India is among the ten countries most affected by former US President Donald Trump’s recent decision to impose a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports.

The move, which aims to protect American manufacturers, is expected to reshape global trade flows, disrupt supply chains, and push countries towards alternative strategies.

While Canada, China, and Mexico top the list of affected nations, India’s $4 billion steel and aluminium exports to the US mean that its industries will face significant challenges.

As global trade partners brace for the impact, this protectionist measure could trigger retaliatory actions, trade diversifications, and price shifts in key industries.

Steel and aluminium trade realignments

The US is one of the largest importers of steel and aluminium, with these materials essential for industries ranging from construction to automotive manufacturing.

The new tariff policy alters the competitive landscape, particularly for countries heavily reliant on US demand.

Canada, the largest exporter to the US, will likely seek exemptions, while China, which exported $13.86 billion worth of steel and aluminium in 2023, may accelerate its push towards self-sufficiency and alternative markets.

India, which ranks eighth among the affected nations, exports a significant portion of its steel and aluminium output to the US, with industries such as automotive and infrastructure depending on these trade flows.

With higher tariffs making Indian steel less competitive in the US market, manufacturers may look to Europe, Southeast Asia, and domestic projects to offset losses.

India could also benefit if US buyers look for alternative suppliers outside of China and Canada, given ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Potential retaliatory measures and market shifts

History suggests that sweeping tariffs often trigger countermeasures.

The European Union, which is directly affected through Germany and Italy’s exports, could impose reciprocal tariffs on US goods, heightening trade tensions.

Similarly, Mexico, which has a trade surplus with the US, may seek compensation through policy adjustments.

India, which has previously responded to US tariff actions with its own import duties, may take a measured approach, assessing the impact before deciding on retaliatory steps.

Emerging markets could also stand to gain from shifting trade flows.

Countries in Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam and Indonesia, have been increasing their steel and aluminium production capacity.

If US importers seek alternatives, these nations may absorb some of the demand previously met by India, China, and Brazil.

The broader impact on global industries

The steel and aluminium tariffs are expected to send ripple effects across global industries.

Automobile manufacturers, which rely heavily on imported metals, may see production costs rise.

Higher input costs could push companies like Ford and General Motors to reassess supply chains, while Asian automakers such as Hyundai and Toyota might seek cost-effective sourcing solutions outside the US.

The infrastructure and energy sectors, which depend on steel and aluminium for construction and renewable energy projects, could experience cost fluctuations.

As raw materials become more expensive, global investments in green energy and large-scale infrastructure developments may require strategic adjustments to manage increased expenses.

With Trump’s tariff policy shifting the balance of global trade, affected nations must navigate economic pressures, supply chain disruptions, and potential retaliatory measures.

India, while facing short-term challenges, may turn the crisis into an opportunity by strengthening domestic manufacturing and diversifying trade partnerships.

The long-term effects will depend on how global markets react and whether further trade restrictions follow in the future.

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The UK government has ramped up its crackdown on illegal workers, with a significant focus on Indian restaurants and takeaways.

This intensified enforcement effort, described by the Home Office as a “blitz,” has led to a sharp increase in workplace raids, arrests, and penalties imposed on businesses found to be employing undocumented workers.

While the initiative is part of a broader campaign against illegal immigration across various industries, Indian eateries have emerged as a primary target, raising concerns about the disproportionate impact on the sector.

This push comes as the Labour government, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, seeks to implement stricter border security measures and enhance immigration enforcement.

The policy shift is driven by a surge in illegal migration and growing political pressure to curb unlawful employment practices.

Critics argue that the crackdown risks exacerbating labour shortages in the hospitality sector, which heavily relies on migrant workers.

Indian restaurants among most raided businesses

Data from the Home Office reveals that 828 businesses were raided in January alone—a 48% increase compared to the same period last year.

These raids resulted in 609 arrests, marking a 73% rise in enforcement actions against illegal workers.

Indian restaurants, along with nail bars, convenience stores, and car washes, were among the hardest hit, with multiple establishments facing significant penalties and workforce disruptions.

One of the most notable incidents took place in Humberside, northern England, where seven individuals were detained at a single Indian restaurant.

The Home Office justified the sector-wide targeting by citing longstanding concerns over illegal employment practices and exploitation in the food industry.

Between July 5 last year and January 31 this year, the number of civil penalties issued for illegal working increased by approximately 38% compared to the same period in 2023.

Employers found in violation now face fines of up to £60,000 per undocumented worker—a sharp increase from the previous penalties.

Political motivations

The renewed focus on immigration enforcement aligns with Labour’s broader strategy to tighten border controls and crack down on undocumented workers.

The government is preparing to introduce the Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill, which will grant law enforcement agencies greater authority to seize mobile phones from individuals entering the UK illegally and dismantle organised criminal networks facilitating unlawful migration.

