US consumers

President Trump is reportedly considering a ban on US diesel exports, a move that would redirect domestic fuel supply toward American consumers and could lower pump prices. The idea is drawing attention from energy markets and policy watchers, who are weighing its impact on refiners, allies that rely on American diesel, and inflation politics.

The Trump administration is moving to roll back federal fuel economy standards, a policy change with direct consequences for American drivers. Weaker standards could mean cheaper vehicles upfront but higher gasoline consumption and costs at the pump over time, while also affecting automakers' production plans and US emissions goals. Coverage, including from PBS, is focused on explaining what the change means practically for consumers and the wider auto industry.

The Trump administration is rolling back federal fuel economy standards for cars, easing emissions and efficiency requirements for automakers. The move is being debated mainly through its economic angle: officials and supporters argue lighter regulatory burdens could lower vehicle prices, while critics question whether savings would actually reach consumers and warn of higher fuel costs over time. The decision reopens a long-running fight over US auto emissions policy.

The Trump administration has moved to sharply scale back US fuel economy standards, easing requirements that automakers improve the efficiency of cars and light trucks. The rollback, reported by The New York Times, is likely to be welcomed by carmakers seeking lower compliance costs but criticised by environmental groups who say it will increase emissions and fuel consumption.

PwC is examining how US consumer spending patterns point to a K-shaped economy, in which higher-income households continue spending strongly while lower-income households pull back under pressure from prices and borrowing costs. The analysis is drawing attention as retailers and economists weigh how divided the American consumer has become heading into the next spending season.

The Trump administration is moving to repeal fuel-efficiency standards put in place under President Biden, citing the slower-than-expected adoption of electric vehicles by American drivers. The rollback would relax requirements that pushed automakers toward EV production, easing compliance costs for carmakers but drawing criticism from environmental groups who argue the rules were key to cutting emissions and fuel costs.

The United States has extended tariff relief to a broad set of products under its latest trade arrangement with China. The exemptions cover US coal and agricultural goods as well as Chinese-made toys, car seats and holiday decorations. The scope of the relief is drawing attention because it touches both American export sectors and everyday consumer imports ahead of the holiday shopping season.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation creating a new label for foods that are not ultra-processed, part of a package of health bills the governor's office describes as advancing the state's nation-leading healthcare strategy. California is positioning itself at the forefront of US food and health regulation, following earlier measures on additives and school nutrition, as scrutiny of ultra-processed foods grows nationwide.

The National Retail Federation reports that US retail sales increased at a moderate pace in August. The trade group's assessment points to steady but unspectacular consumer spending, a key signal for the health of the American economy heading into the fall shopping season.

US Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has recused himself from the pending case brought by Colorado municipalities against energy company Suncor over climate-related damages. The case tests whether state consumer-protection and nuisance claims against fossil fuel producers belong in state courts. With only eight justices participating, the outcome could end in a 4-4 split, leaving lower-court rulings in place.

Donald Trump has announced new fuel economy standards for vehicles in the United States. The announcement is expected to affect automakers and consumers, though details of the rules and their targets have not yet been made clear in the available coverage. The move comes amid ongoing debate over US vehicle emissions policy and its economic impact.

A civil rights coalition is calling on the US Federal Trade Commission to ban the use of AI-driven surveillance pricing in housing and consumer markets. The practice involves companies using personal data and algorithmic tools to set individualised prices, which the coalition argues can lead to discrimination against protected groups and unfair costs for consumers. The group is pressing regulators to treat the practice as a civil rights and consumer protection issue.

The Trump administration is moving to roll back US fuel economy standards, and the decision is reigniting a debate over car affordability. Supporters argue weaker efficiency rules will lower vehicle prices for American buyers, while critics warn drivers will pay more at the pump and emissions will rise. The move is drawing reaction from automakers, consumer groups and environmental advocates as it works through the regulatory process.

A new US fuel consumption regulation is being linked to a slowdown in electric vehicle adoption, according to a report by electrive. The regulation is said to have coincided with slower uptake of EVs among American consumers. Details on which regulation is involved, how large the slowdown is, and which automakers are affected are not yet available.

Bank of America is set to report quarterly earnings, with analysts weighing expectations ahead of the release. Coverage focuses on what investors should watch, including net interest income, trading results and loan performance, as the bank's results are seen as a bellwether for the broader US banking sector and consumer financial health.

The United States has banned Canadian liquor, dairy products and motorcycles as its trade dispute with Canada escalates. The move affects well-known Canadian exports, including whisky and other spirits, and comes amid tit-for-tat tariffs between the two neighbours. The escalating measures are raising concerns about costs for consumers and businesses on both sides of the border.

T-Mobile is promoting a deal that lets customers get an iPhone 18 Pro by trading in an eligible device or adding a new line to their plan. The offer gives buyers a way to offset the cost of Apple's latest flagship phone through carrier subsidies. Details on qualifying trade-in values and line requirements come from the carrier's promotional terms.

US stock futures were little changed in premarket trading, with a bounce in technology shares offset by caution tied to rising crude oil prices. Investors weighed the tech rebound against concerns that higher oil costs could feed inflation and pressure consumer spending, leaving major index futures hovering near flat ahead of the Wall Street open.

The US Department of Transportation has released its final corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards rule covering vehicle model years 2022 through 2031. The rule sets fuel efficiency requirements automakers must meet across their fleets in the United States. Details on the specific targets and their impact on car manufacturers and consumers are still being reviewed by industry observers.