Final Thoughts
February 27, 2025
Written by Greg Wittbecker
We have all been obsessed with the tariff tumult since Trump’s election and return to the Presidency. During this pre-occupation with handicapping the possible outcomes of the tariffs, an important event occurred that really did not get the attention it deserves. That event is China’s decision to rescind its export VAT (Value-Added-Tax) rebate program.
The shipment was part of an offtake agreement between private investment group Heeney Capital, Mercuria Energy Group and the Venezuelan government.
Stellantis’ Etobicoke Casting Plant faces uncertain production commitments and potential operational disruption as Unifor prepares strike authorization votes.
Commercial vehicle orders have surged in 2026, but policy-driven timing may be making the market look stronger than current production and supplier sales.
The Midwest premium could slip if Canada reroutes primary back to the US. But the balance in supply would still be coming from other countries, likely the Persian Gulf.
Canada and the EU. Russian sanctions. China talks.
