China’s Car Dealers Push Back Against Automakers’ Inventory Dumping Amid EV Price War

Economic

Summary:

Chinese car dealers are demanding automakers curb excessive inventory transfers as relentless price wars and overproduction push many dealerships toward financial collapse...

Dealers Voice Alarms Over Unsustainable Practices

China’s auto retail sector is showing signs of distress as dealership networks struggle under mounting pressure from automakers aggressively pushing inventory. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the China Auto Dealers Chamber of Commerce urged manufacturers to adopt more sustainable production and sales practices. They warned that forcing dealers to absorb unsold vehicles amid a harsh price-cutting environment is choking cash flows, compressing margins, and in some cases, driving dealerships to shut down.

The chamber’s proposal is a reaction to intensifying dealer frustration in the wake of new EV discounting rounds since Q2 2025. They explicitly called for automakers to "cease coercive stock transfers", revise sales targets to reflect real market demand, and shorten the payment cycle to dealers to ease financial strain. Most critically, they demanded that brands stop penalizing dealers or ejecting them under the pretext of 'network optimization.'

Fallout from BYD and the Broader EV Price War

This statement followed reports of a major BYD dealership in Shandong province going out of business, with at least 20 of its locations shuttered. BYD, the dominant player in China’s EV sector, has led the industry in price cuts in an attempt to protect market share from both domestic competitors like Li Auto and global entrants like Tesla. While consumers have benefited, dealers are now caught in a vicious cycle of razor-thin margins and surplus inventory.

The Chinese government recently issued an advisory discouraging auto manufacturers from continuing these destructive price wars. However, the call has yet to translate into coordinated industry action, and many automakers remain trapped in a race to the bottom as they seek to hit aggressive growth targets.

Industry Implications and Market Rebalancing

If automakers continue prioritizing production volume over profitability, the financial viability of their dealer networks will further erode. This raises the risk of a fragmented distribution ecosystem just as China seeks to solidify its global EV dominance. Dealer closures could also damage consumer confidence and after-sales service quality — two critical factors in long-term brand loyalty.

The dealers' chamber is calling for a rebalancing of supply chain expectations, where OEMs and retailers share market risks more equitably. Should manufacturers fail to heed this warning, broader consolidation or government intervention in the dealership model may follow.

The pushback from dealers could mark a turning point in China’s vehicle sales model. Calls for more transparent sales quotas, better cash flow support, and a halt to involuntary shutdowns may force manufacturers to rethink their volume-driven strategy. If pressure continues to mount — from both the market and regulatory authorities — the industry could see a shift toward more quality-focused, sustainable growth practices in the second half of 2025.

Source: CNBC

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Gerik

Economic

Commodity

Dollar Strength Pauses Gold Rally

Gold prices declined by 0.5% to $3,364.69 per ounce in Singapore as traders recalibrated positions ahead of crucial U.S. employment data set for release on Friday. The modest pullback follows a sharp gain on Monday — the largest daily jump in four weeks — suggesting that the metal’s bullish momentum remains intact, albeit momentarily capped by the dollar’s rebound.

The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index rose 0.1%, reflecting cautious optimism about the U.S. economy and expectations that the labor data could reignite speculation around a potential delay in Fed rate cuts. A stronger dollar tends to weigh on gold by making the non-yielding asset more expensive for foreign buyers.

Gold’s Strategic Role Amid Uncertainty

Goldman Sachs recently reaffirmed its view that gold remains a core hedge against inflation and a key asset in long-term portfolios. With bullion prices already up more than 25% in 2025, the yellow metal continues to attract safe-haven demand amid mounting concerns over global trade tensions, especially with fresh uncertainties from Trump’s tariff threats against China and the European Union.

Although the greenback hit its weakest point since 2023 on Monday, its recovery Tuesday underscores investor nervousness heading into Friday’s job report — widely seen as a litmus test for the Federal Reserve’s next policy move. Any signs of labor market overheating could lead markets to price in higher-for-longer interest rates, which typically reduce the appeal of gold.

Eyes on Employment Data and Trade Diplomacy

Markets are now awaiting the May U.S. nonfarm payrolls report, which will offer insights into wage pressures and hiring momentum. A strong print could dampen expectations for rate cuts, placing renewed pressure on precious metals. Conversely, signs of labor market softness might reinforce gold’s role as a defensive play.

Additionally, investors remain attentive to developments in U.S.-China and U.S.-EU trade diplomacy. A lack of progress or further escalation in tariff rhetoric could spark flight-to-safety flows into gold.

