undisbursed grants under the CHIPS and Science Act and related programs into equity, giving the government nearly 10 percent ownership of Intel without direct control over its board.

The agreement also includes a five-year warrant allowing Washington to buy a further 5 percent of Intel shares at a fixed price if the company reduces its majority ownership of its foundry unit. [Read more…] about US government takes 10 percent stake in Intel for $9 billion

European postal services stop sending parcels to the US as Washington ends $800 duty-free rule

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Postal services across Europe have temporarily stopped accepting many parcels bound for the United States, citing uncertainty over new US customs rules that abolish the long-standing duty-free threshold for low-value imports. 

The suspension comes ahead of 29 August, when an executive order signed by President Donald Trump takes effect, ending the de minimis exemption that allowed goods worth up to $800 to enter the US duty-free. From Friday, almost all commercial parcels will require full customs clearance, duties and additional data.

DHL Parcel Germany was among the first to announce a halt, telling business customers it would no longer accept US-bound postal parcels from 22 August. Gifts valued up to $100 and letters remain unaffected, while DHL Express, the company’s courier arm, continues to operate with its own customs channels. [Read more…] about European postal services stop sending parcels to the US as Washington ends $800 duty-free rule

Moldova launches new incubator for robotics, digital agriculture, and foodtech

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Moldova, a small country in eastern Europe, is taking a decisive step toward the future of agriculture with the launch of a new incubator and pre-accelerator at Agrotek Arena Incubator, an innovation space dedicated to digital agriculture, robotics, and food technology.

The initiative is part of the Innovate Moldova Programme, funded by Sweden, and aims to modernize the country’s agri-food sector through innovation, research, and international collaboration.

On July 9, 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Moldova’s Ministry of Digitalization and Economic Development (MDED), the Technical University of Moldova (UTM), the Innovate Moldova Programme, and the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF), marking the start of this strategic partnership. [Read more…] about Moldova launches new incubator for robotics, digital agriculture, and foodtech

Chinese government to invest $140 billion in robotics and high-tech industries

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China’s National Development and Reform Commission plans to set up a state-backed venture capital fund focused on robotics, AI and cutting-edge innovation.

The long-term fund is expected to attract nearly 1 trillion yuan (approximately $140 billion) in capital from local governments and the private sector over 20 years. [Read more…] about Chinese government to invest $140 billion in robotics and high-tech industries

Moldova revs up its ‘digital engine’ as IT sector growth accelerates

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The IT sector in Moldova, a small country in eastern Europe, contributes 6 percent to the national GDP – a result that reflects the efficiency and impact of the ecosystem created by the Moldova Innovation Technology Park (MITP).

The data were presented by Marina Bzovîi, administrator of MITP, at the Moldova Digital Summit 2025, confirming the essential role of the Park in the digital transformation of the Republic of Moldova.

With 2024 marked by record performance, MITP expects a clear upward trajectory for 2025, supported by the accelerated expansion of the resident base and the increase in revenues generated by the IT sector. [Read more…] about Moldova revs up its ‘digital engine’ as IT sector growth accelerates

Trump announces plans to reduce tariffs on China

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President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will “substantially” reduce tariffs on Chinese imports, in a move that could mark a shift in the long-running trade conflict between the world’s two largest economies. 

Speaking on April 22, Trump said that although the tariffs would be lowered significantly, they “won’t be zero”, indicating a continued effort to protect certain domestic industries.

Currently, the US imposes tariffs of up to 145 percent on Chinese goods – levels that some within the administration have acknowledged are economically unsustainable. [Read more…] about Trump announces plans to reduce tariffs on China

Will the 90-day tariff pause spark a manufacturing exodus from China?

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With President Trump back in office and reaffirming his commitment to reshoring US manufacturing, the White House has implemented a 90-day pause on tariffs for all countries except China.

While framed as a temporary measure, the move could prove to be a turning point in global manufacturing strategy.

The central question now is: Will companies use this brief window to quietly shift operations out of China – and perhaps even back to the US? [Read more…] about Will the 90-day tariff pause spark a manufacturing exodus from China?

How trade wars could impact global automation supply chains and robotics companies

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The global robotics and automation industry is deeply interconnected, relying on highly optimized supply chains that span continents.

But as geopolitical tensions rise and trade wars escalate – particularly between the US and China – these supply chains face mounting pressure.

Tariffs, export restrictions, and shifting trade alliances are not only disrupting component flows but also forcing major players in the robotics sector to rethink their manufacturing and sourcing strategies. [Read more…] about How trade wars could impact global automation supply chains and robotics companies

Will Trump’s plan to reshore US manufacturing succeed?

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President Donald Trump’s renewed push to bring manufacturing back to the United States – anchored by sweeping tariffs and nationalist economic policies – has reignited debate over whether such strategies can truly revitalize American industry.

While the administration touts tariffs as a tool to protect domestic jobs and reduce trade deficits, critics argue that the approach is economically disruptive and unlikely to deliver the promised manufacturing renaissance.​ [Read more…] about Will Trump’s plan to reshore US manufacturing succeed?