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Commerce Department

All articles tagged with #commerce department

US retail spending stalls in December as inflation and gloom weigh in
business15 days ago

US retail spending stalls in December as inflation and gloom weigh in

U.S. retail sales were unchanged in December, missing economists’ expectations of about 0.4% growth and reversing November’s gain. The flat month came as furniture and miscellaneous stores fell (-0.9% each) while home improvement rose 1.2%, and the control group slipped 0.1%. The report, seasonally adjusted but not inflation-adjusted, was delayed by last year’s government shutdown. Despite slower hiring and stubborn inflation, Americans haven’t slashed spending, but December’s stagnation suggests consumer activity may be nearing a spending ceiling.

Geely’s US car push hits cybersecurity gate
transportation19 days ago

Geely’s US car push hits cybersecurity gate

Geely, which controls Volvo, plans to build cars in the U.S. via Volvo’s South Carolina plant, but a new Commerce Department rule requires that all software and connectivity tech be free of Chinese control. Software for model years 2027+ must be certified, with per-model/year authorizations, and hardware bans begin for 2030; no waivers have been issued yet. Volvo may help navigate approvals, but Geely would need to prove software origin and data governance for every model/year before selling in America.

Trump Bets Big on U.S. Rare-Earths With $1.6B Investment
business1 month ago

Trump Bets Big on U.S. Rare-Earths With $1.6B Investment

The Trump administration announced up to $277 million in direct funding and up to $1.3 billion in loans to USA Rare Earth to bolster domestic supply chains for rare earth minerals and magnets, taking about 16 million shares plus a warrant for 17.6 million more as part of broader government equity stakes in private firms. The effort, aiming to reduce China’s dominance in critical materials, includes a Texas mine slated for 2028 and an Oklahoma magnetics project, and comes amid scrutiny over Cantor Fitzgerald’s ties to Commerce Secretary Lutnick.

US Government Takes Equity Stake in USA Rare Earth to Back Western Supply Chain
business1 month ago

US Government Takes Equity Stake in USA Rare Earth to Back Western Supply Chain

The Commerce Department plans a $1.3 billion loan and $277 million in federal funding to USA Rare Earth, in exchange for 16.1 million shares and 17.6 million warrants that would give the government an 8%–16% stake once warrants are exercised. The deal, part of a push to build a Western rare earth supply chain, funds the company’s magnet plant in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and the Round Top mine in Texas, with total project costs around $4.1 billion and about $3.5 billion already secured from cash, private funding, and the government package. Disbursement is 2026–2028 based on milestones, and the agreement is subject to final approvals; the company has already raised $1.5 billion from private investors. Shares rose more than 20% on the news.

Raimondo Aims to Deplete Trump's Campaign Funds
politics1 year ago

Raimondo Aims to Deplete Trump's Campaign Funds

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo is working to allocate nearly all of the $50 billion from the CHIPS Act before Donald Trump assumes office, aiming to solidify the Biden administration's tech legacy. This effort is part of a broader strategy to secure bipartisan-supported programs against potential rollbacks by a Republican administration. Raimondo is confident that the bipartisan nature of the CHIPS Act, focused on national security, will protect it from significant changes under Trump. The Commerce Department has shifted towards high-tech and national security under her leadership.

Trump Selects Howard Lutnick for Commerce Secretary Role
politics1 year ago

Trump Selects Howard Lutnick for Commerce Secretary Role

Donald Trump has announced his intention to nominate Howard Lutnick, a Wall Street investor and campaign donor, to lead the Commerce Department. Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and co-chair of Trump's transition team, will also oversee the US Trade Representative's office if confirmed. This appointment positions Lutnick to implement Trump's proposed tariffs, including a 60% tariff on Chinese imports. Lutnick, a major Trump supporter, has never held a government position before and was previously considered for Treasury Secretary.

Kaspersky to Close US Operations Following Government Ban
technology1 year ago

Kaspersky to Close US Operations Following Government Ban

Kaspersky is closing its U.S. operations after the Commerce Department banned its software, citing national security risks due to the company's Russian connections. The decision impacts fewer than 50 employees and follows a thorough investigation by the U.S. government. Kaspersky denies being a security threat and argues the ban is based on geopolitical concerns rather than verified risks.

Kaspersky Shuts Down US Operations Following Commerce Department Ban
technology1 year ago

Kaspersky Shuts Down US Operations Following Commerce Department Ban

Kaspersky is shutting down its U.S. operations following a Commerce Department ban on its software, citing national security risks due to the company's Russian connections. The decision impacts fewer than 50 employees and ends nearly 20 years of Kaspersky's presence in the U.S. The company disputes the security threat claims, arguing the ban is based on geopolitical concerns rather than verified risks.

Kaspersky Labs Exits US Market Following Ban
business1 year ago

Kaspersky Labs Exits US Market Following Ban

Russian antivirus firm Kaspersky Labs is exiting the US market following a ban by the Biden administration, citing national security risks due to Moscow's influence over the company. The firm will wind down its US operations starting July 20, 2024, and has already stopped selling its products in the country. The ban restricts sales, updates, and licensing of Kaspersky software, with violators facing fines. Kaspersky denies the allegations and plans to explore legal options to contest the ban.