Tag: America First

Philippine Exporters Feeling Uneasy Over Trump’s New 15% Global Tariff

Philippine Exporters Feeling Uneasy Over Trump’s New 15% Global Tariff

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The new 15% tariff on imports announced by US President Donald Trump after reacting to the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) decision is already troubling exporters of the Philippines, according to a report by BusinessWorld.

There is concern that the new tariff may dampen the export recovery of the Philippines. It should be recalled that the American tariff on Philippine-made goods was set at 19% following the meeting between President Trump and Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. last year.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld news report. Some parts in boldface…

THE United States government’s plan to impose a new 15% tariff on imports may dampen the Philippines’ export recovery and disrupt supply chains, according to analysts.

“Under a 15% tariff, there might be a disruption in the supply chain, because other countries might negotiate or diverge [to other markets],” Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. President Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis, Jr. said in a phone call.

“Unfortunately, our competitors here in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) are supported by their governments, but we aren’t,” he added.

Mr. Ortiz-Luis said the Philippine government must resume negotiations with its US counterparts to ensure exports remain competitive.

Philippine Institute for Development Studies Senior Research Fellow John Paolo R. Rivera said the new tariffs could dampen export recovery, especially for electronics, garments, and agricultural sectors.

“The renewed threat of a 15% global tariff signals that protectionist risks remain and could dampen export recovery if implemented, especially for semiconductors and intermediate goods integrated into US supply chains,” he said in a Viber message.

US President Donald J. Trump said he wants to impose a new 15% duty on US imports from all countries, starting Tuesday, Reuters reported. (Read related story “Asian economies weigh impact of fresh Trump tariff, uncertainties” on S1/11).

This after the US Supreme Court struck down his previous tariff program, ruling that Mr. Trump had exceeded his authority when he imposed higher tariffs under an economic emergency law.

Government officials emphasized that the US remains an important trading and investment partner.

“We will continue to engage with (the US). A stable and predictable arrangement with the US will be very beneficial to our stakeholders,” Trade Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty said in a Viber message.

Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go earlier said that the majority of the country’s exports — like semiconductors and key agricultural goods — were already exempted before the US Supreme Court’s ruling.

The US has long been the Philippines’ biggest export market. From January to December 2025, the value of Philippine exports to the US stood at $13.44 billion.

“We don’t know under what authority he (Mr. Trump) will impose those tariffs, and if these will last. We will have to wait until the dust settles to properly assess the impact of his new universal tariffs,” Foundation for Economic Freedom President Calixto V. Chikiamco said in a Viber message.

Reuters reported the new US tariffs are grounded in a separate but untested law, known as Section 122, that allows tariffs up to 15% but requires congressional approval to extend them after 150 days.

Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines President Robert M. Young said its members have been resuming talks with its US buyers.

“We have survived, for the last eight months, the US’ 19% tariff. So, I think we have to just go on with what we are doing, and we’ll try our best to just lower our price to be competitive with other ASEAN nations,” he said via telephone.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Filipino exporters will do better with the new 15% tariff instead of the previous one set at 19%? If you are managing a company that makes products for export mainly to the United States, do you have any backup plans when dealing with new tariffs?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines To Use ASEAN Influence To Lead Southeast Asian Front Against Trump’s New Global Tariff On Imports

Philippines To Use ASEAN Influence To Lead Southeast Asian Front Against Trump’s New Global Tariff On Imports

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Months ago, it was announced that the Philippines will temporarily lead the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as its Chair for 2026. In light of US President Donald Trump’s implementation of a new tariff on imports as a result of the United States Supreme Court’s decision, the Philippines – through its Trade Secretary – announced that it will lead the Southeast Asian front against the said tariff, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

Manila is preparing to lead a unified Southeast Asian push for a preferential trade agreement with the United States (US) following Washington’s decision to impose a 15 percent global tariff on imports.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the government intends to leverage its 2026 chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to safeguard the region’s export competitiveness and navigate the sudden shift in American trade policy.

Roque added that the government will also raise this matter during the upcoming ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Retreat in the coming month.

“Definitely that will be one of the topics that we will be talking about,” she told reporters on the sidelines of the ASEAN Editors and Economic Opinion Leaders Forum.