Technical Levels and Cross-Metal Performance

COMEX August gold futures traded at $3,387.80, down 0.28%. Spot gold tested support near $3,365. Meanwhile, silver retreated after briefly touching its highest level since October, and both platinum and palladium posted mixed performance, with platinum flat and palladium slipping.

Should Friday’s data disappoint, gold could swiftly resume its upward path, possibly testing recent highs above $3,400. However, a stronger-than-expected labor report may lead to deeper consolidation toward the $3,320–$3,300 support range.

Source: Bloomberg

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Michelle

Forex

Economic

Euro Zone Inflation Eases Below ECB Target, Supporting Rate Cut Bets_1

Euro zone inflation eased below the European Central Bank's target last month, data showed on Tuesday, underpinning expectations for another interest rate cut this week, even as global trade tensions fuel longer-term price pressures.

Consumer price inflation in the 20 countries sharing the euro slowed to 1.9% in May from 2.2% a month earlier, below expectations for 2.0% on a fall in energy prices and a sharp decline in services inflation.

A more closely watched reading on underlying inflation, or prices excluding volatile fuel and food prices, meanwhile slowed to 2.3% from 2.7%, driven by a slowdown in services price growth to 3.2% from 4.0%, Eurostat, the EU's statistics agency said.

The ECB has cut interest rates seven times since last June and another move on Thursday is almost fully priced in given muted wage growth, easing energy prices, a strong euro and lukewarm economic growth, factors which all point in the direction of easing inflation.

Price pressures are so weak that some economists even expect inflation to keep sinking below the ECB's 2% target this year and not rebounding until sometime in 2026.

OPPOSING TRENDS

This raises a dilemma for the ECB because the short and the longer-term outlooks for prices differ greatly since inflation could come under upward pressure from a host of factors further out.

This is why investors think the ECB will pause with rate cuts after June and only make one more cut this year, possibly in the autumn.

Interest rates are also firmly in the 'neutral' territory now, where they neither slow economic growth nor stimulate it, an argument for some to take a step back and see how erratic U.S. trade policy will impact growth and prices.

Policy hawks have also warned that inflation could go back up soon, given unusually high geopolitical tensions.

A trade war, increased tariffs, deglobalisation and the realignment of corporate value chains are all expected to increase prices.

In addition, the continued decline of the working age population and investments related to defence and climate change could also raise price pressures.

How these opposing trends will impact ECB policy is unclear for now but the ECB generally looks through short-term price volatility since it targets inflation in the medium term, a loosely defined concept that normally means one to two years out.

Policymakers, however, could be forced to intervene if they think that a dip in prices is also pulling down or 'de-anchoring' longer-term expectations.

Source: Yahoo Finance

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Gerik

Economic

China–U.S. Trade War

Strengthening Trade Ties in the Shadow of Tariffs

Vietnam’s commitment to sign memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to purchase $2 billion worth of U.S. agricultural products reflects a calculated diplomatic and economic maneuver to ease escalating trade tensions. With the Trump administration imposing a 46% tariff — albeit temporarily paused — Vietnam is under pressure to rebalance trade in favor of the United States to avoid economic disruption. These MoUs represent a goodwill gesture aimed at securing a more favorable trade agreement and preventing the reinstatement of punitive measures.

Leading this diplomatic outreach is Agriculture Minister Do Duc Duy, accompanied by 50 Vietnamese companies on an official visit to the U.S. A significant portion of the new MoUs involves five deals with Iowa-based producers, accounting for $800 million over three years. These agreements focus on key American exports such as corn, wheat, dried distillers grains (DDGs), and soybean meal — products central to Vietnam’s feed and food production industries.

Addressing Bilateral Trade Imbalances

The U.S.-Vietnam trade relationship has been increasingly scrutinized, with a $123 billion trade deficit recorded by the United States last year. Although Vietnam purchased $3.4 billion in U.S. agricultural goods in 2024, it exported nearly four times that amount — $13.68 billion — in the same category. By proactively increasing its American imports, Vietnam aims to demonstrate a cooperative stance and reduce the risk of retaliatory tariffs that could disrupt a vital export flow to its largest market.

This agricultural initiative is not isolated. Vietnam has also pledged to increase purchases of high-value American goods, including Boeing aircraft and liquefied natural gas, showing a diversified approach to appease Washington. Furthermore, Hanoi has promised tougher enforcement on digital piracy and counterfeit goods, areas that have drawn strong criticism from the U.S. Trade Representative.

