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Tariffs and Trade Series - The Potential Impacts of Tariffs and Global Trade Shifts
This is the first installment in a series examining the multifaceted impacts of tariff and trade policies. By delving into the nuances of these policies, we aim to provide valuable insights and perspectives that will inform strategic business decision-making and foster resilience in an increasingly volatile global market. Future papers in this series will explore the specific implications for key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and construction, offering targeted analysis and recommendations to help businesses navigate and thrive amidst evolving trade landscapes. The global trade landscape is experiencing rapid shifts driven by escalating tariffs, geopolitical realignments, and supply chain disruptions. In North America, businesses must navigate changing US trade policies, evolving trade agreements such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), and the broader implications of international trade tensions. These developments may have significant economic implications which impact supply chains, regulatory compliance, financial strategies, and heighten geopolitical risk. Trade policies across the world are being redefined, with tariffs increasingly used as economic and political tools. The US, China, and the European Union are at the center of these shifts, reshaping global supply chains and trade routes. Businesses must reassess their sourcing strategies, financial models, and regulatory compliance efforts in response to these evolving dynamics. In North America, the US has intensified its use of tariffs, impacting trade with Canada, Mexico, and numerous global partners. While these policies aim to boost domestic industries, they have introduced supply chain challenges and regulatory complexities. As a result, companies must proactively adapt to maintain operational efficiency and financial stability. This article examines the challenges and opportunities that may arise from these trade shifts and provides insights for businesses to mitigate risks and maintain competitiveness. At J.S. Held, we help businesses navigate these challenges by providing insights into regulatory changes, trade risks, and strategic adaptations to ensure long-term resilience. "With the sweeping April 2 tariff announcement, U.S. trade policy has entered a new phase. One where national security, economic leverage, and regulatory unpredictability intersect. Businesses are now navigating not just targeted tariffs, but a universal cost layer that may touch nearly every sector. The urgency to adapt through exemption strategies, supply chain restructuring, and trade compliance has never been greater." The full report is accessible below, and is a must read for anyone covering the impacts of the tariffs announced by President Trump on April 02, 2025. Looking to know more or connect with Andrea Korney? Simply click on the expert's icon now to arrange an interview today. For any other media inquiries - contact : Kristi L. Stathis, J.S. Held +1 786 833 4864 Kristi.Stathis@JSHeld.com
How the Black Sea ceasefire could backfire for Ukraine
Washington is touting the proposed Black Sea ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, but there are signs that Russia could emerge from the deal with the upper hand. Hein Goemans, a political science professor at the University of Rochester whose research focuses on territorial disputes and what starts and ends wars, says the agreement “doesn’t really mean much.” “What matters is territorial divisions,” Goemans says. “I see this ceasefire deal as Russia trying to play the United States.” Goemans says the deal would be reasonable if the U.S. were willing to enforce it with sanctions if, or when, Russia reneges. “Ukraine should not believe this deal is in any way credible if the U.S. is not willing to commit to sanctions if Russia reneges, which it will,” Goemans says. He adds that the deal also favors Russia if other parts of it, like the repatriation of Ukrainian children, are not effected. “The chance that Russia would effectively help with the repatriation of Ukrainian abducted children is zero,” Goemans says. “It appears Russia has not compromised on any dimension.” Goemans recently shared similar thoughts with Newsweek, and is regularly tapped by news outlets around the world for his insights on the war in Ukraine and territorial disputes in hotspots across the globe. Reach Goemans by clicking on his profile.
