Trump Announces Global Tariff Increase, Redefining Global Trade Landscape

US President Trump has increased tariffs on goods from countries including China, Mexico, and the EU, reshaping global commerce and potentially exacerbating trade tensions. The move comes as Figma, a design collaboration platform, goes public and raises $1.2 billion in its IPO. Tech earnings have been boosted by AI, and Arm CEO has discussed his decision to invest heavily in the company.

US President Trump has made significant moves in reshaping global trade dynamics, imposing new tariffs on goods from several countries, including China, Mexico, and the EU. These tariffs, set to take effect in August, have the potential to exacerbate trade tensions and reshape the global commerce landscape. Meanwhile, the tech sector has been buoyed by a notable initial public offering (IPO) and the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI).

On July 2, 2025, Trump outlined new tariff rates, including a 35% increase on Canadian goods and a 50% tariff on semi-finished copper products. Mexico, the US's largest trading partner, was granted a 90-day reprieve, allowing more time for negotiations. Additionally, the US agreed to a trade deal with South Korea that includes a 15% tariff rate on imports from the country. The EU and the US also agreed to a trade deal imposing 15% tariffs on EU goods, though several key issues remain to be ironed out. The ongoing trade talks with China are nearing a deadline, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicating progress towards a potential deal by August 12 [1].

The tech sector has seen a significant development with Figma's IPO, raising $1.2 billion in proceeds. Figma, a design collaboration platform, completed its IPO on July 2, 2025, with its shares trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The company's share price rose from an initial range of $25 to $28 to $33, indicating strong demand for the stock. Figma's IPO comes after its merger with Adobe fell apart in 2023, but the company has since demonstrated robust growth, with year-over-year revenue growth approaching 50% and Q1 profitability of $44.9 million. Figma's success signals a thoughtful recovery in the IPO market for venture-backed companies, which have seen 119 offerings year-to-date, up 45% year-over-year [2].

The growing importance of AI in tech earnings has been highlighted by Arm CEO Simon Segars, who discussed investing heavily in the company's future. Tech companies like Micron Technology and Alphabet, despite their crucial roles in the AI revolution, have been undervalued compared to their AI peers. This trend underscores the broader shift in tech towards AI-driven growth and innovation.

Upland Software, Inc. (UPLD), a provider of AI-powered knowledge management solutions, reported strong financial results for Q2 2025. The company achieved positive core organic growth, with adjusted EBITDA of $13.6 million, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 25%. Upland welcomed 100 new customers, including 12 major ones, and expanded relationships with 263 existing customers, with 28 major expansions. The company's AI-powered products, such as Upland Panviva and Upland RightAnswers, continued to receive accolades, earning 68 badges in G2's Summer 2025 reports. Upland also completed a successful debt refinancing, extending maturity to July 2031 and reducing outstanding net debt to approximately $217 million [3].

In summary, Trump's tariff hike and Figma's IPO are significant developments shaping global trade and tech earnings. While the tariffs may exacerbate trade tensions, the tech sector is benefiting from the growth of AI and successful IPOs. Investors and financial professionals should closely monitor these trends and their potential implications for portfolios.

References:
[1] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/trump-tariffs-live-updates-trump-grants-mexico-90-day-reprieve-as-countries-race-to-make-deal-200619636.html
[2] https://www.ainvest.com/news/nasdaq-peak-2025-3-minute-analysis-2508/
[3] https://seekingalpha.com/news/4476349-upland-projects-3-percent-core-organic-growth-in-h2-2025-as-ai-enabled-portfolio-drives