Why Are 21 Billionaires Moving Their Money ASAP?

One of the biggest stock market events in 25 years is rapidly unfolding... The economist who predicted the 2008 Financial Crisis says it will be: "The Biggest Crash of Our Lifetime." Starting November 19 it could cut the entire tech marketing by HALF.

Trump finds new trade targets -- pharmaceuticals, kitchen cabinets and heavy trucks

PAUL WISEMAN and MAE ANDERSON
September 27, 2025

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Naturepedic, a mattress and furniture company based outside Cleveland, has been planning to introduce an upscale upholstered headboard late this year or early in 2026.

But President Donald Trump has thrown those plans into disarray. On Thursday night, the president announced on social media that he was slapping a 30% tax on imported upholstered furniture. Naturepedic ships its headboards in from India and Vietnam.

So what is the company to do?

"Do we continue forth ... and hope for the best?'' asked Arin Schultz, Naturepedic's chief growth officer. "Or do we feel like we're priced out and drop it altogether?'' And if Naturepedic decides to continue with the rollout, "do we eat the cost or pass it on'' to customers?

Across the United States, lots of executives were asking themselves similar questions as they came to work Friday morning.

Upholstered furniture, after all, wasn't the only import in Trump's crosshairs Thursday night. In addition, the president posted on his Truth Social platform, he's plastering import taxes - tariffs - of 100% on pharmaceutical drugs, 50% on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities and 25% on heavy trucks.

And he's not waiting around to do it. The tariffs, he said, would take effect Wednesday.

Trump also raised eyebrows by justifying the levy on vanities and sofas as necessary for national security. "It's hard to see how a kitchen cabinet industry is essential to winning the next war,'' said Mary Lovely, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Thursday's social media barrage was j ust the latest in Trump's push to upend American trade policy, which for decades pushed for lower trade barriers around the world.

In place of an open market, Trump has built a tariff wall around the U.S. economy, slapping double-digit taxes on imports from almost every country on earth and targeting products (steel, aluminum, autos) with specific taxes of their own.

Trump says the tariffs will protect U.S. industries from foreign competition, encourage companies to bring production to the United States and raise money for the U.S. Treasury.

They certainly have become a moneymaker for the federal government. Since fiscal year 2025 began last Oct. 1, the U.S. Treasury has collected $172 billion in customs duties, up by $96 billion (or 126%) from the same period in fiscal 2024. Still, tariffs account for less than 4% of federal revenue.

Businesses, lawyers and trade analysts are still wondering what to make of Trump's Thursday night tariffs. "We've only seen the President's Truth Social posts," said Dan McCarthy, principal in McCarthy Consulting and a former official with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative in the Biden administration. "We need to see the details.''

For example, Naturepedic isn't sure whether the 30% levy on upholstered furniture will be stacked atop a separate and earlier 50% tariff on goods from India.

Here's what we know so far:

Luring drug production back to the U.S.

The president has been threatening tariffs of 200% or more on pharmaceuticals. "It's to force Big Pharma to move jobs and put new factories into the U.S,'' said Barry Appleton, a senior fellow at the Center for International Law at New York Law School. "So it's industrial policy."

In recent decades, drugmakers have moved many operations overseas - to take advantage of lower costs in China and India and tax breaks in Ireland and Switzerland.

The COVID-19 experience - when countries were desperate to hang onto their own medicine and medical supplies -- underscored the dangers of relying on foreign countries in a crisis, especially when a key supplier is America's geopolitical rival China.

The stock prices of pharmaceutical companies actually rose after Trump's announcement Thursday night. The 100% tariff was lower than it might have been. And Trump said the tariffs would not apply to companies "breaking ground" or being "under construction."

Several big drugmakers like Merck & Co. Inc., Eli Lilly and Co. and Johnson & Johnson have already announced U.S. expansion plans.

In his tariff announcement, Trump did not mention generic drugs, which account for the vast majority of U.S. prescriptions.

Still, analysts warn, the tariffs are likely to mean higher prices. "The people who are punished the most are Americans who need the drugs so badly, especially those who don't have full health care plans," Appleton said. He called the tariff is a "simplistic but drastic" approach to a complicated problem. "We don't know how it's going to go, but it doesn't look like it's going to do well for consumers," he said.