She, however, said the government has yet to formally discuss the region’s position, given that the US’ new sweeping tariffs were just announced over the weekend.

Finance Secretary Frederick Go, on the other hand, said this is an issue that all ASEAN members “love to talk about when we’re together.”

“What it made clear to us is that we have to open new markets,” said Go.

The US Supreme Court ruled on Feb. 20 that President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were unconstitutional.

In the aftermath of the ruling, Trump immediately slapped a 10 percent surcharge on imports to the US, later raising it to 15 percent.

The new global tariff brings another wave of uncertainty that may undermine the exports of ASEAN members and ultimately their respective economic growth.

The Philippines is taking an active role in calling for deeper regional integration to accelerate investment flows and future-proof the region.

As ASEAN chair, Roque said a major priority is to oversee the passage and entry into force of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).

DEFA aims to set the region’s common rules on e-commerce, digital trade, cybersecurity, digital payments, emerging technologies, and cross-border data flows.

The agreement is seen doubling the value of ASEAN’s digital economy, which is already on track to reach about $1 trillion by 2030.

“We recognize the complexity of today’s global environment—geopolitical tensions, technological disruption, supply chain shifts, and climate risks. Yet we remain confident in ASEAN’s collective strength. ASEAN bonded together is a force that cannot be ignored,” said Roque.

For the year, Roque said priorities of the ASEAN chairship also include cross-border mobility of digital talent and industrial development of semiconductors and critical minerals.

By observing the attitude of the current administration and its diplomats, the Philippines is acting as if it is a major player on international affairs and world economics. Its chairmanship of the ASEAN is the latest example of this. Clearly the Philippines is afraid of the new global tariff implemented by Trump. Filipino exporters have endured the previous 19% tariff by America. When it comes to economic growth, the Philippines has weakened achieving only 4.4% growth in 2025 and the fallout of the flood control corruption scandal is still being felt socially and economically.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the Philippines will be a very effective leader of the ASEAN this year? Do you think the Philippines is truly standing up for the economic interests of each and every Southeast Asian nation when dealing with Trump tariffs? Is the Philippines leading ASEAN to a potential embarrassment on international affairs and economics?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

The Wickedness And True Colors Of The Democrats Exposed

The Wickedness And True Colors Of The Democrats Exposed

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US President Donald Trump delivered another meaningful State of the Union Address. His speech emphasized what his administration has done, what they are working on and which direction America itself is headed.

What is very notable about this year’s speech was how Trump exposed the wickedness and unpatriotic nature of the Democrats (the Satanic Left and Islamo-Leftists). The White House issued a statement about whose side the Democrats are on.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the White House statement. Some parts in boldface…

Tonight, President Donald J. Trump delivered a historic State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress — proudly declaring the dawn of a new Golden Age after just one year of transformative leadership in his second term. In a powerful speech, President Trump highlighted unprecedented accomplishments: a fully secure border, plummeting inflation, falling gas prices and crime rates, surging stock markets and 401(k)s, massive tax relief for working Americans, and bold actions to restore peace through strength abroad.

This was a speech of renewal and resolve — yet congressional Democrats, consumed by delusional hatred and obstruction, refused to join in celebrating these victories for the American people.

Tonight, Democrats refused to applaud:

–   Reaffirming “the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.”

–    The grieving families of innocent American women and children murdered by criminal illegal aliens — including the mother of Iryna Zarutska, a North Carolina woman savagely killed on public transit by a career criminal monster.

–    Securing our homeland and finally ending the invasion of savage criminal illegal aliens — killers, rapists, gang members, and traffickers — with the strongest, most secure border in American history.

–    Prioritizing American citizens over illegal aliens.

–    Unifying against political violence.

–   Inflation finally subsiding after years of Democrat-driven price shocks that crushed working families.

–    Keeping violent criminals locked up.

–    Lower prescription drug prices for millions of Americans.

–   The decisive military action that brought indicted narcoterrorist Nicolás Maduro to justice, crippling drug cartels and liberating our hemisphere from vicious narcotrafficking terrorists.

–    Protecting minor children from the horrors of irreversible sex changes.

–    Gas prices dropping to multi-year lows, putting money back in Americans’ pockets.

–    Law enforcement officers being respected once again after years of vilification.

