Overview

• Recent commentary details a country‑by‑country tariff ladder, with rates cited from a 10% base up to 50% on Brazil and India and 30% on China and South Africa.
• The July arrangement with the European Union is described as accepting 50% duties on steel and aluminum and about 15% on most other exports, along with increased EU imports of U.S. energy.
• Articles report that tariffs are wielded to pursue political outcomes, including pressure on India over Russian oil, punishment of Canada for recognizing Palestine, and leverage against Brazil over Bolsonaro‑related cases.
• Reporting also describes bespoke deals with major firms, including an arrangement enabling Nvidia to ship older‑generation chips to China with a 15% cut to the U.S. Treasury, talks about potential state participation in Intel, and a ‘golden share’ veto in the U.S. Steel sale to Nippon Steel.
• Guides to dealing with the White House emphasize personal access, flattery and simple, sellable proposals, as many governments seek accommodations while China retaliates and Brazil under Lula resists.