A blow to homeowners and the housing market

The tariffs on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities and upholstered furniture come as the White House is investigating whether imports of lumber and other wood products pose a threat to U.S. national security. A report on that investigation is due Nov. 26 and could mean more and broader tariffs.

The levies are likely to hurt big furniture exporters China and Vietnam.

But they're also likely to drive up the cost of new homes and apartments and of do-it-yourself redecorating projects.

Homeowners are already scaling back due to high costs and a shaky economy. According to the Labor Department, the price of living room, kitchen and dining room furniture has risen nearly 10% over the past year.

"Adding significant costs to furniture, cabinets, vanities and building materials will make the American dream of owning a home significantly more expensive," said Jonathan Gold, the National Retail Federation's vice president of supply chain and customs policy. "The speed at which these tariff announcements are made and implemented continues to wreak havoc on retail supply chains. The uncertainty makes it difficult for retailers to properly plan and mitigate the impact of tariffs."

A message to Mexico?

Charles Clevenger, a supply chain specialist at the consultancy UHY, said tariffs on pharmaceuticals make sense because so much production has shifted away from the United States to Europe and Asia. Likewise, North Carolina and other states in the American South have also lost furniture factories to cheaper competitors in the China.

But he was surprised by the tariffs on heavy trucks because "we do have a rather robust industry'' - with manufacturers like Paccar (parent company of Peterbilt and Kenworth).

But Appleton at New York Law School suspects the tariff is aimed at Mexico, where many heavy trucks are made. The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, a trade deal negotiated in Trump's first term, is coming up for negotiation. "I don't think that (the tariff) was done by accident, Appleton said. "They wanted to put some more pressure onto the Mexicans" to make concessions in the talks.

Using Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, Trump had launched investigations into whether imports of pharmaceuticals, lumber and heavy trucks posed a threat to U.S. national security.

He'd justified his broader tariffs another way: by declaring national emergencies under a 1977 law. But two courts have ruled that Trump overstepped his authority by invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose import taxes. The Supreme Court is hearing the case on appeal.

Robert Lawrence, a professor of International trade and investment at Harvard University, said that using Section 232 gives the president a Plan B if the courts strike down his IEEPA tariffs. "He now has insurance and shows that he's going to be able to get away with raising tariffs, even if he loses that case."

But Ted Murphy, co-leader of the trade practice at the Sidley Austin law firm, said: "It's hard to discern much of a plan ... What the administration does is they identify a problem and then the solution is a big tariff. The question is whether that's really as nuanced or strategic as it could be. There could be a strategy but it's hard to discern from a tweet.''

___

Anderson reported from New York.

AP Health Writer Tom Murphy contributed to this story.

Continue Reading...

Popular

Jim Cramer Warns 'Don't Be Fooled' Because Speculators In Gold, Quantum And Nuclear Energy Aren't Going Down 'Without A Fight'

Former hedge fund manager and renowned CNBC TV host Jim Cramer is sounding the alarm on certain speculative pockets of the market, urging investors to sell into the "snapback" momentum if they haven't already done so.

Nvidia CEO: E.I. Will Be as Common as Cars Today - Ad

E.I. isn't science fiction anymore. It's already here. And one little-known company is quietly supplying the systems behind it. This stock is still under Wall Street's radar... but not for long. You'll get the name, the ticker, and the full thesis inside.

Marjorie Taylor Greene Buys Blue Chip Stock Near 52-Week Low

Marjorie Taylor Greene is known for buying multiple stocks at a time, based on recent disclosures. A new filing shows one stock bought in November.

Jan 26: The Day Elon Changes Everything - Ad

Mark your calendar: January 26, 2025. That's the date I believe Elon Musk could finally unveil his Optimus robot - the same project he says will be "the biggest product ever of any kind." If Elon is right, this could be a $30 trillion tipping point...And regular investors have a rare window to move before the switch flips.

Elon Musk's SpaceX Shakes Up Bitcoin Market With $133 Million Transfer

SpaceX, the space exploration company led by Elon Musk, has reportedly transferred over $133 million in Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC), causing a stir in the cryptocurrency market.

Trump Nominates Jared Isaacman For NASA Administrator — Elon Musk Reacts

Elon Musk's ally Jared Isaacman nominated for NASA Administrator by President Donald Trump amid SpaceX's Artemis push.