–    The financial futures of millions of American newborns through Trump Accounts.

–   Protecting the integrity of our elections by preventing illegal aliens from undermining our democracy.

–  Banning large corporations from scooping up single-family homes, ensuring they remain available for working Americans.

–   Ending widespread fraud schemes — like the $19 billion Somali fraud scandal that burdened Minnesota taxpayers.

–    Warrior Dividends for our great military heroes.

–    Reducing the flow of deadly fentanyl across our border by a record 56% in one year.

The list of items in the White House statement is very long. To see the rest of the details, click https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2026/02/democrats-showed-whose-side-theyre-on-and-its-not-the-american-people-249d/

Very clearly, the Democrats today are twisted, very woke and they do not really care about America’s own citizens and stakeholders. Too many times have the Democrats sided with illegal aliens, illegal immigrants, and other foreign criminals at the expense of the American people. The general elections of 2024 are over and yet the Democrats never changed for the better at all. They are actually worse and more toxic right now.

The Democrats love illegal immigrants/aliens, the Islamic terrorists, the scammers, the crooks, the thieves and a whole lot more evil forces. Can you imagine John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy being alive today (they each would be over 100-years-old had they survived) and look at their fellow Democrats? They would have been very disgusted and shocked with how much their party changed for the worse! I can imagine an elderly RFK condemning Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib as Islamic terrorists disguised as their party members.

With the YouTube videos posted below, you will not only see how disgusting Democrats really are, but also see how Trump cleverly exposed their true colors.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to Trump’s 2026 State of the Union Address? Do you think the Democrats today have any sanity remaining at all? Do the Islamists like Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib reflect your values as an American? Do you find Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi and Al Green the most pathetic Democrats of today?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Prime Minister Takaichi Pledges To Make Japan Stronger And More Prosperous Through Major Policy Shifts

Prime Minister Takaichi Pledges To Make Japan Stronger And More Prosperous Through Major Policy Shifts

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With the huge election victories of February 8 recorded in history and having been re-elected in her current position, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae vowed major shifts on policy with the intention to make the nation stronger and more prosperous, according to a news report by Kyodo News.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Friday pledged major policy shifts to make Japan “stronger and more prosperous,” citing expansionary finance for economic growth and efforts to boost intelligence and defense capabilities to address security challenges.

In her first policy speech since being reelected prime minister by parliament earlier this week, Takaichi also expressed her willingness to cooperate with the opposition despite her ruling party’s historic landslide victory in the Feb. 8 general election.

Takaichi said she will promote “responsible and proactive” fiscal policies and measures to encourage domestic investments in crisis management and promising fields.

“My Cabinet will end the long-running practice of excessive fiscal austerity and insufficient investment for the future,” said Takaichi, who became Japan’s first female prime minister in October and was reelected Wednesday. “We will intensely press, press, press, press and press the switch for growth.“

Takaichi vowed to speed up discussions on a two-year suspension of the 8 percent consumption tax on food and beverage items, aiming to draw an interim conclusion before the summer at a cross-party “national council” and submit related bills swiftly.

With prolonged inflation in mind, the government will not rely on deficit-covering bond issuance for the suspension, which would be a stopgap to help households until the envisioned introduction of an income tax deduction and cash handout system, she said.

“By fully mobilizing these measures, we will create a virtuous cycle of investment and wage hikes,” Takaichi said.

Japanese prime ministers usually deliver policy speeches in January after the start of ordinary Diet sessions, but this year the session ended in one day as Takaichi dissolved the House of Representatives on Jan. 23 for a snap election, leading to her address during a 150-day special session that started Wednesday.

In the election, Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, won more than three quarters of the lower house’s 465 seats, well above the two-thirds threshold required to override the House of Councillors to push through bills.

In the upper house, the LDP-JIP bloc remains in a minority.

Takaichi said she hopes to work with opposition parties in realizing policies, quoting from a Chinese classic, “With trust, we act in righteousness, with righteousness, we fulfill our mandate.”

She called for cooperation to ensure the early enactment of a draft initial budget for fiscal 2026 starting April, which before the snap election had been expected to pass by the end of March, and of tax reform bills.

