Overview

• The U.S. economy contracted by an annualized 0.3% in Q1 2025, while Germany forecasts zero GDP growth for the year, marking a prolonged period of stagnation.
• The U.S. trade deficit hit a record $162 billion in March, attributed to pre-tariff stockpiling and ongoing trade policy disruptions.
• Initial U.S. jobless claims rose by 18,000 last week to 241,000, signaling increasing labor market stress under current economic conditions.
• Apple anticipates $900 million in additional quarterly costs due to tariffs and is relocating iPhone production for the U.S. market to India, with other products shifting to Vietnam.
• General Motors and Harley-Davidson have reduced or withdrawn financial forecasts, citing billions in tariff-related costs and global economic uncertainty.