March 27, 2025
United States:
US Merchandise Trade Deficit Narrows Slightly on Higher Exports
The US merchandise-trade deficit narrowed in February for the first time in four months on stronger exports, though high imports still pointed to companies trying to get ahead of tariffs.
The shortfall in goods trade narrowed 4.9% to $147.9 billion from a record a month earlier, Commerce Department data showed Thursday.
Europe:
ECB Should Consider Pausing Rate Cuts in April, Wunsch Says
The European Central Bank should consider holding interest rates steady at its next meeting as US trade policy complicates its decision-making, according to Governing Council member Pierre Wunsch.
Tariffs from President Donald Trump’s administration threaten to boost inflation while slowing economic growth, the Belgian central-bank chief said in an interview with CNBC. The risk to prices may now be to the upside, he warned.
Asia:
Trump’s Auto Tariffs Reduce Likelihood of BOJ Rate Hike in May
The new auto tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump greatly reduce the likelihood of the Bank of Japan lifting its benchmark interest rate at the May 1 conclusion of its next board meeting, according to BOJ watchers.
“The likelihood of a May rate hike has gotten even lower,” said Atsushi Takeda, chief economist at Itochu Research Institute.
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