The bill is expected to receive its second reading this week, with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper underscoring the need for stronger enforcement measures.

She stated that the UK’s immigration rules must be respected and that employers hiring undocumented workers contribute to a system that fuels illegal migration, abuses vulnerable workers, and damages the economy.

The Labour government has increased the use of deportation flights, with over 800 individuals—including those convicted of serious crimes such as drug offenses, theft, rape, and murder—removed from the country in recent months.

These flights represent some of the largest migrant return operations in UK history, reinforcing the government’s stance on illegal immigration.

Industry concerns

Despite government assurances, the crackdown has sparked concerns among business owners, particularly in the hospitality sector, where Indian restaurants play a crucial role.

The sector has long relied on migrant workers, including those on skilled work visas, to fill labour gaps.

The aggressive enforcement campaign risks worsening staff shortages, driving up costs, and forcing many small businesses to shut down.

The Opposition Conservative Party has criticised Labour’s immigration bill, arguing that it lacks the necessary provisions to deter illegal crossings.

Some Tory lawmakers have pushed for additional restrictions on migrant access to permanent residency, claiming that the proposed measures do not go far enough.

As the UK government doubles down on its immigration policies, Indian restaurants remain at the centre of a contentious debate over enforcement priorities, economic consequences, and the future of the country’s migrant workforce.

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The US has once again placed tariffs on imported steel and aluminium, targeting a sector long dominated by China.

While China does not export large volumes of raw steel or aluminium directly to the US, its influence on global supply chains remains significant.

The 25% tariffs on steel and 10% on aluminium imports are expected to disrupt trade flows, particularly affecting American allies such as Canada, Mexico, and South Korea.

The real question is whether these measures will curb China’s indirect exports or merely shift global trade patterns.

This move reflects a broader strategy by the US to contain China’s economic influence, particularly in key industrial sectors. Beijing’s longstanding dominance in steel production has led to global oversupply, forcing competitors to lower prices.

While the Biden administration has largely continued Trump’s trade policies on metals, the latest tariffs signal a renewed effort to protect US manufacturers from what officials call unfair competition.

The effectiveness of these tariffs remains uncertain, as China’s supply chains have proven highly adaptable.

China’s role in global steel overcapacity

China produces over 50% of the world’s steel, with annual output exceeding 1 billion metric tonnes. However, a slowdown in its domestic economy has forced Chinese manufacturers to seek foreign markets for their surplus production.

While direct exports to the US are limited due to existing trade barriers, Chinese steel still enters the US through intermediary countries.

Nations such as Vietnam, Mexico, and Canada have been reprocessing Chinese steel before shipping it to the US, effectively bypassing restrictions.

The US steel industry argues that this indirect trade has eroded domestic prices and undermined American jobs. In 2023, the US imported 28.6 million metric tonnes of steel, with Canada, Mexico, and Brazil accounting for a large share.

By imposing tariffs on these nations, Washington hopes to close the loopholes that allow Chinese steel to penetrate the US market. However, these restrictions could also strain diplomatic ties with key trade partners.

Retaliation and global trade tensions

China has responded to the US tariffs with its own economic measures, imposing duties on US liquefied natural gas, coal, and agricultural machinery.

While Beijing has refrained from directly targeting US steel, it has increased domestic subsidies to offset the impact of Western trade restrictions.

Meanwhile, other major steel-producing nations, including Brazil, Turkey, and Indonesia, have also introduced countermeasures against China’s excess steel exports, suggesting a broader global backlash.

The European Union has similarly tightened its steel import policies, implementing carbon border adjustment measures that could further restrict Chinese exports.

These international actions reflect growing concern that China’s oversupply is distorting global markets, potentially leading to prolonged trade disputes.

Will tariffs strengthen US steel or escalate a trade war?

Historically, US steel tariffs have had mixed results. Trump’s 2018 tariffs led to short-term price increases, benefiting domestic producers but raising costs for industries reliant on imported steel, such as automotive and construction firms.

While US steel production has increased by 20% since 2018, capacity utilisation remains below the 80% level that industry leaders consider sustainable.

The current tariffs could help revive underutilised American steel mills, particularly in swing states such as Pennsylvania and Ohio, where the sector plays a crucial role in employment.

If global trade tensions escalate, US manufacturers may face retaliatory barriers in other key markets.

With global steel demand fluctuating and supply chains evolving, the long-term impact of these tariffs remains uncertain. While the US aims to reduce its dependence on foreign metals, the broader challenge of China’s dominance in global steel production is unlikely to be resolved through tariffs alone.

Instead, the ongoing trade conflict may further fragment global markets, reshaping supply chains rather than curbing China’s influence outright.

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Google Maps has updated its naming conventions for US-based users, now displaying the body of water previously known as the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.”

