Tariffs, Trade, and Trump
Good Evening,
Trump’s revival of Peter Navarro hints at a return to bold tariff strategies, shaking up trade dynamics. Umbra’s NRO contract is redefining SAR imaging, while Tata Steel UK’s massive losses put its Indian parent under pressure. Ørsted’s green energy challenges expose the growing pains of big transitions, as Gulf-Asia trade gears up to overtake the West by 2027. And with Biden readying an LNG export study, the intersection of energy and climate policy is heating up.
Let's dive in.
Closing Bell
Headline Roundup
Umbra extended contract with NRO—accelerates SAR integration. Major boost for commercial SAR imaging industry (SN).
Tata Steel UK losses jumped fourfold from £1.12bn asset write-down; impacts Indian parent group. (FT)
Trump reinstates Peter Navarro for trade agenda, signaling aggressive tariff policies (AX).
Ørsted’s struggles spotlight challenges in green transitions for energy giants (FT).
Biden set to release LNG export study amidst climate concerns (OP).
Upstream oil and gas pivots to sustainable investment amid uncertainty, redefining industry norms (OP)
Middle East's Gulf-Asia trade to surpass Western trade by 2027 (OP)
Deal Flow
M&A/Investments
Shell and Equinor form 50/50 UK venture to lead North Sea oil production, boosting energy security. (OP)
China’s Jereh Group activates E&P contract for Iraq's Mansuriya gas field. (OP)
VC
D-Fend Solutions raised $31M led by Israel Growth Partners to revolutionize counter-drone tech using RF technology. (TFN)
Muon Space wins $2.9M Space Force contract for climate-monitoring satellites, exploring military applications (SN).
ARX Robotics raised €9M led by undisclosed investors to transform legacy defense gear into AI-enabled autonomous vehicles. (TC)
Sector Signals
Aerospace and Defense
OpenAI teams with Anduril to enhance U.S. military's anti-drone systems, boosting defense tech accuracy.
The Pentagon's CROCS initiative boosts cybersecurity for control systems, reflecting the growing IT-OT convergence challenge.
Safran warns of Trump tariffs impacting EU-US aerospace deals, while focusing on sustainable aviation tech growth.
Jared Isaacman, slated as NASA Administrator, could fast-track SpaceX’s Starship program, reshaping space exploration's fiscal landscape.
Muon Space snagged a $2.9M Space Force contract to explore climate-monitoring for military use. These capabilities could
Blue Origin's New Glenn nears launch; Bezos shrugs off Musk's Trump ties. Could rivalry affect space policy?
Manufacturing
GM takes a $5B hit in China, signaling a market shift and intensified global competition.
Commodities
Rare earth prices dipped 2.59% as Myanmar's rebel takeovers disrupt supply, shaking tech and EV sectors.
Uranium prices climbed 4% as Texas revitalizes dormant mines, sparking optimism for a US nuclear rebound.
China hits new record for solar installs, reaching 230-260 GW.
North Sea crude trading hit record levels, sparking Brent crude price speculation—potential ripples through global energy markets.
Contract Watch
A-Mark Precious Metals (AMRK) signs a $5.2M deal with the US Mint to supply raw gold bullion
US Coast Guard taps L3Harris (LHX) for ongoing sustainment support services with a $1.1M contract