To prevent “unjustifiable foreign interference” in Japan, Takaichi said her government will establish a ministerial-level committee and upgrade the existing Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office to a national agency.

A conservative with hawkish security views, Takaichi also said she expects a deeper public debate on amending the war-renouncing Constitution, a long-held LDP goal, and revising the Imperial House Law for a “stable imperial succession,” amid a decline in the number of imperial family members.

As for diplomacy, Takaichi said she will visit the United States next month, if possible, to “further strengthen a relationship of trust” with President Donald Trump, describing the bilateral alliance as the linchpin of Japan’s foreign and security policies.

Regarding China, she reiterated Japan’s commitment to building “constructive and stable” ties and continuing communication, amid bilateral tensions sparked by her remarks in parliament in November that an attack on Taiwan could prompt an intervention by Japan’s defense forces.

Takaichi said Japan is facing “the most severe and complex” security environment of the postwar era, pointing to China’s intensifying military activities and attempts to “unilaterally change the status quo by force and coercion” in the East and South China seas.

Also touching on North Korea’s missile and nuclear development programs and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Takaichi promised to update three key security and defense policy documents this year and “strategically evolve” Japan’s free and open Indo-Pacific vision.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Prime Minister Takaichi and her cabinet will be able to achieve the goals of their agenda while convincing the opposition to cooperate? Do you think Japan will be able to secure itself better from the combined hostilities of Communist China and North Korea? Do you think strong economic growth can be achieved within the next few years?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Trump To Hike Global Tariff To 15%

Trump To Hike Global Tariff To 15%

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Wow! US President Donald Trump sure acts fast and with certainty. Following his reaction to the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) decision that found America’s sweeping global tariffs unconstitutional, President Trump announced that he will increase the rate of his new global tariff on imports from the initial 10% to 15%, according to a Kyodo News report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Kyodo News report. Some parts in boldface…

U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday he will raise the rate of his new global tariff on imports from all countries from the 10 percent announced a day earlier to 15 percent, following the Supreme Court’s ruling striking down a core pillar of his economic policy.

Trump announced the sudden change on social media, adding that during “the next short number of months,” his administration will consider introducing other “legally permissible” tariffs.

On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Trump’s so-called reciprocal tariffs targeting nearly all of America’s trading partners, as well as fentanyl-related levies he applied to goods from China, Canada and Mexico.

The court ruled that Trump overstepped his presidential powers when he used a 1970s-era emergency law last year to impose those tariffs.

Hours later, Trump responded furiously to the decision at a press conference, announcing the new, across-the-board tariff under a different legal framework, which has never before been used by a U.S. president to impose trade restrictions.

The 10 percent tariff, set to take effect Tuesday, is based on Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. It allows import restrictions, including duties of up to 15 percent, if there are “large and serious” trade deficits. Such measures only last 150 days unless Congress approves an extension.

On Saturday, Trump did not say when he plans to raise the rate to the statutory limit.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Considering Trump’s latest action with the new global tariffs, do you think the Supreme Court of the United States made the wrong decision? What is your honest opinion about tariffs right now? Do you think SCOTUS was influenced by foreign entities which opposed Trump’s tariffs?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Trump Responds To US Supreme Court Decision With New 10% Global Tariff

Trump Responds To US Supreme Court Decision With New 10% Global Tariff

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In response to the United States Supreme Court’s decision that found America’s sweeping global tariffs unconstitutional, US President Donald Trump announced he will impose a 10% global tariff, according to a news report by Kyodo News.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Kyodo News report. Some parts in boldface…

U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that he will impose a new 10 percent “global tariff” after the Supreme Court struck down his duties targeting nearly all of America’s trading partners, delivering a major blow to his signature economic policy and likely complicating Washington’s relations with the rest of the world.

Upholding lower court findings, the highest court ruled that Trump overstepped his presidential powers when he used a 1970s-era emergency law last year to impose the so-called reciprocal tariffs, as well as fentanyl-related levies he applied to goods from China, Canada and Mexico.

Calling the ruling “deeply disappointing,” Trump said, “I’m ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed for not having the courage to do what’s right for our country.“

At a press conference, Trump unleashed a barrage of criticism against the justices, accusing them of being “very unpatriotic and disloyal to our Constitution,” and claimed that the court has been influenced by “foreign interests.”