Hundreds of nurses and their colleagues at ChristianaCare gathered in a conference room at Christiana Hospital and listened through a livestream across the organization’s campuses and practices for an announcement they’ve been anticipating for many months. “For your commitment to nursing excellence and quality care, we are thrilled to recognize ChristianaCare with its fourth consecutive Magnet designation,” said David Marshall, JD, DNP, RN, chair of the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Magnet Recognition. “This accomplishment is a powerful testament to your dedication to the nurses who practice there, the entire health care team, and — most importantly — the patients you serve.” Shouts erupted, balloons and streamers floated up and, in the happy commotion, there was even a little cowbell. As the only four-time Magnet-designated health care organization in Delaware, ChristianaCare has achieved this global recognition — the highest honor in nursing practice — for continued dedication to excellence and innovation, high-quality patient care and experience, nurse engagement and work culture. “Magnet designation recognizes ChristianaCare nurses are simply the best!” said ChristianaCare President and CEO Janice E. Nevin, M.D., MPH. “A fourth Magnet designation is an incredible achievement and reflects the vital importance and commitment of our nurses as we serve together with love and excellence.” ChristianaCare has more than 3,000 nurses, and they make up the largest segment of ChristianaCare’s workforce. ChristianaCare is the largest nonprofit organization and private employer in the state of Delaware. This most recent designation for ChristianaCare includes Christiana Hospital, Wilmington Hospital, ChristianaCare HomeHealth and Community Care Services, through early 2029. What it means to be Magnet “Our fourth consecutive Magnet designation means that our nurses and all of our caregiver colleagues have upheld the ANCC’s very high standards in patient care since our first recognition in 2010,” said ChristianaCare Chief Nurse Executive Danielle Weber, DNP, RN. “That is a long time to bring your ‘A’ game every day — through 15 years of change, including a pandemic — and to sustain growth in professional practice, innovation and culture. Magnet recognition raises the bar for patient care and inspires every member of our team to achieve excellence every day.” The Magnet Recognition Program — administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the largest and most prominent nurses credentialing organization in the world — identifies health care organizations that provide the very best in nursing care, exceptional nurse engagement and professionalism in nursing practice. The Magnet Recognition Program serves as the gold standard for nursing excellence and provides consumers with the ultimate benchmark for measuring quality of care. The ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® has conferred Magnet status to less than 10% of hospitals and health systems in the United States. There are 621 Magnet-designated health organizations internationally. ChristianaCare was the first in Delaware to achieve Magnet designation, in 2010. For nurses, Magnet Recognition means education and development through every career stage, which leads to greater autonomy at the bedside. For patients, it means the very best care, delivered by nurses who are supported to be the very best that they can be. While Magnet is a nursing-led initiative, the designation reflects the work of caregivers across the organization. Magnet redesignation itself is a rigorous process. Health care organizations must reapply for Magnet status every four years and demonstrate adherence to the Magnet concepts for nursing excellence and engagement and measurable improvements in patient care and quality. The ANCC commended ChristianaCare on these exemplars: Advocacy for and acquisition of organizational resources specific to nurses’ well-being. particularly through the Nursing Integrative Care Program. An innovative strategy to address the shortage of certified registered nurse anesthetists in Delaware through a partnership program between ChristianaCare and Wilmington University to launch the state’s first Nurse Anesthesiology program. Outstanding nursing research engagement and growth of the nursing research enterprise especially through the Nursing Research Fellowship in Robotics and Innovation.
#ExpertSpotlight: Erin go bragh!
St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated annually on March 17, has evolved from a solemn religious observance to a worldwide cultural phenomenon. Rooted in the legacy of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, this holiday is now synonymous with parades, green attire, and festive gatherings. While often viewed as a day of Irish pride and heritage, its historical significance and evolving traditions reveal deeper cultural and social themes. As millions prepare to celebrate, this topic provides an opportunity to explore the rich history, religious roots, and modern interpretations of St. Patrick’s Day. Key story angles include: The Life and Legacy of St. Patrick: Exploring the history of St. Patrick, his role in spreading Christianity in Ireland, and how myths like driving out the snakes became associated with him. The Evolution of St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations: Tracing the transition from a religious feast day to a global celebration of Irish heritage. How Different Countries Celebrate: Highlighting the unique ways St. Patrick’s Day is observed worldwide, from Ireland’s official events to large-scale parades in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. The Economic and Tourism Impact: Analyzing how St. Patrick’s Day boosts tourism, pub sales, and the hospitality industry. The Role of Irish Diaspora Communities: Examining how Irish immigrants and their descendants helped popularize St. Patrick’s Day in countries like the United States. Cultural Appropriation vs. Authentic Celebration: Discussing debates over commercialization, stereotypes, and efforts to preserve the cultural integrity of the holiday. As St. Patrick’s Day continues to be a widely recognized celebration, its history and traditions offer a compelling look at cultural identity, globalization, and the intersection of faith and festivity. Connect with an expert about St. Patrick's Day: To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com
#ExpertSpotlight: Give Peace a Chance?
