The new US 15% global tariff—imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, effective February 24, 2026, for up to 150 days—replaces the higher “reciprocal” tariffs struck down by the US Supreme Court on February 20. For Thailand, this is largely a net positive in the near term.

Short-Term Impacts (Next 3–6 Months)

• Tariff relief and competitiveness boost: Thailand previously faced an average ~19% rate on many goods (higher on some products), while competitors like Singapore, the UK, and others enjoyed 10%. The uniform 15% levels the playing field and, on certain Thai products, could drop effective rates below 10% after exemptions or calculations. Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas called it a “more level playing field” that strengthens Thailand’s appeal as a manufacturing and investment hub.
• Export front-loading: Exporters are expected to rush shipments to the US in Q1–Q2 2026 to capitalize on the lower rate before any potential changes when the 150-day window expires. This could temporarily lift Thai exports (especially electronics, electrical appliances, food like chicken/seafood/canned fruits, and autos/parts) and support GDP growth momentum. Thailand already runs a trade surplus with the US.
• Investment and stock market lift: The reset is already boosting confidence (e.g., Stock Exchange of Thailand reaction) and could accelerate FDI and production relocation, building on a 68% rise in investment incentive applications last year.

Longer-Term Outlook and Risks

• After 150 days (around July 2026): The tariff expires unless Congress extends it. Uncertainty looms—will the US negotiate bilateral deals (as it has with the UK, EU, Japan, etc.), extend the baseline, or impose new measures tied to the US trade deficit with Thailand? Talks on a fuller US-Thai deal have been delayed by domestic politics (border issues, elections, coalition formation), with a new government possibly not in place until mid-2026.
• Challenges: A stronger baht (if the dollar weakens) could hurt competitiveness. All countries now face the same 15%, so Thailand loses some prior diversification edge from China+1 shifts. Certain SME export groups may still feel pressure.
• Opportunities: If Thailand delivers on negotiations and investment reforms, it can attract more manufacturing/FDI and reduce over-reliance on the US market. Officials like Ekniti are confident in pushing 2026 GDP growth toward 3% via public/private investment and FDI, even if external headwinds make 2%+ more realistic.

The announcement of a 15% global tariff by former President Donald Trump signifies a significant shift in international trade policy. Such an increase suggests a move towards more protectionist measures, aiming to bolster domestic industries while potentially raising costs for consumers and businesses worldwide. This tariff hike could disrupt the delicate balance of global supply chains, prompting companies to reassess sourcing strategies and production locations.

In response, trading partners may retaliate with their own tariffs, escalating trade tensions and risking a trade war. These developments could slow global economic growth and increase market volatility, negatively impacting investor confidence. Governments and businesses will need to navigate these new trade dynamics carefully, seeking ways to mitigate adverse effects while safeguarding economic stability.

Looking ahead, trade negotiations will likely become more complex as countries adjust to the new tariff landscape. Diplomatic efforts may intensify to negotiate exemptions or lower tariffs, aiming to avoid broader economic disruptions. Ultimately, the global trade environment post-15% tariff hike will hinge on diplomatic resolutions and the resilience of international markets.

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The shares of the company rose to Rs 2,965.60 apiece in the morning trading hours, extending gains for the third consecutive session.

“This is to inform you that Waaree Energies Limited (‘the Company’) has received an order on February 23, 2026, for the supply of 500 MW solar modules from a renowned customer who is a solar power developer and engaged in the business of an Independent Power Producer,” the company said in a stock exchange filing on Monday.

The order is a one-time contract for the financial year 2026–27, under which the company will supply the entire 500 MW of solar modules within the timeline specified in the agreement. The contract has been awarded by a domestic entity.

In a separate development last week, the company said it is in talks with the government of Andhra Pradesh and certain other state governments to set up the proposed greenfield manufacturing facility of Lithium-Ion Advanced Chemistry Storage Cells and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

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The move is part of the company’s plans to increase capacity from the existing 3.5 GWh to 20 GWh, with an additional capital expenditure of approximately Rs 8,000 crore in its wholly owned subsidiary, Waaree Energy Storage Solutions Private Limited (WESSPL). Its board had approved the plans on October 1, 2025.
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Waaree Energies Q3 snapshot

Waaree Energies reported a 26% quarter-on-quarter rise in net profit to Rs 1,062 crore, compared with Rs 842 crore in Q2. Revenue for the quarter increased 24.7% sequentially to Rs 7,656 crore from Rs 6,065 crore.

EBITDA in Q3 rose 37.2% quarter-on-quarter to Rs 1,928 crore from Rs 1,405 crore in the previous quarter. EBITDA margin improved to 25.5% from 23.2%, indicating higher operating leverage.

Waaree Energies share price has risen over 8% in the last 1 month.

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(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)

Over a decade after their first monumental showdown, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao are preparing to face off again in a highly anticipated professional boxing rematch.