At the center of the case was Trump’s invocation of the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act to swiftly bring the tariffs into effect without congressional approval, even though taxation is an enumerated power of the legislative branch.

During oral arguments in early November, a majority of the court’s nine justices, six of whom were appointed by Republican presidents, already appeared skeptical of Trump’s authority to bypass Congress in levying the double-digit tariffs.

Writing for the final 6-3 judgment, Chief Justice John Roberts, a conservative appointed by President George W. Bush, said Trump could not legally justify his extraordinary action.

“The president asserts the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited amount, duration, and scope. In light of the breadth, history, and constitutional context of that asserted authority, he must identify clear congressional authorization to exercise it,” Roberts said.

Tariffs are the centerpiece of Trump’s “America First” agenda. The Republican president has argued they will revitalize U.S. manufacturing, create jobs, reduce the country’s debt, raise tax revenue and equip the United States with more negotiating leverage to extract concessions from other countries.

In the early months of last year, the Trump administration introduced the tariffs on goods from China, Canada and Mexico, accusing the top three U.S. trading partners of not doing enough to stem the flood of deadly fentanyl coming into the United States.

In April, Trump announced “Liberation Day” tariffs, which consist of a 10 percent universal tariff, plus varying additional duties on dozens of countries with which the United States runs significant trade deficits.

The emergency law, known as IEEPA, stipulates that it can be exercised “to deal with any unusual and extraordinary threat, which has its source in whole or substantial part outside the United States, to the national security, foreign policy, or economy.”

No president had previously used the law to impose tariffs, with countless U.S. and foreign companies suing the Trump administration to challenge the legality of the IEEPA-based measures and to ensure they receive refunds should the Supreme Court invalidate them.

The Supreme Court did not say whether the U.S. government must refund revenue from the tariffs.

At the press conference, Trump suggested that he would not refund the hundreds of billions of dollars, and the issue would end up in a long court battle.

Trump said foreign countries must be “so happy, and they’re dancing in the streets, but they won’t be dancing for long — that I can assure you.”

He stressed that his administration has “very powerful alternatives” to replace the tariffs the court “incorrectly rejected.”

While voicing willingness to advance his trade agenda by other means, Trump said he will introduce a new 10 percent tariff on imports from all countries, on top of the existing duties.

He said the additional tariff will be backed by Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which permits him to levy such a measure for up to 150 days if there are serious trade deficits that need to be addressed.

Under the country-specific tariff framework, Trump initially threatened to impose a 25 percent levy on Japan, but the figure was lowered to 15 percent after months of negotiations, in return for Tokyo committing to massive investments in the United States in the coming years.

As Japan also promised to buy more American products, a trade agreement struck by the two countries resulted in Japanese automobiles being subject to a 15 percent tariff, down from the hefty 27.5 percent rate that took effect in April.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you surprised with the US Supreme Court’s decision? What do you think will happen to the economy of the United States as a result of the US Supreme Court’s decision?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Trump Reveals First Set Of Projects Under US-Japan Trade Deal

Trump Reveals First Set Of Projects Under US-Japan Trade Deal

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The ambitious trade deal between America and Japan is beginning to take shape as the administration of US President Donald J. Trump unveiled the first set of multi-billion Dollar projects, according to a news report by Kyodo News.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration said Tuesday that Japan will finance the production of synthetic diamonds and two energy projects worth about $36 billion as the initial tranche of investments under a deal reached last year following months of tariff negotiations.

Trump’s announcement that the three projects had been selected, as part of a $550 billion package that Japan committed to in exchange for his administration reducing tariffs on Japanese cars and other goods, was confirmed hours later by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

“These projects are so large, and could not be done without one very special word, TARIFFS,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “America is building again. America is producing again. And America is WINNING again.”

Calling it a historic time for the United States and Japan, he said a critical minerals project will be carried out in Georgia, along with plans for an oil facility in Texas and power generation infrastructure in Ohio.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the United States and Japan will build the largest-ever natural gas infrastructure in Ohio, expected to produce 9.2 gigawatts of power, a deepwater crude oil export facility in the Gulf of Mexico and establish synthetic industrial diamond manufacturing capacity in the United States.

