Rio Tinto Raises 2025 Copper Output Outlook as Oyu Tolgoi Expansion Accelerates 
Austria’s AA Credit Rating Affirmed as Fitch Highlights Stable Outlook 
Australia Imposes Sanctions on Taliban Officials Over Human Rights Abuses 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Momenta Quietly Moves Toward Hong Kong IPO Amid Rising China-U.S. Tensions 
U.S. Expected to Expand Travel Ban to More Than 30 Countries 
Netflix’s Bid for Warner Bros Discovery Aims to Cut Streaming Costs and Reshape the Industry 
Australia and Japan Strengthen Defence Cooperation Amid Rising Regional Tensions 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
EU Prepares Antitrust Probe Into Meta’s AI Integration on WhatsApp 
Australia Moves Forward With Teen Social Media Ban as Platforms Begin Lockouts 
U.S. Stocks End Week Higher as Markets Anticipate Fed Rate Cut 
OpenAI Moves to Acquire Neptune as It Expands AI Training Capabilities 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Ford Motor CEO Jim Farley met with U.S. lawmakers after raising concerns that a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports could severely impact the American auto industry. Farley spoke with Senators Roger Marshall, Elissa Slotkin, Deb Fischer, and multiple House lawmakers, emphasizing the risks of President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs.
Farley warned that tariffs on Mexico and Canada could disrupt the industry, increase costs, and benefit foreign competitors. Speaking at a Wolfe Research conference, he stated that such tariffs could "blow a hole" in the U.S. auto sector. He also expressed concerns that rescinding electric vehicle (EV) incentives could put jobs at risk, as Ford has heavily invested in battery production and assembly plants in Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
Trump recently raised tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 25% and imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese goods. He has also threatened a 25% tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico, citing border security concerns, but temporarily paused the decision until March 1.
Democrats have criticized Trump's tariff plans, arguing they could drive inflation and harm American workers. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and the Michigan Democratic Party have cited Farley’s remarks as evidence of the potential economic damage.
In response to concerns, Farley stated Ford shares Trump’s goal of strengthening the U.S. auto industry and is committed to ongoing discussions with lawmakers. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers introduced bills to eliminate EV tax credits and impose a $1,000 fee on new EV purchases to fund road repairs.
As the tariff debate intensifies, the auto industry faces uncertainty, with potential long-term consequences for manufacturing, jobs, and consumer prices.
