Global Industry Slashes Forecasts as Tariffs Rattle Markets

Manufacturing and industrial giants worldwide are cutting 2025 profit projections amid mounting uncertainty from President Trump’s trade policy. Automakers like GM signaled a potential $5 billion hit, while European plane makers face Chinese retaliation. Similarly, budget airlines reconsider expansions over higher costs and reduced travel demand. This gloom stems from relentless tariff shifts: firms attempt to pre-order or reroute supplies, creating gluts or shortages. Some corporations, paralyzed by unpredictability, hoard cash rather than invest in new projects. Market analysts say “uncertainty is the new normal,” as the White House partially postpones certain tariffs but threatens new ones. Meanwhile, factory activity indexes in Asia and Europe slid into contraction, fueling recessionary whispers if no resolution appears soon.