FACTORY ORDERS

Retailers fear toy shortages at Christmas as tariffs freeze supply chain
President Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods are jeopardizing the upcoming Christmas season, as toy makers and retailers halt orders due to increased costs. With China producing the majority of toys and Christmas items, the tariffs are causing significant disruptions in the supply chain, potentially leading to product shortages and higher prices.

Trump to offer automakers some relief on his 25% tariffs, after worries they could hurt US factories
President Trump will sign an executive order easing 25% tariffs on autos and parts, aiming to support US manufacturing and jobs. The move, welcomed by automakers, seeks to reduce costs and retroactively adjust enforcement. Experts warn, however, broader tariffs may still raise prices and hurt overall auto sales and growth.

Dailyhunt parent faces audit heat; Go Digit Q4 results
Audit firm Deloitte has raised multiple red flags over Dailyhunt parent’s internal controls. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.

Thanks to Trump, Chinese firms are warming up to India
Chinese companies are now more open to diluting stakes in favour of Indian entities due to Trump's tariffs. Reliance Industries is a key contender for a stake in Haier India. Shanghai Highly Group has revived talks with Tata-owned Voltas for a joint venture. India may limit Chinese companies to a 10% equity investment in electronics joint ventures.

China shrugs off threat of US tariffs to economy, says it has tools to protect jobs
China's leaders are downplaying the impact of the US trade war under President Donald Trump, emphasizing their ability to protect jobs and mitigate the effects of higher tariffs on Chinese exports. Senior government officials have promised support for businesses and the unemployed, including easier lending conditions and policies to counter the tariffs, which could reach up to 145% on US imports from China.

