Mine craft: US-Ukraine resource deal

This episode explores the multifaceted impacts of Donald Trump's new tariffs on Chinese goods and a recently signed US-Ukraine minerals deal. Against the backdrop of a previously contentious relationship, the minerals deal, finalized after months of negotiation and a high-profile disagreement, establishes a joint investment fund for critical minerals extraction in Ukraine, offering America preferential access while providing Ukraine with a degree of security. More significantly, the discussion analyzes the potential ramifications of Trump's tariffs on major Chinese retailers like Shein and Temu, which have thrived on selling cheap goods to American consumers via duty-free import channels. For instance, the removal of the de minimis exemption will significantly increase the cost of these goods for American consumers. The episode further examines how these companies might adapt, including diversifying their markets and potentially relocating manufacturing outside of China. Ultimately, the episode highlights the complex geopolitical and economic repercussions of Trump's trade policies and their impact on international relations and business models.