Lutnick said the deepwater facility is likely to generate $20 billion to $30 billion in U.S. crude oil exports annually.

Takaichi said on social media that the gas infrastructure will power artificial intelligence data centers, and the production of synthetic diamonds used in the semiconductor, auto and aviation industries is aimed at reducing the two countries’ overreliance on a specific country, without naming China.

“Going forward, Japan and the United States will continue working closely to further coordinate the details for implementing each project, ensuring their early and smooth execution,” Takaichi said in an X post.

Under a trade deal struck in July last year, Japan has committed to investing $550 billion in the United States by the end of Trump’s second term in January 2029.

Japan’s commitment comprises investments, loans and loan guarantees from Japanese government-backed financial institutions.

Japan’s industry minister Ryosei Akazawa told reporters in Tokyo that about $33.3 billion will be invested in the gas infrastructure, with Japanese companies such as Hitachi Ltd., Mitsubishi Electric Corp., Toshiba Corp. and SoftBank Group Corp. interested in participating in the project.

The project to increase U.S. crude oil exports is valued at $2.1 billion and the production of synthetic diamonds is worth $600 million, according to Akazawa, who mentioned Japanese firms such as Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd., Nippon Steel Corp. and Asahi Diamond Industrial Co. in connection with these initiatives.

Last week, Akazawa and Lutnick agreed in Washington to speed up the selection process for the first round of investments, as the two countries prepare for Takaichi’s visit to the United States next month.

Japan and the United States have said that the investments will focus on strategic sectors, such as critical minerals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and energy, to advance their national security interests and economic objectives.

The memorandum of understanding between Japan and the United States, signed by Akazawa and Lutnick in September last year, stipulates that Trump will ultimately choose projects recommended by an “investment committee” chaired by the commerce secretary and composed solely of U.S. officials.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the first projects of the US-Japan trade deal will create huge economic impact over the next few years? What other ambitious projects do you think Japan and America will focus on next?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

LDP Certain To Win Huge Majority In Japan’s House Of Representatives, Takaichi Set To Remain As Prime Minister

LDP Certain To Win Huge Majority In Japan’s House Of Representatives, Takaichi Set To Remain As Prime Minister

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Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae will continue to lead her nation as her political party the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is set to win a huge majority of the seats of the House of Representatives following the election that happened yesterday, according to a news report by Kyodo News. Already US President Donald J. Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni congratulated Takaichi (click here and here).

For insight, Takaichi dissolved the House of Representatives a few weeks ago and this led to a short but intense election campaign. The voters of Japan have spoken favoring Takaichi and her party. That being said, February 8 is a sad day for the Commies, the woke, the pro-China candidates, and the Islamists as the opposition fared badly.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…

Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is set to win a big majority in the House of Representatives in Sunday’s election, early returns and Kyodo News projections show, an outcome largely driven by her personal popularity that clears the way for her to stay on.

The LDP, which has formed a coalition with the Japan Innovation Party, has secured at least 243 seats, well over the majority line of 233, in the 465-member lower house, up from 198 before the contest.

Amid prolonged inflation and a growingly severe international environment, Takaichi has promised to pursue a “responsible yet aggressive” fiscal policy and boost the nation’s defense capabilities.

The ruling camp is projected to secure at least 261 seats in the powerful chamber, clearing the threshold for chairing all standing committees and outnumbering the opposition in those panels, thus helping it to push through its legislative agenda.

The main opposition party, the Centrist Reform Alliance, formed in January by uniting lower house members of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito party, is set to lose a significant number of seats, according to early returns and projections.

Following media reports of the LDP’s victory, Takaichi hinted at no major change to the lineup of the Cabinet, launched less than four months ago, during a TV program.

But she said she hopes that the JIP, which decided not to take ministerial posts when forming the coalition in apparent reflection of a cautious stance toward the LDP, will fulfill “its responsibility together in the Cabinet.”

It remains unclear, however, whether the JIP, known as Nippon Ishin, can retain its pre-election strength of 34 seats in the lower house.

“It was an election in which we felt pressure from the LDP,” JIP leader Hirofumi Yoshimura told a press conference in his party’s home prefecture of Osaka in western Japan, adding that it had tried to convince voters that it had an important role to play in the coalition in the campaign.