Chinese firms turn to Indian exporters to help fill US orders
Trade war prompts Chinese firms to approach Indian exporters. They seek help to fulfill US orders due to tariffs. Indian companies are offered commissions for sales. Sectors like hand tools and electronics see increased queries. Indian government is in talks with the US for a trade deal. Some American firms are also approaching Indian manufacturers.
- Go To Page 1
Shein hikes US prices as much as 377% ahead of tariff increases
Most of the hikes in US prices came on Friday, with markups significantly higher in some categories than others, according to data compiled by Bloomberg News. The average price for the top 100 products in the beauty and health category increased by 51% from Thursday, with several of the items more than doubling in price. For home and kitchen products and toys, the average jump was more than 30%, led by a massive 377% increase in the price of a 10-piece set of kitchen towels. For women’s clothing the rise was 8%.
Global container shipping volume to fall 1% on Trump trade policies, Drewry says
The Trump administration's tariffs on goods from China and other nations are prompting businesses to shift production to countries with lower tariffs. This uncertainty is impacting consumer confidence and raising concerns about a potential U.S.
K-tech plugs into India to light up electronics
LG Electronics is expanding its operations in India for exports, prompting its Korean component manufacturers to establish factories in the country with a ?1,200 crore investment. Samsung is also considering a similar move, potentially bringing more Korean vendors to India. This shift is driven by LG's plans to export to various regions and favorable tariff conditions compared to Vietnam.
Boeing ready to resell China-bound jets if trade war worsens
Boeing is actively seeking alternative buyers for China-bound aircraft amidst ongoing trade disputes with the US, impacting jet deliveries and earnings recovery. CEO Kelly Ortberg confirmed halted deliveries to China and is exploring remarketing options. Despite potential tariff fallout, strong demand and Airbus's constraints offer Boeing opportunities, with Air India already accepting jets originally destined for China.
On TikTok, Chinese manufacturers open a new line in trade war with US
Chinese manufacturers are leveraging TikTok and other social media platforms to directly appeal US consumers, offering luxury goods at significantly reduced prices. These factories claim to produce items similar to those from high-end brands, sparking interest among American shoppers seeking to avoid potential tariff increases.
Shocking attack in Pahalgam: What should India’s response be?
Following the Pahalgam massacre, which jeopardizes recent counter-insurgency gains in Kashmir, India faces mounting pressure to retaliate decisively against Pakistan. The attack, targeting a tourist destination and base camp for the Amarnath pilgrimage, highlights security failures and the continued threat of foreign terrorists.
Chinese AC compressor import rules eased for a year to tackle shortage
To address a critical shortage, the Indian government has temporarily waived mandatory BIS certification for air-conditioner compressor imports (up to two tonnes) from China for one year. This decision, prompted by industry demands ahead of peak summer, aims to alleviate supply constraints due to insufficient local production.
Tariff turmoil: How Tesla and other companies are dealing with the uncertainty of the trade war
Ongoing tariff uncertainty and a volatile trade war are disrupting company forecasts and operations. Firms like Tesla, Akzo Nobel, Boston Scientific, Boeing, and AT&T report mixed impacts—ranging from supply chain disruptions to consumer demand concerns. Treasury Secretary Bessent expects de-escalation with China, but formal negotiations haven’t begun, leaving future impacts unclear.
Are Tariffs hurting American businesses more than they help? Insights from Tesla and Akzo Nobel
Companies are grappling with tariff uncertainty and trade war unpredictability, impacting financial results and forecasts. While some tariffs are postponed for negotiations, shifts make cost and sales assessments difficult. Tesla faces challenges in its energy business due to Chinese battery cell sourcing, while Akzo Nobel anticipates potential demand reduction from broader tariffs affecting consumers and businesses.
Elon Musk plans to bow out from government role as Tesla profits dive 71% in first quarter
Tesla’s profits plunged 71% in the first quarter of 2025 amid rising global protests against CEO Elon Musk’s involvement with the Trump administration. Musk announced he would scale back time spent on government work and refocus on Tesla and his other businesses. Tariff tensions and political uncertainty added to the company’s challenges, while deliveries declined and revenue missed expectations. Tesla’s hopes now rest on a promised affordable EV and the upcoming launch of robotaxis, despite ongoing concerns over safety and regulation.
The ‘golden age’ of US manufacturing stumbles out of the gate
Companies are hesitant to invest due to uncertainty surrounding trade policies and potential economic downturn, leading to concerns about corporate profits and future economic growth.
Air India keen to take Boeing planes refused by Chinese airlines
Air India is considering acquiring Boeing planes initially intended for Chinese carriers, capitalizing on the trade tensions between the US and China. This move aims to expedite Air India's revival by securing much-needed aircraft. The airline previously benefited from China's pullback, acquiring 41 Boeing 737 Max jets, and seeks to further expand its fleet amidst potential delivery delays.
India stays cool, thanks to China. Can that change?
India anticipates intense heat from April to June. This could strain the air conditioner market. The industry relies on imported components, mainly from China. Supply chain issues and a weak rupee may increase AC prices. The government is considering measures to boost local compressor production. They are also looking at potential joint ventures to ensure adequate supply and control costs.
'Resolved delivery problems related to Mahindra e-SUVs': Top executive
Mahindra & Mahindra addressed customer concerns regarding delivery delays of its BE 6 and XEV 9e electric SUVs by implementing a software update to refine power delivery. This update, affecting a small portion of delivered vehicles, aimed to balance performance and enhance safety.
China's manufacturing backbone feels Trump trade war pinch
US tariffs on Chinese goods have led to a decline in factory orders in Guangdong, a major manufacturing hub. Businesses fear the trade war's impact, with reduced US market access and increased competition. While some seek new markets, the US remains crucial, and the tariffs may raise inflation for American consumers, impacting both economies.
Garment, toy companies go full throttle as US buyers look beyond China
US tariffs on Chinese imports are opening doors for Indian garment and toy exporters, potentially boosting their capacity utilization to 90-95%. American buyers are actively seeking to diversify their supply chains, leading to increased inquiries for Indian manufacturers. While this presents a significant opportunity for Indian MSMEs, capacity constraints and the need for strategic investments remain key challenges to address.
Mehul Choksi to seek bail next week in Belgium, may cite bad health
Mehul Choksi, wanted in the PNB fraud case, is set to challenge his arrest in Belgium, citing violation of natural justice and seeking bail. His legal team will argue against flight risk due to ill-health and community ties, while India opposes his release.
Trade war goes digital: Chinese factories urge U.S shoppers to go online and beat Trump's tariffs with direct purchases; can Americans get better deals with this option?
The US-China trade war takes a new turn. Chinese factory owners are now using TikTok to sell directly to American consumers. This bypasses US retailers due to increased tariffs. Apps like DHgate and Taobao are gaining popularity in the US. There are questions about the origin of luxury goods. Some claim that products are preassembled in China.
Vietnam’s factory-based growth model at risk in global trade war
The situation has caused widespread anxiety and disrupted production plans, impacting workers and local suppliers.
They sell party supplies on Amazon, new tariffs threaten their future
Amazon sellers Jing and Eddie Levine face major uncertainty after President Trump’s sweeping tariffs disrupted global trade. Relying on Asian suppliers for party goods, they now grapple with rising costs, unstable shipping, and limited US alternatives—highlighting the vulnerability of small ecommerce businesses to rapid policy shifts in international trade.
World’s biggest trade fair confronts Trump tariff ‘disaster’
The strained US-China relations are causing significant disruptions, potentially reshaping global manufacturing landscapes.
Shein's tariff-busting shift hits home in Chinese factory hub
Shein’s rapid rise transformed factory villages in Guangzhou into "Shein villages," fueling a $30 billion ultra-fast fashion empire. However, orders are now dropping as Shein shifts production to Vietnam amid rising U.S. tariffs and trade pressures.
Inside factories in China, a struggle to survive Trump's tariffs
Despite difficulties, some manufacturers remain optimistic, citing China's strength and their ability to endure, particularly in sectors where they hold a cost advantage.
Load More