Their 2015 bout shattered records, drawing 4.6 million U.S. pay-per-view buys and generating more than $410 million in revenue, while ticket sales hit $72.2 million, cementing their rivalry as one of the sport’s most iconic.

Legacy and Redemption

Mayweather, boasting an undefeated professional record of 50-0 with 27 knockouts, returns to reaffirm his dominance. Pacquiao, with a record of 62-8-3 and 39 KOs and the only boxer to capture titles in eight weight classes, seeks redemption and aims to become the first fighter to hand Mayweather a professional loss.

Now in their late 40s, Mayweather at 48, Pacquiao at 47, both men bring decades of experience and strategic mastery.

Fans have been requesting this one last epic fight before they retire. Now, the legends listened to their request to make this a promising clash for all viewers.

Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 Venue and Time

According to Athlon Sports, the rematch is scheduled for September 19, 2026, at The Sphere, a $2.3 billion arena hosting its first-ever boxing event. The first encounter at MGM Grand Garden Arena ended with a unanimous decision for Mayweather, with judges scoring 118-110, 116-112, and 116-112.

While Mayweather remains confident in a repeat victory, Pacquiao is determined to rewrite history and leave an indelible mark on boxing lore.

We could remember that in December 2024, the People’s Champ said that he was open for second Mayweather fight, but on one condition: it shouldn’t be under ordinary pro boxing rules.

Netflix Streaming Without Pay-Per-View

For the first time, the fight will stream worldwide on Netflix, providing over 325 million subscribers with direct access without traditional pay-per-view. Though official purses remain undisclosed, analysts predict this bout will rank among the most lucrative in history.

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao 2 promises more than just a fight, and for fans who are longing to see the two legends clash in the ring for one final shot, this would be an unforgettable fight for ages.

Originally published on sportsworldnews.com

FedEx sued the U.S. government Monday, seeking a full refund of tariffs assessed under President Donald Trump’s order targeting imports.

The lawsuit is one of the highest-profile moves by a major American company following the Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling Friday, which determined that the president did not have the authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose such tariffs.

The complaint, filed against the government and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the Court of International Trade, alleges FedEx incurred costs to expedite shipments through customs and is entitled to a refund of duties with interest, as well as compensation for the financial harm it suffered.

“Plaintiffs seek for themselves a full refund from Defendants of all IEEPA duties Plaintiffs have paid to the United States,” FedEx said in the lawsuit.

SUPREME COURT DEALS BLOW TO TRUMP’S TRADE AGENDA IN LANDMARK TARIFF CASE

The lawsuit does not disclose how much FedEx has paid in tariffs.  (FedEx)

“Supporting our customers as they navigate regulatory changes remains our priority,” the company told FOX Business. 

“FedEx has taken necessary action to protect the company’s rights as an importer of record to seek duty refunds from U.S. Customs and Border Protection following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that the tariffs issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) are unlawful.”

The lawsuit does not disclose how much FedEx has paid in tariffs. However, in September, the shipping giant said it expected a $1 billion hit to fiscal-year earnings from U.S. trade policies, only part of which involved IEEPA duties. 

US TARIFF REVENUE UP 300% UNDER TRUMP AS SUPREME COURT BATTLE LOOMS

FedEx sued the U.S. government, seeking a full refund of tariffs assessed under President Donald Trump’s emergency order targeting imports. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images / Getty Images)

“While the Supreme Court did not address the issue of refunds, FedEx has taken necessary action to protect the company’s rights as an importer of record to seek duty refunds from U.S. Customs and Border Protection,” the company said on its website. 

“At this time, however, no refund process has been established by regulators or the courts,” it added. “We will communicate any relevant information and updates in a timely manner, and we appreciate your patience as we wait for additional guidance and clarity from the U.S. government and the courts.”

The suit names CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott and the U.S. as defendants.

FedEx is represented by Washington, D.C.–based Crowell & Moring, which also represents Costco and Revlon in IEEPA tariff refund cases filed before the Supreme Court’s ruling Friday.

WILL REFUNDS BE ISSUED AFTER SUPREME COURT RULING ON TRUMP TARIFFS?

In February 2025, Donald Trump invoked the IEEPA to impose duties on imports from China, Canada and Mexico, citing national security concerns and unfair trade practices. Then in April, he expanded the measures into reciprocal tariffs targeting 57 countries.

In effect, U.S. businesses and consumers paid more than $175 billion in duties. 

On Friday, the Supreme Court ruled in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump that IEEPA does not authorize Trump to impose tariffs, confirming that the Court of International Trade has exclusive jurisdiction over the IEEPA tariffs.

FedEx alleges it incurred costs to expedite shipments through customs and is entitled to a refund of duties with interest. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images / Getty Images)

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While CBP continued collecting the duties during the pending litigation, it announced that IEEPA duty collection would cease Tuesday.

The White House and CBP did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.