Implications for Vietnam’s Economic Model

Vietnam’s economy is heavily reliant on exports, particularly to the U.S., which serves as a major market for its electronics, apparel, and agricultural products. A potential reimposition of high U.S. tariffs would threaten this model, disrupting manufacturing output and foreign investment flows. Therefore, securing a trade agreement and demonstrating compliance with U.S. expectations is not just a diplomatic priority but an economic necessity.

By increasing agricultural imports, Vietnam is also diversifying its food supply chain at a time of global commodity volatility. Importing feedstock such as soybean meal and DDGs supports domestic livestock and aquaculture sectors, which are key to Vietnam’s rural employment and food security strategies.

Outlook and Strategic Calculations

While the MoUs themselves are non-binding, they signal a strong political commitment and are likely to serve as bargaining chips in ongoing trade talks. The timeline is critical: the tariff pause expires in July. Thus, these agreements could shape the outcome of negotiations over the next month. If Vietnam successfully leverages these deals and demonstrates concrete trade adjustments, it may avoid the full brunt of U.S. tariff enforcement.

In summary, Vietnam’s $2 billion MoU package is a multi-faceted strategy — part economic necessity, part diplomatic outreach — aimed at preserving its export-driven growth while navigating an increasingly protectionist global landscape.

Source: Reuters

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Olivia Brooks

China–U.S. Trade War

Political

Economic

Trade negotiations between the United States and India are making progress and a deal could be finalised soon, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on Monday, as both sides push to conclude talks ahead of a July deadline.

"You should expect a deal between United States and India (in the ) not-too-distant future because I think we have found a place that really works for both countries," Lutnick said at the annual summit of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum in Washington.

Lutnick later posted a short video of his remarks on social media platform X, saying "We have a great relationship between the countries. I'm optimistic for a trade deal soon that will benefit both nations."

Reuters reported earlier that the Trump administration had asked trade partners to submit their best offers by Wednesday, as officials work towards finalising several deals ahead of a self-imposed July 9 deadline.

India's trade ministry declined to comment on the timeline.

However, Rajesh Agrawal, India's chief negotiator for talks with the U.S., said last week that trade talks between the two countries were progressing well, and that a "good outcome" was expected soon.

A U.S. trade delegation is scheduled to visit New Delhi on June 5-6 for further discussions.

An Indian team had visited Washington in April, and Trade Minister Piyush Goyal also visited last month to push trade talks.

Lutnick said Washington was seeking lower tariffs particularly on agricultural products, greater market access for U.S. firms, and increased purchases of defence equipment, with an aim of reducing its trade deficit with India.

In return, it was prepared to expand access for Indian exports.

"India is a very protectionist country," he said, noting tariffs of up to 100% on some products. "We would like our businesses to have reasonable market access."

He said strong ties between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were helping ease negotiations.

Source: Yahoo Finance

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Gerik

Political

Peace Talks Yield Minimal Progress, Underscored by Harsh Russian Demands

In Istanbul, Russia presented a series of punitive conditions to Ukraine during their second direct negotiation since 2022. These included the recognition of Crimea and four additional regions as Russian territory, forced neutrality barring NATO membership, limitations on Ukrainian military size, and language and political reforms that Kyiv views as unacceptable. The brief one-hour meeting concluded with minimal concessions—limited to prisoner exchanges and the return of fallen soldiers—failing to produce a ceasefire or roadmap toward a meaningful peace.

Ukraine’s response was measured but firm. Defence Minister Rustem Umerov stated Kyiv would examine the Russian memorandum but emphasized that any substantive progress would require a direct meeting between Presidents Zelenskiy and Putin. President Zelenskiy further condemned Russia’s demands as ultimatums and reaffirmed Ukraine’s refusal to submit to forced territorial concessions.

Geopolitical Stakes Heighten Amid U.S. and Turkish Mediation Efforts

While Turkish President Erdogan called the session a “great meeting” and expressed hope for a trilateral summit involving Trump, Putin, and Zelenskiy, the political optics starkly contrasted the lack of progress. U.S. President Trump has issued warnings that U.S. mediation may be withdrawn if neither side shows commitment to compromise. Meanwhile, the EU and Washington continue to pressure Moscow for an unconditional ceasefire, which Russia rejects, stating it seeks a “long-term settlement” rather than a temporary pause.

Amid stalled diplomacy, the conflict escalated on the battlefield. Ukraine launched an unprecedented drone assault—Operation "Spider's Web"—on Russia’s nuclear-capable bombers stationed in remote airbases in Siberia and the Arctic. The attack involved 117 drones and targeted critical elements of Russia’s strategic nuclear triad. Satellite images suggest significant damage, though Russia downplayed the outcome.

