The Week in Numbers: US-China Trade Truce, Boeing Deals, UK Growth, and Nissan Job Cuts

US-China Trade Truce

• 📉 US tariffs on Chinese imports have been reduced to 30% from 145%, and Chinese duties on US goods are down to 10%.
• 🤝 This reduction follows talks led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bezant, resulting in a 90-day pause in the trade war.
• ⚠️ Economists caution that tariffs remain significantly higher than before the trade war began.

Gulf State Deals and Investments

• ✈️ Qatar Airways placed a record order for $96 billion worth of Boeing widebody jets during Donald Trump's visit to Gulf States.
• 💰 The United Arab Emirates pledged to invest $1.4 trillion in the US over 10 years.
• 🌐 The tour saw numerous deals signed across sectors including AI and oil.

UK Economic Growth

• 📈 The UK experienced a surprise 0.7% growth in the first quarter, offering a boost to Finance Minister Rachel Reeves.
• 🛒 Economists suggest this growth may be inflated by businesses stocking up in anticipation of tariffs.

Corporate Challenges

• 🚗 Nissan announced 11,000 new job cuts and the closure of seven factories as part of cost-cutting measures.
• 📉 Analysts attribute Nissan's struggles to an aging model lineup, predicting a slow recovery.
• 🛒 Alibaba shares dropped 7% after missing forecasts, impacted by a price war among Chinese retailers and significant spending on instant retail delivery services.