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- Amazon Backs Down on Tariff Transparency + Trump’s Tariffs Fuel Liberal Victory in Canada
Amazon Backs Down on Tariff Transparency + Trump’s Tariffs Fuel Liberal Victory in Canada
Wednesday Edition | April 29, 2025
Prepper Perry
April 30, 2025
 | Welcome Back! It’s Wednesday, April 30 This week, tariff pressure is hitting everything from Amazon’s pricing to Smithfield’s pork exports. Canada’s election turned into a referendum on U.S. policy, and the U.S. economy just contracted for the first time in three years. Global supply chains, national identities, and diplomatic ties are all shifting in real time. We’re tracking the signals so you don’t have to. The Anxiety Forecast? Holding steady. But the global picture calls for a sharper eye. |
Top Stories
Amazon Walks Back Tariff Transparency After Trump Call
Amazon reversed internal discussions about showing tariff costs on product listings after a private call between President Trump and Jeff Bezos. The company had considered disclosing price hikes tied to new trade policy on its Haul platform but quickly shut it down after the White House called the move hostile and political. Trump publicly praised Bezos for backing off, while critics warned that costs from the trade war are already creeping into consumer prices.
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WHY IT MATTERS
The pressure to hide tariff costs comes as the U.S. economy shows early signs of strain. First-quarter GDP contracted by 0.3%, driven by a record surge in imports and slowing consumer spending. Although Trump offered limited relief to automakers through temporary tariff exemptions, analysts warn these measures will not prevent long-term cost increases. The financial burden of tariffs is rising, and public transparency about who ultimately pays is steadily declining.
Ukraine Offers Rare Minerals Deal as U.S. Presses for War Progress
Ukraine says it is ready to sign a strategic minerals agreement with the U.S. to exchange access to rare earths like titanium, lithium, and uranium for continued military aid. The deal is seen as essential by Kyiv as it faces mounting battlefield pressure and waning Western patience. U.S. officials are pushing both Ukraine and Russia to accelerate negotiations toward a ceasefire, warning that support could fade if meaningful progress stalls.
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WHY IT MATTERS
This deal comes as Ukraine tries to secure long-term U.S. support while civilian casualties continue to rise and Russia holds close to one-fifth of the country. Putin has expressed openness to a ceasefire but wants several conditions clarified first. Trump and Zelensky recently met after weeks of tension, and earlier this week, Trump publicly urged Putin to pause strikes on Kyiv. Trump has also suggested that Zelensky may be willing to give up Crimea, a claim Ukraine denies but one that has raised concerns about U.S. positioning. The minerals agreement could reshape how aid is delivered and may shift the direction of U.S. diplomacy going forward.
Trump’s Rhetoric Reshapes Canada’s Election
Canada’s Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre was once poised for victory, but a wave of anti-Trump sentiment helped hand the election to Liberal leader Mark Carney. Poilievre’s campaign, seen as echoing Trump’s political style, lost ground as Canadian voters rejected aggressive messaging and embraced Carney’s promise to stand up to U.S. pressure. Trump’s sweeping tariffs and threats to absorb Canada as the “51st state” triggered a backlash that shifted longtime Conservative voters to the left.
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WHY IT MATTERS
Trump’s tariffs and nationalist rhetoric pushed many Canadians to rethink their political loyalties. The economic fallout, combined with threats to absorb Canada and rising cross-border tension, fueled a public shift away from U.S.-style politics. Trudeau’s call to support Canadian sovereignty framed the election as a choice between national unity and foreign pressure, deepening a divide between the two countries that could reshape trade and diplomacy.
Market Watch
Markets & Sentiments
S&P 500:
On April 29, 2025, the S&P 500 completed a six-day winning streak, marking its longest since November. However, on April 30, the index declined by 2.04% and the streak ended. The drop was driven by disappointing economic data, including a 0.3% contraction in first quarter GDP and weaker-than-expected job growth, which raised concerns about a potential recession.
Energy & Commodities
Oil (WTI):
West Texas Intermediate crude is trading at $58.51 per barrel, down 3.16% on the day and more than 15% for the month. This marks its steepest monthly drop since 2021. The decline reflects growing fears over demand destruction tied to U.S.–China trade tensions, weak GDP data, and mounting OPEC+ supply concerns.
Gold:
Gold is trading at $3,319 and continues to climb as recession risks remain elevated. Goldman Sachs sees further upside, citing weak growth, tightening conditions, and policy instability as drivers of demand. Investors are favoring gold over Treasurys as a hedge.
Currency
U.S. Dollar Index:
The U.S. Dollar Index is trading at 99.45, up 0.22% on the day. Despite the gain, the dollar remains under pressure after its worst monthly performance since 2022, dropping over 4% in April. Currency markets continue to respond to tariff uncertainty and recession concerns, with investors watching for any signs of a shift in Federal Reserve policy.
Why it Matters:
Markets are showing signs of deeper stress. A six-day stock rally broke after weak GDP and jobs data reignited recession fears. Oil just posted its biggest monthly drop since 2021, dragged down by slowing demand and oversupply risk. Gold is rising as investors search for stability, while the dollar remains volatile despite a slight bounce. These shifts suggest the economy is more fragile than headlines let on — and price pressures could return quickly.
Grocery Watch
Food Recalls
Upper Crust Bakery has recalled 818 cases of frozen bread rolls across six states due to possible glass fragments found on top of the product, according to the FDA. Affected items include Ancient Grains Hoagie Rolls, Multigrain Sourdough Rolls, and Whole Grain Multigrain Rolls, all tied to Lot #90 or #92. The Class II recall covers Pennsylvania, California, Connecticut, Maryland, Delaware, and Ohio. Consumers are urged not to eat the products and return them or discard immediately.
Martinelli’s has recalled over 170,000 bottles of its 10-ounce apple juice after routine testing found elevated levels of patulin — a mold-based toxin linked to spoiled apples. The affected products, sold in 4-packs with a “best by” date of Dec. 5, 2026, were distributed across 28 states. No illnesses have been reported, but the FDA warns the toxin may pose health risks, especially to children.
Top Stories
Smithfield Foods says China is “no longer a viable market” for U.S. pork after tariffs reached 172%, forcing the company to cut jobs and redirect exports. China previously bought variety meats like pig hearts and stomachs, which helped balance the domestic supply. Without that outlet, some cuts may go to waste or drive up prices in other markets.
Whats Moving (Crop Progress & Price Outlook)
Corn and soybean planting are ahead of schedule in key southern states. Corn is 24% planted and soybeans are at 18%, both slightly above the five-year average. Louisiana is leading in soybeans with 70% planted, well ahead of normal. Spring wheat and oats are also pacing ahead, setting up a strong early-season outlook.
Winter wheat quality is starting to weaken. Only 45% of the crop is rated good to excellent. In Kansas, the top wheat-producing state, that number is even lower at 41%. Heading progress is slightly behind schedule and could become a problem if weather conditions shift.
Data reflects USDA reporting through April 27, 2025.
What It Means
Planting progress looks strong, but early signs of stress are showing. Wheat quality is already slipping, and if weather turns unfavorable in May, yield losses could follow. At the same time, food recalls are creeping into everyday staples like juice and bread. Trade pressures are reshaping where meat goes and who can afford it. These quiet disruptions signal that the system is moving, but not always in the right direction.
SEE YOU FRIDAY!
Thanks for reading. If this helped you make sense of what’s happening, consider sharing it with someone who might find it useful. I’ll be back Friday with more updates to help you stay informed, safe, and prepared. Subscribe below to get the next edition.