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming - Ad

While headlines scream "Tesla is doomed"...Jeff Brown has uncovered a revolutionary AI breakthrough buried inside Tesla's labs. One that is helping AI escape from our computer screens and manifest itself here in the real world all while creating a 25,000% growth market explosion starting as early as January 29.

4 Republicans back Senate resolution to undo Trump's tariffs around the globe

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate passed a resolution Thursday that would undo many of President tariffs around the globe, the latest note of displeasure at his trade tactics in Washington that came just as the his negotiations with China as a success.

Microsoft's AI Chief Criticizes ChatGPT's Erotica Features Despite $13 Billion OpenAI Investment

Microsoft will not develop "simulated erotica" for its chatbot users. AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman warned that such capabilities could pose significant risks.

Trump Signs Law to Launch Dollar 2.0 - Ad

Trump just signed law S.1582, unleashing the biggest money shift in 100+ years. For the first time since 1913, private firms - not the Fed - can mint a "Dollar 2.0." Treasury says it could drain $6.6T from banks and pay 10X current savings rates. Early investors in minting firms could see 40X returns by 2032.

QuantumScape CEO Says Volkswagen Partnership Paves Way For Solid-State Car By 2030

QuantumScape Corp CEO says partnership with Volkswagen will help develop solid-state batteries for cars, targeting production by 2030

3 Communication Stocks Making Big Moves On Value Metrics

Three communication service stocks posted sharp gains in Benzinga's value rankings this week, highlighting renewed investor interest in the sector. Here's what investors need to know.

After 50 Years of Chemo, One Biotech Could Lead the Next Cancer Breakthrough - Ad

For decades, toxic chemotherapy defined cancer care. This biotech's innovative approach could finally change that. With early results showing precision without poison, this story is one investors will want to see early.

Ford's enormous F-150 becomes unlikely part of Japan's efforts to woo Trump

TOKYO (AP) — Japan's most iconic truck might be the tiny white transport vehicles that farmers use to lug gear on the narrow roads that link their rice fields.

The Next Biggest Bull Run In Over 50 Years - Ad

Gold has hit all-time highs, breaking $4,000 an ounce - but history shows it could be on the verge of its biggest bull run in over half a century... triggered by a likely major event, eerily similar to what happened in the 1970s. (It's NOT inflation or anything you're likely expecting.) Now, a top analyst says you can capture ALL of the upside without touching a risky miner or a boring exchange-traded fund. He sees extraordinary potential gains long term with very little risk.

Trump's $8.5 Billion Deal With Australia Challenges Chinese Dominance

Trump and Albanese signed a partnership to secure critical mineral supply chains and strengthen defense cooperation.

How To Earn $500 A Month From UnitedHealth Group Stock Ahead Of Q3 Earnings

UNH to release Q3 earnings before opening bell on Tuesday. Analysts predict $2.81/share, down from $7.15/share in 2019. Dividend yield at 2.44%.

Forget Amazon's 1997 IPO... This Could Be 287 Times Bigger - Ad

Since Amazon's IPO in 1997, it climbed enough to turn $100 into $250,000. Now, one man says Elon Musk could be gearing up to take his internet satellite giant public... in what Fortune magazine says will be the biggest IPO in history! James Altucher is sharing how ANYONE can get a pre-IPO stake... with as little as $100!

OpenAI launches web browser to compete with Google Chrome

OpenAI said Tuesday it is introducing its own web browser, Atlas, putting the ChatGPT maker in direct competition with Google as more internet users rely on artificial intelligence to answer their questions.

Nation's largest fleet of police Cybertrucks to patrol Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The nation's largest police fleet of Tesla Cybertrucks is set to begin patrolling the streets of Las Vegas in November thanks to a donation from a U.S. tech billionaire, raising concerns about the blurring of lines between public and private interests.

"Tech Prophet" Who Predicted the iPhone Now Predicts... - Ad

George Gilder - who predicted the iPhone 17 years early and gave Reagan the first microchip - is making his boldest call yet. He says an American nanotech "super-convergence" could mint more millionaires than any event in recent memory. He's found 3 stocks set to benefit before November 18's bombshell.

Shutdown stalemate set to drag into sixth week as Trump pushes Republicans to change Senate rules

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans and Democrats remained at a stalemate on the over the weekend as it headed into its sixth week, with for millions of Americans and President Donald Trump pushing GOP leaders to change Senate rules to end it.