The long-standing conflict between Israel and Palestine has been punctuated by numerous ceasefire agreements, each representing a pivotal attempt to reduce hostilities and lay the groundwork for peace. These agreements are not only crucial to understanding the complex history of this conflict but also serve as lessons in diplomacy, international mediation, and the challenges of achieving lasting peace in one of the world’s most contentious regions. This topic remains of significant public interest as it reflects ongoing struggles for justice, security, and coexistence. Key story angles include: Historical Context of Ceasefire Agreements: Analyzing landmark ceasefire deals, their terms, and the conditions that led to their creation. The Role of International Mediators: Exploring the involvement of global powers, such as the United Nations, the United States, and regional players, in brokering peace. Challenges in Sustaining Peace: Examining why many ceasefires have failed to lead to long-term solutions and the recurring obstacles to peace negotiations. Humanitarian Impact: Highlighting how ceasefires affect civilian populations, including access to humanitarian aid, rebuilding efforts, and displacement. Evolving Dynamics in the Conflict: Investigating how changing political landscapes, leadership, and international relations influence ceasefire efforts. The Path Forward: Discussing ongoing peace initiatives, grassroots efforts, and the role of global advocacy in supporting a just and sustainable resolution. The history of ceasefire agreements between Israel and Palestine offers a profound lens into the complexities of conflict resolution, the resilience of affected communities, and the enduring hope for peace. Connect with an expert about the history of peace attempts in the Middle East: To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com
Transforming Work Meetings: Strategies for More Effective and Engaging Collaboration
I’m sure you’ve heard it before—maybe from colleagues, leaders, friends or even yourself: “I am dreading my upcoming meeting.” Work meetings often have a bad reputation. People commonly complain about their frequency, the lack of purpose or how tedious they can feel. Memes and phrases like “this meeting should have been an email” have become cultural staples. Yet, over 55 million meetings take place daily in the United States. The average employee spends nearly 10 hours each week in meetings, and for executives, this number jumps to nearly half their working time. If meetings are as unproductive as people claim, consider how much of a CEO’s salary is wasted on ineffective discussions! Rather than seeing this as a hopeless situation, I view it as an opportunity. My research focuses on making work meetings more effective, engaging and satisfying, ultimately leading to better outcomes for individuals, teams and organizations. I call myself a “meeting scientist,” studying and sharing best practices for every stage of a meeting—before, during and after. BEFORE THE MEETING Meeting success starts with preparation. Research suggests having a clear and purposeful agenda shared in advance is a crucial factor in making meetings more effective. Be intentional about your attendee list—over-inviting can reduce inclusion and participation. Focus on who absolutely needs to be there, and consider listing others as optional participants. Aim to keep meetings as short as possible while still achieving your objectives. Avoid defaulting to the hourlong meeting just because it’s standard practice. Designing a meeting requires intention—every element should have a purpose. “My research focuses on making work meetings more effective, engaging and satisfying, ultimately leading to better outcomes for individuals, teams and organizations.” DURING THE MEETING Whether you’re facilitating or participating, engagement is key. Actively involve attendees, ask and answer questions and ensure quieter voices are included. Consider using round-robin discussions to ensure everyone has a chance to speak, incorporating interactive elements, like polls or brainstorming sessions, and creating a safe environment where participants feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. AFTER THE MEETING The meeting isn’t over until next steps are clearly defined. Take five minutes to recap key points, decisions and action items. Assign responsibilities and deadlines to specific individuals—Joe should leave knowing his next task, and Kate should understand when her deliverables are due. All participants should walk away feeling that something was accomplished, they have a clear path forward and their time was well spent. While these best practices might seem obvious, they’re surprisingly rare—75% of managers report never being trained on how to design or lead a meeting, even though they spend a significant portion of their roles in meetings. This lack of training is a missed opportunity to foster more productive and engaging collaboration. Looking to know more? We can help. Dr. Liana M. Kreamer is an Assistant Professor in the Industrial Organizational Psychology program at Florida Institute of Technology. She is available to speak with media. Contact Adam Lowenstein, Director of Media Communications at Florida Institute of Technology at adam@fit.edu to arrange an interview today.