The focus is now on whether the LDP-JIP camp can win a two-thirds majority, or 310 seats, in the lower house, which would allow it to initiate a proposal for amending the Constitution, the LDP’s long-held goal, to put to a national referendum.

Takaichi expressed her hope that “concrete plans” to amend the supreme law will be debated at parliament.

The Sanseito party, a populist group known for its “Japanese First” slogan, is expected to make big strides, while Team Mirai, which advocates adoption of digital technologies to enhance political participation, is set to secure its first seat in the chamber, according to the polls.

Takaichi, who has maintained high popularity since becoming Japan’s first female prime minister last October, had pledged to “immediately resign” as Japan’s leader if the coalition failed to secure a majority in the powerful lower chamber.

Nearly 1,300 candidates vied for the 465 seats, with 289 elected from single-seat constituencies and 176 through proportional representation, where seats are allocated for parties based on votes received in 11 regional blocks across Japan.

Early voting received a boost as a record 27.02 million people cast their ballots in the days prior to Sunday, up around 6 million from the previous election in 2024.

Voter turnout stood at 56.24 percent, likely up around 2 percent points from the previous race, according to an estimate by Kyodo News as of 9 p.m.

Japan held a general election in February for the first time in 36 years, a move by Takaichi that has drawn criticism because heavy snowfall in many parts of the country made campaigning difficult. Tokyo and its nearby areas also had snow on Sunday.

As ordinary households have been struggling to cope with the rising cost of living, major political parties have pledged to reduce tax burdens on the campaign trail.

Under Takaichi, a security hawk, the ruling parties also sought support for their aim to beef up the country’s defenses in the face of an increasingly severe security environment.

While her Cabinet enjoys high support ratings, the ruling bloc had only a razor-thin majority with the support of some independents in the lower house before it was dissolved late last month.

Even if the ruling bloc manages to meet its target of securing a majority in the lower house, it remains in a minority in the House of Councilors, or the upper house, meaning that opposition party support is critical in passing bills.

For additional insight, watch the Nippon TV news video below.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? With her own party having secured a lot more seats in the House of Representatives of Japan, do you think Prime Minister Takaichi and her team will be in a better position to achieve their agenda? Are you surprised to see the Satanic Left, the woke and the Communists of Japan lose more seats in the election that just happened? Now that the elections are over, do you think the illegal immigrants/aliens as well as the foreign criminals in Japan would be compelled to leave the country?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Prime Minister Takaichi Gets Trump’s Endorsement, White House Visit Set For March 19

Prime Minister Takaichi Gets Trump’s Endorsement, White House Visit Set For March 19

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As millions of voters all over Japan are ready to cast their votes in tomorrow’s general election, Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae received the full endorsement of US Presdent Donald Trump and it has also been revealed that her trip to the White House has been set for March 19, according to a news report by Kyodo News.

For insight, the February 8 general election is the result of Prime Minister Takaichi’s move to dissolve the House of Representatives a few weeks ago. Recently, a Kyodo poll revealed that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) led by the Prime Minister was on track to secure a majority in the House of Representatives.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday gave his full endorsement to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ahead of the country’s general election and said he would welcome her to the White House on March 19.

While Trump is often an outlier, it is very rare for the leader of any country to back a specific political figure ahead of a national election in a foreign country. Calling Sunday’s election “very important” for Japan’s future, he praised Takaichi for already proving to be a “strong, powerful and wise” leader.

In a social media post, Trump also said he and his team were impressed with her when they met in Japan about three months ago.

“Prime Minister Takaichi is someone who deserves powerful recognition for the job she and her Coalition are doing and, therefore, as President of the United States of America, it is my Honor to give a Complete and Total Endorsement of her, and what her highly respected Coalition is representing,” Trump wrote.

The date of Trump’s upcoming in-person talks with Takaichi was announced for the first time.

In late December, Takaichi said she was exploring a visit to the United States for another meeting with Trump, and the two leaders confirmed during their early January phone call that they would meet in the spring.

Takaichi’s maiden trip to the United States since becoming prime minister in October will coincide with Washington’s iconic annual cherry blossom festival, which this year will begin on March 20, a day after the planned White House meeting.