Nasdaq Surges Over 100 Points, Records Gains In October: Greed Index Remains In 'Fear' Zone

CNN Money Fear and Greed index remained in Fear zone on Friday. US stocks closed higher, Nasdaq up 4.7% in October. Amazon reported earnings.

Elon's New Device Could Launch Biggest IPO of the Decade - Ad

Elon Musk's new device is being called a "game-changer"-and even the White House is using this tech. Jeff Brown says it could launch Musk's next trillion-dollar company and make early investors rich. You can claim a stake now for as little as $500.

AP Business News Digest

Here are the AP's top business stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP's coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s .

Amazon AWS Is Down Again, Microsoft Azure Too

Amazon's AWS and Microsoft Azure are both experiencing outages on Wednesday.

Why Are 21 Billionaires Moving Their Money ASAP? - Ad

One of the biggest stock market events in 25 years is rapidly unfolding... The economist who predicted the 2008 Financial Crisis says it will be: "The Biggest Crash of Our Lifetime." Starting November 19 it could cut the entire tech marketing by HALF.

Elon Musk Tells Joe Rogan: 'Trump Actually Is Not Perfect, but He's Not Evil'

In a Friday appearance on The Joe Rogan Podcast, Elon Musk defended President Donald Trump, stating that while Trump is "not perfect," he is also "not evil."

Why Is Rein Therapeutics Stock Trading Higher On Monday?

Rein Therapeutics shares rise after the FDA lifts clinical hold on its Phase 2 RENEW trial for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treatment LTI-03.

Nvidia CEO: E.I. Will Be as Common as Cars Today - Ad

E.I. isn't science fiction anymore. It's already here. And one little-known company is quietly supplying the systems behind it. This stock is still under Wall Street's radar... but not for long. You'll get the name, the ticker, and the full thesis inside.

Instacart Powers Grubhub's Grocery Blitz Across America

Grubhub taps Instacart for nationwide grocery ordering, with Instacart fulfillment, pharmacy additions coming, and promos boosting adoption despite CART dip.

GE Vernova Moves To Full Control Of Prolec GE In Massive $5.3 Billion Deal

GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE: GEV) to acquire remaining 50% stake in Prolec GE for $5.275 billion. The deal is expected to close by mid-2026.

Jan 26: The Day Elon Changes Everything - Ad

Mark your calendar: January 26, 2025. That's the date I believe Elon Musk could finally unveil his Optimus robot - the same project he says will be "the biggest product ever of any kind." If Elon is right, this could be a $30 trillion tipping point...And regular investors have a rare window to move before the switch flips.

Nigerian billionaire plans expansion of Africa's biggest oil refinery

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — The billionaire owner of plans to expand its capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day to meet growing fuel needs in the continent and beyond.

Mining giant Anglo American faces class action appeal over alleged lead poisoning in Zambia

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — An appeal hearing opened Monday in South Africa on whether a subsidiary of British-based mining company was responsible for lead poisoning over decades that affected around 140,000 people in .

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming - Ad

While headlines scream "Tesla is doomed"...Jeff Brown has uncovered a revolutionary AI breakthrough buried inside Tesla's labs. One that is helping AI escape from our computer screens and manifest itself here in the real world all while creating a 25,000% growth market explosion starting as early as January 29.

Hillary Clinton Says Trump Taking A 'Break' From Gold-And-Marble Interior Renovations To Defy Court Order On SNAP: 'Nero Would Be Proud'

Hillary Clinton criticizes Trump for withholding SNAP benefits during shutdown, accusing him of defying court order and being indifferent to public suffering. Democrats blast Trump for creating hunger crisis and breaking the law.

Trending Now

Information, charts or examples are for illustration and educational purposes only and not for individualized investment management This message contains commercial elements, such as advertising. We only send these offers to those who have opted in to our newsletter. Past performance is not indicative of future results. For these reasons we strongly suggest trading in a DEMO/Simulated account. The information provided by us is for educational and informational purposes only. We make no representations or warranties concerning the products, practices or procedures of any company or entity mentioned or recommended and have not determined if the statements and opinions of the advertiser are accurate, correct or truthful. If you use, act upon or make decisions in reliance on information contained or any external source linked within it, you do so at your own peril and agree to hold us, our officers, directors, shareholders, affiliates and agents without fault.

Copyright activatrade.ca
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service