Macroeconomics

1. [US-EU Auto Tariffs] European Commission President von der Leyen responded to President Trump's threats regarding auto tariffs, stating that the EU is prepared for "all scenarios." Trump had previously threatened to raise tariffs on EU-manufactured cars imported into the U.S. from 15% to 25%.

2. [US Trade Deficit] The U.S. trade deficit widened slightly in March to $60.3 billion—marking the second consecutive month of month-over-month growth—though it came in below market expectations of $61.0 billion. In March, imports rose 2.3% month-over-month, while exports increased by 2%. The U.S. goods trade deficit with China widened for the third consecutive month in March; deficits with Canada and Vietnam also expanded.

3. [Australia Rate Hike] The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announced it would raise its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 4.35%, marking the third rate hike this year. The RBA stated that the conflict in the Middle East is placing further upward pressure on inflation. The latest data indicates that Australian household spending surged 6.3% year-over-year in March.

Plastics and Rubber

1. [HDPE] During the current cycle (April 24–30), the production loss resulting from PE plant maintenance was approximately 17,930 tons—a decrease of 1,100 tons compared to the previous period.

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