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U.S. and China flags between the Capitol and the Temple of Heaven, symbolizing renewed trade talks after the Trump–Xi meeting.

Trump–Xi Meeting 2025: What the U.S.–China Trade Truce Really Means for Tariffs, Rare Earths, and Soybeans

Everyone’s talking about the Trump–Xi meeting, but few can explain what actually changed. Here’s a clear breakdown of what the trade truce means and why it’s more of a pause than a peace deal. Two capitals, two flags, one complicated relationship. TL;DR: What Came Out of the Trump–Xi Meeting The Trump–Xi meeting in Busan was not a breakthrough. It was a reset. Tariffs were reduced slightly, but they remain near record highs. China loosened its rare earth export restrictions,

Insights

Oct 304 min read

Not All Protection Protects: Understanding Tariffs Beyond Politics

1. The Noise vs The Reality Everyone seems to know what tariffs are. Some say they’re a tax. Others say they’re proof of strength. Lately, the word has been thrown around like a symbol of patriotism. But the truth is more complicated. A tariff is an economic tool. It can protect, pressure, or perform. How it’s used tells us a lot about what a country values — control, leverage, or optics. 2. What a Tariff Actually Is At its simplest, a tariff is a tax on imports . It’s been a

Insights

Oct 164 min read

Cover image showing a rare earth mining site with text overlay ‘Rare Earths Explained’ — Aha Advisory blog explaining China’s rare earth dominance.

Rare Earths Explained Simply: Why the U.S. Still Depends on China for Critical Minerals in 2025

Rare earths aren’t rare — the challenge is refining them. China invested for decades to master the process while others moved away from...

Oct 123 min read

U.S. Customs and Border Protection infographic titled ‘New Tariff Requirements for 2025,’ summarizing IEEPA and Section 232 tariffs. Shows updated rates including 25% on autos and auto parts, 50% on copper, steel, and aluminum, 40% on Brazil, 25% on Russian oil via India, 35% on Canada, 25% on Mexico, 20% on China and Hong Kong plus 10% reciprocal, and 10%–41% reciprocal tariffs for 95 countries as of August 2025.

October 2025 U.S. Tariff Update: China’s Effective Rates Exceed 50%, 100% Additional Duties Coming Soon

According to CBP, tariffs on imports from China already exceed 50% — and new 100% additional duties are on the way. Read the latest U.S. tariff update for October 2025.

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Oct 113 min read

Unveiling the Growth Playbook for Success

Growing a business is no walk in the park. It’s a rollercoaster ride filled with ups, downs, and unexpected twists. But what if you had a...

Oct 104 min read

Maximizing Value from Advisory Calls

When you book an advisory call, you want more than just chit-chat. You want clear, actionable advice that moves your business forward....

Sep 294 min read

Creating an Effective Business Strategic Plan

When it comes to growing a business, having a clear plan is everything. You might have a great product or service, but without a solid...

Sep 293 min read

Why More Countries Have Stopped Shipping to the U.S. in 2025

More countries have stopped shipping parcels to the U.S. in 2025 after the $800 duty-free rule ended. Every package now faces tariffs, paperwork, and extra costs. This post breaks down what changed, why shipments paused, and what it means for buyers and sellers.

Insights

Aug 242 min read

Collage of six Southeast Asian city skylines representing Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia, with the blog title “Sourcing & Selling in ASEAN: What Q2 GDP Tells You.”

Sourcing & Selling in ASEAN: What Q2 GDP Tells You

Q2 2025 GDP numbers are in for the ASEAN-6 — and they show just how differently each country is moving. Vietnam is sprinting. Thailand is slowing. And new U.S. tariffs are about to change the landscape. If you're a U.S. or European online business, this post breaks down where to source, where to sell, and what to watch next — explained in plain language, no economics degree required.

Insights

Aug 203 min read