UK Industries Brace For £2.5B Blow From Trump's Tariff Threats: Which Sectors Are At Risk?

The UK could face a £2.5 billion blow as Donald Trump's tariff threats target major industries like automotive, agriculture, and technology, sparking concerns over trade stability. Meanwhile, discover how TikTok shop merchants might be impacted by a potential US ban on the app in today's Money Making Moves: 

> Analysts predict President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs could cost British businesses £2.5 billion annually, with industries like aerospace, cars, machinery, and pharmaceuticals being hit hardest. Tariffs of up to 60% on imports from China and significant levies on goods from Canada and Mexico may also cut 0.9% off Britain’s GDP by the end of Trump’s second term, according to research. Meanwhile, Britain's high energy costs, influenced by net-zero environmental policies, add to concerns for businesses already grappling with economic challenges. As the UK seeks stronger ties with China to boost trade, concerns over human rights and political espionage complicate relations, while history shows that tariffs often push exporters to redirect trade and adapt to new markets.

>The potential TikTok ban in the US has sparked panic among merchants and e-commerce partners, with many pausing their TikTok Shop plans amid uncertainty. TikTok Shop has been a thriving platform, generating millions in sales monthly, but without intervention by January 19, TikTok has warned it may "go dark" in the US. Merchants and agencies are exploring alternatives like Instagram Live and YouTube Shopping, though replicating TikTok Shop's success, which combines a powerful algorithm with native shopping features, remains challenging. Some businesses, heavily reliant on TikTok, are preparing for significant disruptions, while others like XO Marshmallow have diversified their platforms to minimize the impact.

> Southwest Airlines is implementing cost-cutting measures, including pausing corporate hiring, promotions, and summer internships, while suspending team-building events like its employee rallies dating back to 1985. CEO Bob Jordan emphasized the need to focus on improving financial performance and returning to industry-leading profit margins, warning against complacency in 2025. The airline is also exploring operational changes, such as introducing assigned seating, overnight flights, and cutting unprofitable routes, as part of its profit-boosting strategy. Despite these efforts, Southwest's stock has risen 14% in the past year but lags behind competitors like United, which has seen a 160% increase.

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Launching a research-based resource site can be a profitable side hustle for those who enjoy finding the best deals or services. You can help others save time by curating deals on items like clothing, games, or flights, similar to Scott's Cheap Flights. To boost income, incorporate affiliate links and offer premium membership options for exclusive content. This side hustle combines your research skills with a scalable model that can generate steady revenue.

> Jack Nader, a former Starbucks barista, turned his TikTok success into a full-time job by creating beauty content that earned him sponsorship deals and ad revenue. However, with the potential U.S. ban on TikTok looming, he and other creators like Danisha Carter are urging followers to connect with them on platforms like YouTube and Instagram to secure their audience. YouTube Shorts, in particular, offers creators a promising alternative with its vast user base and monetization potential. Creators are also leveraging strategies like giveaways and re-editing videos to optimize content for YouTube, ensuring they stay connected with fans regardless of TikTok's future. To know more about how to use YouTube, click here. 

> Haliey Welch, known as the "Hawk Tuah Girl," is at the center of a cryptocurrency controversy after her meme coin, Hawkcoin, plunged from £392 million ($500 million) to £20.6 million ($26.4 million) shortly after its launch. Investors have accused Welch of promoting a pump-and-dump scheme, with reports suggesting insider wallets controlled the majority of the token's supply. Welch has denied wrongdoing, claiming limited involvement in operational decisions and blaming automated bots for price manipulation. Welch has not been arrested but is cooperating with lawyers and urging affected investors to contact Burwick Law. The fallout has sparked lawsuits, public backlash, and renewed calls for stricter regulations on influencers promoting high-risk financial ventures.

> Janice Hernandez, whose daughter Aliana was born with Prader-Willi syndrome, faced a £604,000 ($700,000) hospital bill after the newborn's seven-week NICU stay. Itemized charges revealed costs like £3,565 ($4,337) each time Aliana was moved between hospital rooms, with minor items like lotion adding to the total. Hernandez shared her ordeal on TikTok, highlighting the astronomical costs of U.S. healthcare, sparking reactions from users in countries with universal healthcare who were shocked by the system's expense. The story underscores the broader issue of rising U.S. healthcare costs, which have surged to £4.02 trillion ($4.9 trillion) in 2023, with hospital care services driving much of the increase.