Expert Insight: Keeping the power on!
With extreme weather becoming more commonplace than a phenomenon, America's reliance on power and electricity has been in the spotlight. Unfortunately, it's not for its resilience and reliability, but for the vulnerability of millions of Americans with each passing weather event. Florida Tech's Ken Cummins contributed to a recent study published in PLOS Climate that examined how various extreme weather events threaten the power grid in the United States. Multiple studies have shown that power outages alone can increase threats to human health—from spoiled food to failing medical equipment to a loss of heat in winter. These threats become more dire when paired with severe weather. This kind of information could be useful to utility companies, which must allocate finite resources for maintenance and repair and make plans for a range of scenarios, said Ken Cummins, a researcher at the Florida Institute of Technology with experience in grid reliability who wasn’t involved in the research. (Cummins is a former science adviser to Eos.) But he cautioned that the specific infrastructure used by local electric utilities, which can vary significantly, is also an important factor. “One thing that would be a problem in St. Louis might not be a problem in Denver or Omaha and would certainly be a different problem in New York City or Long Island,” he said. February 21 - EOS The same research got a lot of coverage across America and internationally. United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction: ZME Science: This is a vital topic given the weight climate change and extreme weather are now placing on America's energy sector. If you're a journalist looking to cover this topic, let us help. Dr. Ken Cummins is a part-time Research Professor in the Department of Aerospace, Physics, and Space Sciences at Florida Institute of Technology. He is formally trained in statistical signal processing, modeling, and instrumentation. Ken is available to speak with media. Contact Adam Lowenstein, Director of Media Communications at Florida Institute of Technology at adam@fit.edu to arrange an interview today.
Defining Oligarchy: The Fusion of Wealth and Power in American Democracy
Oligarchy is being thrown around a lot these days. But what does the term mean? Is America an oligarchy? And how does oligarchy help explain American democracy today? Political rhetoric scholar Luke Winslow, Ph.D., associate professor of communication at Baylor University and author of “Oligarchy in America: Power, Justice, and the Rule of the Few,” has traced the evolution of oligarchy in the United States to shed light on how modern oligarchy is reshaping America through the increasing fusion of economic power and political influence. Winslow’s research focuses on how the influence of oligarchy has impacted American political rhetoric, as well as how it is showing up in modern politics and political communications. Defining Oligarchy Oligarchy is a term that most people associate with other countries, but it “is not something that just happens in Russia. It's something that happens everywhere, and it always has,” Winslow said. In the simplest of terms, oligarchy attempts to explain the convergence of economic and political power. Winslow offered four key distinctions on oligarchy: Oligarchy is exclusive. It represents a form of governance focused on preserving the political and economic influence of the wealthy by securing the approval of the rest of the population. “It assumes not everyone is qualified to deliberate, participate and legislate,” Winslow said. When it comes to oligarchy, there is a belief that extreme wealth is equated to intellectual fitness across all domains, including governance. Wealth vs. income. It is important to distinguish between wealth and income. Income covers daily expenses, whereas wealth is more easily used to exert political power. “What truly sets an oligarch apart is the political power their wealth can command,” Winslow said. Understated and subtle. Modern oligarchy operates through persuasion by “enticing rather than commanding citizens and maintaining what seems like an absence from political authority,” Winslow said. It is in this absence that oligarchs can influence indirect political actions, especially since they are not (typically) elected officials and cannot be removed from office. Legal Immunity. Oligarchs have no fear of legal consequences because oligarchy itself is not against the law, Winslow said. The First Amendment protects the right “to petition the Government for a redress of grievances,” legitimizing lobbying and campaign donations. A robust system of campaign contributions and political lobbying – both of which are perfectly legal – can shape media narratives and put pressure on state and local governments. While wealth and politics have always coexisted, oligarchy is about how these forces merge to create a system where the ultra-rich exert undue influence over democratic institutions, Winslow said. “This convergence has long existed in history but is now unfolding in the U.S. more visibly – and perhaps more accepted – than ever before,” he said. Communication of Oligarchy Winslow’s research shows that American society has come to view billionaires as transcendent figures – individuals whose success in business qualifies them to