Daily Update: Tariffs Hit Auto Sector; Utilities Build Climate Resistance; and Reciprocal Duties on Tech
Today is Thursday, April 17, 2025, and here’s your curated selection of Essential Intelligence on global markets from S&P Global. Subscribe to be notified of each new Daily Update.
Global Trade
Tariffs Take The Wheel: Higher Prices, Lower Sales, Greater Risks For The North American Auto Sector
The macroeconomic landscape is affecting growth projections, due in part to the Trump administration’s shifting policies. Recent tariff announcements by the US and retaliatory measures from China have introduced significant uncertainty, surpassing market expectations. Despite President Trump's temporary pause on most tariffs, unresolved trade tensions pose risks that could adversely affect credit quality if tariffs are fully reinstated.
In light of these developments, forecasts for the North American auto industry were adjusted to reflect the compounded effects of high vehicle prices, persistent inflation, rising unemployment and elevated auto loan payments. China's export restrictions on rare earth elements are also expected to disrupt automotive supply chains, further constraining growth in the sector, particularly for battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.
Stay up to date with our latest automotive industry forecast and performance data.
Energy Transition & Sustainability
In this episode of the “All Things Sustainable” podcast, S&P Global Sustainable1 sits down with Shinjini Menon, senior vice president of system planning and engineering at Southern California Edison, to discuss how the electric utility is prioritizing energy reliability and affordability while building climate resilience in a region that is particularly vulnerable to wildfires.
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Technology & Innovation
US customs authorities have clarified the Trump administration's tariff reductions concerning the electronics sector, specifically including smartphones, network-connected devices and various computer components that were subject to high tariffs. The inclusion of these products in the exemption list came as electronic manufacturers faced significant share price declines due to a steep 145% tariff on imports from China, which accounted for a large portion of US electronics imports in 2024.
Despite the exemptions, manufacturers still face challenges as shifting supply chains entirely to the US for complex electronic devices is impractical in a short time frame. The changes also mean that these devices will be part of an upcoming review of the semiconductor and electronics components sector, which could lead to higher tariffs. Companies may need to raise prices during the peak new product launch season in late 2025, and while they might expedite imports of established products to avoid further tariff increases, introducing new products will be complicated due to development and marketing timelines.
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Senior Business Development Executive | Ex- Delhivery | Ex- Uber
1wWith trade tensions resurfacing and climate goals tightening, industries must stay agile. Tariffs may disrupt short-term plans, but utility-led climate initiatives show where long-term value lies
CEO, UN Climate Champion, and Stellar Servant Leader with world -class experience from the public and private sectors. Serving, inspiring and unlocking potential by taking historic action and achieving bold solutions.
1wAs CEO, a stellar servant leader and the UN Global Climate Champion, it's my distinct honor to join the world's largest talented team of EXPERTS, EXECUTIVES and LEADERS at the 2025 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from April 21 to 26, in Washington, DC. The Masterclass Series and the Highly Relevant Leadership Programs for C-suite executives, aiming to navigate the complexities of the modern global landscape. The Rise of Talented Experts: As CEO, UN Global Climate Champion, and a Stellar Servant Leader with world-class experience, emotional intelligence, digital mindset, intellectual curiosity and extraordinary leadership competencies, it's my distinct honor to be invited by executives to the 2025 Spring World Bank Organization (WBO) and IMF in Washington DC from April 21 to 26: The largest gathering of global leaders from 191 countries across the globe. My leadership philosophy, legacy, milestones and global journey: The demand for highly talented executives and leaders is becoming increasingly urgent. What is Policy? And how can people's personal data be protected? The shifting geopolitical landscape is increasingly seen as essential and imperative