Deficit

• The U.S. trade deficit reached its highest level in over a year in May, driven by record-high imports of foreign goods, specifically pharmaceuticals and data center equipment. • In response, the Trump administration is preparing two major trade investigations under Section 301 to address unfair factory subsidies and restrictions on forced labor goods. • These investigations are expected to restore tariff rates to levels seen prior to a recent Supreme Court decision, signaling a more aggressive approach to trade imbalances.

Two sides agree to try to make bilateral relationship ‘more balanced’ after weeks of threatsThe EU and China have agreed to enter three months of talks to try to avoid a trade war over the bloc’s €360bn (£310bn) annual import/export imbalance.In their first joint statement in seven years, the two sides agreed in Brussels to open a formal trade consultation after weeks of threats and recriminations from China if the EU imposed any measures to stop the flood of goods and components into the bloc. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Analysis shows resort has yet to recoup Disney’s investment despite record revenue and 16m annual visitorsDisney has still not recouped $4.2bn of its investment in Disneyland Paris after more than 30 years, even though the resort is now its best-performing international outpost, according to an analysis of recent filings.The sprawling theme park complex swung open its ornate iron gates in 1992 and now attracts about 16 million visitors every year. It is wholly owned by Disney and is home to two theme parks – the fairytale-inspired Disneyland and Disney Adventure World, which launched its largest-ever expansion in late March. The lavish land, themed to the hit animated movie Frozen, is part of a $2.5bn (€2bn) investment by Disney, and its new chief executive, Josh D’Amaro, was on hand for the opening alongside Emmanuel Macron. Continue reading...

• A new clinical trial launched April 24, 2026 (NCT07549529), examines postural motor activation deficits following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in US patients. • The study translates lab findings into physical therapy protocols for concussion rehabilitation, focusing on vestibular and balance impairments. • Affecting millions annually, mTBI recovery gaps could improve with targeted interventions, potentially reducing long-term disability rates by 30%.

• A Congressional Budget Office report released March 19, 2026, estimates laws from the 119th Congress's first session (Jan 2025-Jan 2026) will boost the 2025-2034 deficit by $3.5 trillion. • The net effect stems from $1.1 trillion reduced outlays and $4.6 trillion decreased revenues, excluding interest costs on added borrowing. • Findings highlight fiscal impacts of authorizing and appropriations legislation, informing ongoing budget debates.