lead in politics – a mindset that is not new. The Gilded Age of the late 19th century saw figures like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller wield enormous economic and political power, shaping legislation to favor their interests. Winslow’s research traces this historical precedent, suggesting that today’s tech titans are the latest iteration of a long-standing trend. Perhaps the most intriguing question Winslow raises is not just how oligarchy and its fusion of wealth and governance has taken root, but why the American public has been so willing to accept it as natural – perhaps even beneficial. “The arguments being made in public discourse encourage us to go along with it,” he said. “We’re being told, implicitly, that this is just how things work now.” Yet, these practices also reveal how the government serves the narrow interests of the ultra-wealthy, diverting resources from productive economic opportunities for the majority toward political wins that benefit a small, affluent minority, Winslow said. “What's so interesting about oligarchy now is that the cover has been ripped off, the veil has been thrown open and we’re not even hiding the fact that money gets you more influence,” he said. Ultimately, Winslow hopes his work will get people to be curious as to why Americans are now accepting oligarchy in the U.S. “The ways that the extremely wealthy are yielded political power is seemingly acceptable now, and that is a question that we all should be asking,” Winslow said. Looking to know more? Then let us help. To connect with Luke Winslow, simply contact Shelby Cefaratti-Bertin, M.A, Assistant Director of Media and Public Relations now to arrange an interview today.
With a trade war that sees steep tariffs on imports from China, Canada and Mexico - various industries across the continent are scrambling to figure out how to conduct cross-border business in the wake of President Trump's new policies on trade. For many industries with production lines that crisscross the border, there's concerns about how to prosper or function in the future. Among Detroit brands, GM's Chevrolet and GMC pickups, along with Stellantis's Ram, are more exposed to Trump's taxes than Ford because both build large numbers of pickups in Mexico. Ford builds its F-series pickups in the United States - but also makes some truck engines in Canada, underscoring the web of economic interdependence among the three North America trading partners. Almost no American vehicle is made from solely American parts, industry research shows. Barclays bank analysts estimate that Mexico provides up to 40% of the parts in U.S. vehicles and Canada more than 20%. Suppliers say they will have to cover some of the tariff costs and will likely see an additional hit if consumer demand weakens from rising vehicle prices. Automakers and suppliers also worry about the effects of tariffs on vehicle components that bounce across borders before reaching their final destination. Companies worry that such parts could be taxed with every border crossing, although Trump has not clarified his policy in such cases. March 05 - Reuters Industry insiders are saying companies need to adapt their strategies immediately. To become more agile, companies are increasingly turning to advanced supply chain solutions. Modern platforms provide end-to-end visibility, helping businesses map complex, inter-connected supply chains made up of multiple tiers and assess risks associated with tariffs or regulatory changes. These tools enable companies to model the financial impact of different scenarios, offering data-driven insights for supplier diversification or regional sourcing strategies. March 06- Supply Chain Management Review Despite the 30 day reprieve for automakers, companies are still waiting and figuring out how to adapt. If you're a journalist covering tariffs and the trade war and how the supply chain might be impacted, Steven Carnovale can help. Steven is a supply chain strategist specializing in interfirm networks, risk management and global sourcing/production networks. Steven is available to speak with media. Simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today
Understanding resource-backed financing: How countries leverage mineral wealth for economic growth
What exactly is resourced-backed financing and how does it relate to Ukraine-United States relations? That is what Blue and Gold Distinguished Professor of Energy and the Environment Saleem Ali has been investigating. Resource-backed financing has emerged as a significant strategy for countries rich in natural resources to bolster economic growth. This financial model allows nations to leverage their mineral wealth by using future revenues or production of resources as collateral for obtaining loans or investments today. Ali can put this practice into context of a potential deal that is currently being negotiated between Ukraine and the U.S. "The minerals deal could potentially be a win-win for Ukraine and the United States if the agreement is framed around a broader plan for reconstruction and infrastructure development," Ali recently said in an article for Forbes. A regular contributor to Forbes, Ali's expertise has also been featured in The Houston Chronicle, The Guardian and Bloomberg. He can be contacted to speak more on this topic by clicking on his profile.