The festival commemorates the 1912 gift of cherry trees from Tokyo to the U.S. capital and the longtime friendship between the two countries.

When Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, hosted Trump in Tokyo in late October, they expressed their intention to celebrate together in 2026 the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. At the time, she confirmed Japan’s promise to donate 250 cherry trees to the United States.

Just as they did last time, Takaichi and Trump are likely to reaffirm the strength of the Japan-U.S. security alliance and economic relationship. In a symbolic gesture, they could also plant a couple of the cherry trees together.

Trump has extolled Takaichi since her early days in office as a protegee of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, with whom the president had a close personal relationship during his first term.

In addition to wishing her “good luck” in the House of Representatives election, Trump’s message on Thursday highlighted the progress that the United States and Japan have made in defense cooperation and on the economic front, thanks to a “very substantial” trade deal.

The deal reached last summer following Trump’s tariff threat includes a Japanese commitment to invest $550 billion in U.S. strategic sectors, such as semiconductors and critical minerals.

Trump is expected to celebrate some forthcoming projects under the package with Takaichi, who has pledged to pursue a “new golden era” for the two countries.

Takaichi’s trip to Washington will precede Trump’s planned April visit to China, which for months has been taking a hard-line stance over her remarks about a potential Taiwan Strait crisis.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Prime Minister Takaichi and her allies will emerge victorious and secure a large majority in the Japanese House of Representatives? What do you think about President Trump’s endorsement for Takaichi? Do you think major developments will happen when Prime Minister Takaichi visits the White House and meet with Trump on March 19?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Trump Administration To Deport Violent Illegal Alien Protected By Minnesota Democrats

Trump Administration To Deport Violent Illegal Alien Protected By Minnesota Democrats

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Let’s be very clear here. Americans overwhelmingly support the deportation of illegal aliens/immigrants who committed acts of crime. In the state of Minnesota, there are mobs of radicalized Leftists, social justice warriors (SJWs), extreme Democrats and other brainwashed activists who are doing everything they could to protect the illegal ones and that means rebelling against United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by using violence.

Of course, the Trump administration is simply not giving up as the White House confirmed that it is laser-focused on removing criminal illegal aliens from Minnesota. Very recently, ICE apprehended the wanted Guatemalan national Esdras Aaron-Rodriguez-Hernandez who was charged in 2024 with domestic assault. The suspect is up for deportation and he previously was heavily protected by the radicalized Democrats of Minnesota. Democrats have this ongoing tradition of rewarding and prioritizing criminals and even terrorists at the expense of their fellow Americans.  

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the White House press statement. Some parts in boldface…

The Trump Administration is aggressively removing dangerous criminal illegal aliens from Minnesota’s communities — predators that Radical Left Democrats insist on providing safe harbor.

A stark example: Last week, ICE apprehended Esdras Aaron Rodriguez-Hernandez, a Guatemalan national and accused domestic abuser, in a case that exposes the dangerous stupidity of Minnesota’s “sanctuary” policies — and the self-inflicted necessity of Operation Metro Surge.

In 2024, Rodriguez-Hernandez was arrested and charged with domestic assault (intentionally inflicting or attempting to inflict bodily harm on a family member) and released without bail. A warrant was issued after he didn’t show up for court, and he evaded justice for nearly a year.

In November, he was arrested on the warrant and booked into the Hennepin County Jail, only to be released the next day on a $100 bail. After a radical prosecutor downgraded the charge, he was granted a stay of adjudication and set free once again.

At every step, local officials in the “sanctuary” jurisdiction failed to notify ICE of his custody — forcing federal agents to expend significant resources tracking him down and putting Minnesotans at unnecessary risk.

Rodriguez-Hernandez now awaits deportation, joining a long list of criminal illegal alien thugs the Trump Administration has removed from Minnesota’s streets — often with zero help from leaders who prioritize criminals over citizens.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you surprised that Satanic Leftists of Minnesota went to the extremes to protect the suspect from ICE? Do you think that the radical Leftists have the means to violate national laws regarding immigration and crime? Do you consider Minnesota a very corrupted state under the control of radical Leftists? If anyone in your family has been heavily influenced by Democrats and their mainstream news media partners-in-crime, is he or she soft-hearted towards illegal aliens/immigrants?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco