Latest news with #ChaoDeng
Wall Street Journal
03-04-2025
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
Tariffs Will Hit All U.S. Imports. Price Hikes for These Items May Surprise You
President Trump's announcement of 10% across-the-board tariffs on all imports to the U.S. and even higher rates for some nations' goods will likely affect the prices of everything from everyday items like cereal to big-ticket purchases like cars. Many economists say the breadth of the tariff hike—with big hits concentrated on major trading partners—will drive inflation higher than they had initially thought. It could take some time to see the price hikes, as businesses work out just how much of the tariff cost to pass along to consumers. Below are several items that the U.S. overwhelmingly depends on overseas suppliers for, according to analytics firm Trade Partnership Worldwide. Some will be facing tariff rates in the high double digits—and could see significant price hikes. U.S. cigar lovers might soon be paying more for their tobacco experience, as the U.S. gets about 64% of its imported cigars from the Dominican Republic, according to TPW. Goods from the country will soon face a 10% U.S. tariff. The cigar category includes cigarillos, which are short and thin and sometimes have added fruit flavors. Marriage proposals might soon get more expensive for those looking to pop the question with a diamond engagement ring. The U.S. gets both 92% of its imported synthetic diamonds and 45% of its imported cut-and-polished diamonds from India. The country will soon be facing a 26% tariff—a significant enough hit that importers will likely want to pass on to consumers, at least in part. The U.S. gets about 88% of its imported pineapples from Costa Rica. Goods from the country will soon face a 10% U.S. tariff. The category includes both fresh and dried forms of the fruit. Gifting a loved one a fancy watch made in Switzerland could soon cost a lot more. The U.S. relies on the country for more than 90% of its imported precious-metal wristwatches. All Swiss goods will soon be slapped with a 31% tariff at U.S. ports. Finding a substitute watch might be difficult. The U.S. gets about 49% of its imported metal wristwatches with mechanical displays from Switzerland and 37% from Japan. The latter country is getting hit with a new 24% rate. Tariff costs might soon be coming to your trail mix. The U.S. gets 89% of its imported cashews from Vietnam, which will soon face a 46% tariff. Christmas is many months away, but paying for that holiday cheer will likely be more expensive this year. Cambodia is a huge supplier of Christmas lights to the U.S. About 66% of imported LED Christmas lights and 74% of imported non-LED Christmas lights come from the country, which will soon face 49% tariffs. Write to Chao Deng at
Globe and Mail
19-03-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
The Digital Economy Boom: Why Governments Are Racing to Keep Up
Innovation and adaptation have long been hallmarks of economic evolution. Throughout history, new technologies and financial tools have reshaped industries, created wealth, and redefined global markets. Whether it was the adoption of paper money, the rise of credit cards, or the digitalization of banking, financial systems have consistently transformed to meet the needs of a changing world. One of the most significant trends in recent years has been the rapid digitization of assets. From tokenized real estate to blockchain-based financial services, the ability to securely and transparently transact in digital form is revolutionizing the global economy. As nations and institutions embrace this shift, governments are now beginning to take more proactive steps to ensure they remain competitive in the evolving financial landscape. The Newest Catalyst for Digital Currency President Donald Trump's new executive order to establish a U.S. strategic cryptocurrency reserve marks a significant shift in the government's stance on digital assets. By using cryptocurrencies seized in criminal and civil forfeitures, the U.S. is acknowledging their long-term value and viability as strategic assets. This move contrasts with past administrations, which favored regulation over adoption, signaling a more open approach to cryptocurrencies. The creation of a government-held crypto reserve boosts institutional credibility and sets a potential precedent for other nations. For the crypto market, this is a bullish development, as noted by Chao Deng, CEO of HashKey Capital, who highlighted the momentum building under Trump's leadership. This move not only legitimizes cryptocurrencies but also reinforces their role in the financial system, offering confidence for institutional investors and potentially stabilizing long-term prices. This shift is particularly significant for companies operating in the cryptocurrency mining and trading sectors. Firms like C2 Blockchain Inc. (OTCPK: CBLO), Marathon Digital Holdings (NASDAQ: MARA), Coinbase (NASDAQ: COIN), and Riot Platforms (NASDAQ: RIOT) are strategically positioning themselves to capitalize on this evolving landscape. Industry Leaders Adapting to Market Shifts Marathon Digital Holdings has demonstrated resilience in an increasingly competitive environment. In February 2025, the company reported a 4% increase in daily bitcoin production despite a 6% drop in total bitcoin mined due to increased network difficulty and fewer operational days. The completion of a 40-megawatt data center in Ohio, designed to accommodate over 10,000 S21 Pro immersion miners, reflects MARA's commitment to scaling operations and reducing costs through energy generation. Coinbase, on the other hand, is uniquely positioned to benefit from the strategic bitcoin reserve. With its regulated, secure platform and expansive reach across 40 blockchains, Coinbase is well-positioned as the go-to custodian for government and institutional crypto assets. Its history of compliance and partnerships with over 150 government entities underscores its growing influence in shaping the crypto economy. Meanwhile, Riot Platforms is focusing on operational efficiency and power management to maintain its competitive edge. Despite planned maintenance and weather-related power curtailments in February, Riot mined 470 bitcoin. The company's Corsicana facility, which aims to access up to 1.0 gigawatt of power by 2026, highlights its ambition to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) into its mining operations. CBLO's Strategic Approach to Disruption While these industry giants expand their footprint, C2 Blockchain is emerging as a lean yet impactful player in bitcoin mining. The company is aiming to construct a scalable 14-megawatt bitcoin mining facility in Georgia, designed for efficiency and immediate revenue generation through a strategic hosting partnership. Unlike larger firms burdened by massive capital expenditures, CBLO focuses on agility, leveraging a streamlined operational model to maximize returns. CBLO's commitment to sustainability is another differentiator. The new facility will integrate renewable energy solutions to minimize its carbon footprint while optimizing operations for long-term growth. This approach aligns with increasing regulatory scrutiny and investor demand for environmentally responsible crypto mining practices. Next-Gen Banking: Expanding Beyond Mining with Crypto-Backed Lending While established industry giants refine their strategies, C2 Blockchain is making bold moves to differentiate itself. In addition to the Georgia facility in the works, CBLO is expanding into the financial services sector with an innovative approach to crypto-backed lending. In a partnership with CoinEdge, a fast-growing cryptocurrency financial services provider, CBLO is launching a next-generation lending platform. This initiative allows users to unlock liquidity without selling their digital assets, leveraging major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL) as collateral. Unlike traditional financial products, this model enables borrowers to retain ownership while accessing capital for investments, debt consolidation, or everyday financial needs. Key Features of the CoinEdge Crypto Lending Platform: • Liquidity Without Liquidation: Borrow against crypto assets without selling • Flexible Repayment Options: Tailored to fit diverse financial strategies • Institutional-Grade Security: Real-time monitoring and robust collateral protection • Seamless User Experience: Fast approvals and transparent lending terms "This partnership with CoinEdge allows us to offer a smarter, more flexible way for crypto holders to unlock liquidity," said Levi Jacobson, CEO of C2 Blockchain. "With growing demand for alternative financing solutions, our platform provides a secure and efficient option for managing digital assets while optimizing financial opportunities." While CBLO stands to generate revenue from its mining operations, this new initiative positions the company as more than just a mining firm; it's now a player in the broader digital asset ecosystem. By integrating financial services into its business model, CBLO is poised to benefit from the growing legitimacy of cryptocurrencies, reinforced by the U.S. government's recent strategic reserve initiative. -- C2 Blockchain Inc. (OTCPK: CBLO) Full Corporate Write-Up: Click Here. -- All opinions and information provided above are intended for educational and research purposes only. The information provided above should be used as a starting point for conducting any research on the public companies discussed. All readers should do their own due diligence and research when determining which investment strategies are best suited for them or seek the advice of an investment professional prior to making an investment decision. The profiles of the above discussed public companies are not in any way a solicitation or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold their securities. The above article is sponsored content. Any forward-looking statements set forth in the article above are based on expectations, estimates and projections at the time such statements are made that involve a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those presently anticipated. Forward looking statements may be identified through the use of words such as 'projects,' 'foresees' 'expects,' 'will,' 'anticipates,' 'estimates,' 'believes,' 'understands' or by statements indicating certain actions 'may,' 'could' or 'might' occur. There is no guarantee past performance will be indicative of future results or that any such forward-looking projections will occur. For a complete disclaimer, investors are encouraged to click here: View more of this article on About Media, Inc.: Founded in 1999, is one of North America's leading platforms for micro-cap insights. Catering to both Canadian and U.S. markets, we provide a wealth of resources and expert content designed for everyone—from beginner investors to seasoned traders. is rapidly gaining recognition as a leading authority in the micro-cap space, with our insightful content prominently featured across numerous top-tier financial platforms, reaching a broad audience of investors and industry professionals. Want to showcase your company's story to a powerful network of investors? We can help you elevate your message and make a lasting impact. Contact us today. Contact: Media, Inc.
