Trump’s aggressive trade tactics yield mixed global economic signals

President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade strategy, executed alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, continues to reshape international economic relationships. Japan exemplifies this dynamic: after facing a 15% tariff—down from an initial 25%—Tokyo publicly expressed gratitude while committing to US$550 billion in US investments, with America retaining 90% of profits.

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What did Japan give up to lower US tariffs?

Japan has pledged to invest US$550 billion in the US economy under a sweeping trade deal unveiled July 22, 2025, aiming to avert steep auto tariffs. The pact expands US access to Japan’s markets across autos, agriculture, and defense while deepening bilateral ties in semiconductors, energy, and critical infrastructure, according to Nikkei, Reuters, and Yomiuri.

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Huawei’s shadow fab (1): the secret chip agenda at the heart of Shenzhen

As US–China tech tensions escalate, semiconductors have become the focal point in a broader race for technological sovereignty. Three obscure yet strategically vital wafer foundries, Shenzhen Pengxin Micro Semiconductor Technology (Pengxin Micro), SwaySure Technology, and Shenzhen Pensun Technology (Pensun), have emerged as key players in China’s response.

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MSI may tie motherboard shipments with Gigabyte in 2025

MSI is adopting a cautious strategy toward AI server-related products, while its Taiwanese rivals Gigabyte Technology, Asustek Computer and ASRock are all aggressively expanding in the sector with immediate operational benefits, but its motherboard shipments will have a good chance to catch up with those of Gigabyte and hit above 10 million units for the first time in 2025.

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Car industry questions Huawei’s no car-making pledge as HIMA surges

Huawei’s Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) reached top five in total sales in June, just one spot behind Tesla China, an indication of the beginning of Huawei’s path to supremacy. Although Huawei insists it does not make cars, it understands the importance of controlling core vehicle technologies and is gradually making improvements in the automotive field. However, the elephant in the room must be addressed: Will Huawei grow to be a larger threat to its partners and other Chinese automakers?

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