Western analysts called the operation one of Ukraine’s most daring, demonstrating Kyiv’s ability to strike deep into Russian territory and challenge Moscow’s nuclear posturing. Importantly, Western governments including the U.S. and UK confirmed they were not pre-informed of the attack, reflecting Ukraine’s increasing operational independence in its wartime tactics.

Zelenskiy framed the strike as a morale boost and reaffirmation of Ukraine’s resolve: “We do not want to fight, but we will not accept ultimatums,” he stated, signaling a clear stance against compromise under duress.

Outlook: Diplomatic Deadlock, Military Determination

The Istanbul meeting underscores the gulf between the two sides’ visions for peace. Russia’s maximalist demands and insistence on territorial annexation leave little room for negotiation, while Ukraine, backed by Western allies, refuses to legitimize what it sees as illegal occupation. The drone strikes demonstrate Kyiv’s intent to keep pressure on Russia not only at the front lines but across its strategic infrastructure.

As tensions persist, the prospect of meaningful peace appears distant. With neither side yielding and geopolitical risks mounting—including potential escalation involving nuclear assets—international actors may face increased pressure to mediate a new framework or prepare for a protracted conflict with deeper consequences.

Source: Reuters

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Gerik

Economic

Commodity

Short-Term Profitability Returns Despite Structural Pressures

Oil refiners around the world are experiencing a temporary reprieve from recent profit slumps. Global composite refining margins climbed to $8.37 per barrel in May, their highest in over a year, reflecting a short-term supply-demand mismatch. While still far below the extraordinary margins seen in mid-2022, the recent uplift is significant given the sector’s earlier projections of a weak 2025. The uptick has been primarily driven by shrinking global refinery capacity — a consequence of permanent closures in the U.S. and Europe — alongside unplanned outages and rising summer fuel demand.

The paradox lies in the fact that refining margins have risen even as crude prices hit a four-year low in May due to faster-than-expected easing of OPEC+ output cuts. This decoupling underscores that refined product tightness is not simply a function of upstream supply but also downstream capacity constraints and logistics bottlenecks.

Supply Constraints and Inventories Drive Up Margins

A major contributor to this margin rebound has been the tightening of fuel inventories. According to JPMorgan, OECD-region fuel stocks dropped by 50 million barrels from January through May, signaling a substantial drawdown that aligns with peak summer transport and cooling fuel demand in the Northern Hemisphere. In parallel, refinery output disruptions due to plant shutdowns — such as those in Spain, Nigeria, and Mexico — further constricted the fuel supply chain.

Specifically, global diesel and gasoline supplies are both projected to contract in 2025, while demand for these key fuels either rises slightly or declines more slowly, creating a squeeze that lifts prices. Analysts from FGE and Rystad agree that this tighter balance is providing near-term relief for refiners, especially in Europe and North America, where many have long struggled with high operating costs and declining utilization rates.

Plant Closures Shift Market Dynamics

The impact of permanent closures is being felt more acutely now, especially with Europe’s Petroineos, Shell, and BP facilities winding down operations. In the U.S., LyondellBasell and other major players are also reducing refining capacity. These structural changes have slowed global net refinery capacity growth below product demand growth for the first time in years. Combined with outages like the Iberian Peninsula’s 1.5 million bpd loss in April, this has made existing operational refineries significantly more profitable in the short term.

Even newer projects like Nigeria’s Dangote and Mexico’s Olmeca refineries have suffered unexpected disruptions, limiting the expected cushion in global supply expansion.

Caution Ahead: Trade Tensions and Overproduction Loom

Despite the current momentum, industry analysts warn that these margins may not be sustainable. The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts that global oil demand growth will slow to 650,000 bpd for the remainder of 2025, down from near 1 million bpd in Q1. A resurgence of trade conflicts and tariff-related disruptions — such as those between the U.S. and China — could further erode consumer and industrial fuel consumption.

Moreover, the profitability of refining is likely to draw idle capacity back online, increasing output just as demand softens. This supply response could flatten or reverse current margin gains. Wood Mackenzie and veteran traders alike suggest refiners should lock in profits now through hedging, as the outlook beyond summer appears less favorable.

Refiners globally are benefitting from a narrow window of profitability due to tight fuel markets and strong seasonal demand. However, this rebound is unlikely to alter the longer-term trajectory of the refining industry, which still faces headwinds from electrification, evolving fuel standards, and geopolitical uncertainty. Strategic hedging, operational efficiency, and selective investment in newer, flexible capacity will be essential for refiners seeking to extend gains and remain competitive beyond 2025.