The change follows an executive order signed by former US President Donald Trump, who sought to “honor American greatness” by renaming geographic features linked to American history.

“People using Maps in the US will see ‘Gulf of America,’ and people in Mexico will see ‘Gulf of Mexico.’ Everyone else will see both names,” Google said in a statement Monday.

According to Google, the platform follows a longstanding policy of aligning its geographic names with official government sources.

The executive order, titled “Restoring Names That Honour American Greatness” (Executive Order 14172), instructs the US Secretary of the Interior to implement the name change within 30 days.

The White House statement accompanying the order defines the newly named Gulf as the “US Continental Shelf area bounded to the northeast, north, and northwest by Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, extending to the maritime boundary with Mexico and Cuba.”

Mount McKinley name change not taken effect yet

The renaming of the Gulf was part of Trump’s broader effort to restore names that “reflect America’s historical legacy.”

The order also includes a provision to revert the name of Mount Denali, North America’s highest peak, back to Mount McKinley.

In 2015, former President Barack Obama changed the name of the mountain from Mount McKinley to Denali, the Indigenous name used for centuries by the Koyukon Athabascan people.

Trump’s order criticized this move as “an affront to President McKinley’s life, his achievements, and his sacrifice.”

It further drew parallels between McKinley and Trump, noting that McKinley “championed tariffs” and was assassinated “in an attack on our Nation’s values and our success.”

While the Gulf of America name change has been implemented on Google Maps, the Mount McKinley change has not yet taken effect.

The US Department of the Interior confirmed that it had updated government maps, with Secretary Doug Burgum sharing a screenshot on X that read, “It’s official!”

Mixed reactions and international response

Trump’s decision to rename the Gulf has sparked strong reactions both domestically and internationally.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum sarcastically suggested renaming North America as “Mexican America” in response to the move.

In the US, the change has been welcomed by some of Trump’s supporters as a symbolic act of reclaiming American identity.

However, critics argue that the move is unnecessary and politically motivated.

The renaming of Mount Denali has also drawn backlash from Indigenous groups in Alaska, who see the attempt to revert the name as dismissive of their cultural heritage.

During a flight over the Gulf on Air Force One en route to the Super Bowl in New Orleans, Trump reinforced his stance, calling the renaming a “historic moment” in reinstating “American pride in our nation’s history and achievements.”

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The escalating feud between Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman took a dramatic turn on Monday as Altman responded to Musk’s $97.4 billion bid to acquire OpenAI with a counter-offer of his own: a tongue-in-cheek proposal to purchase Twitter, now X, for $9.74 billion.

The exchange follows a report by the Wall Street Journal that a consortium led by the Tesla CEO had offered $97.4 billion for the non-profit that controls OpenAI, marking the latest attempt by Musk to steer the artificial intelligence startup away from its for-profit trajectory.

Musk bought Twitter in 2022 and renamed it X.

‘No, thank you’: Altman’s snarky rebuffal on Musk’s platform

He said in a post on Musk-owned X, “no thank you but we will buy twitter for $9.74 billion if you want”.

Altman conveyed to OpenAI staff that the company’s board of directors intends to unequivocally reject Musk’s “supposed bid,” according to a report by The Information on Monday.

Musk’s motives: a return to OpenAI’s non-profit roots

Musk cofounded OpenAI with Altman in 2015 as a nonprofit, but left before the company took off.

He founded the competing AI startup xAI in 2023.

Musk attorney Marc Toberoff said he submitted the bid to OpenAI’s board of directors, according to the report.

Musk, his own AI startup, xAI, and a consortium of investment firms want to take control of the ChatGPT maker and revert it to its original charitable mission as a nonprofit research lab, according to Musk’s attorney Marc Toberoff.

The rivalry between Musk and Altman, who initially collaborated to establish OpenAI, stems from fundamental disagreements over the company’s direction and its transition to a for-profit entity.

Musk resigned from OpenAI’s board in 2018, marking a significant turning point in their relationship.

Musk recently criticized a $500 billion OpenAI-led project announced by President Trump at the White House.

Musk, the CEO of Tesla and owner of tech and social media company X, is a close ally of President Donald Trump.

He spent more than a quarter of a billion dollars to help elect Trump, and leads the Department of Government Efficiency, a new arm of the White House tasked with radically shrinking the federal bureaucracy.

Legal challenges and accusations of betrayal

Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the company last year, first in a California state court and later in federal court, alleging it had betrayed its founding aims as a nonprofit research lab that would benefit the public good by safely building better-than-human AI.

ChatGPT’s rise and internal strife

The explosive success of ChatGPT two years ago catapulted OpenAI into the global spotlight and generated a substantial revenue stream.

However, it also intensified internal conflicts regarding the organization’s future and the development of advanced AI technologies.

In late 2023, OpenAI’s non-profit board briefly fired Altman, before reinstating him days later with a newly constituted board.

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