Ford Motor Company has announced a pause in the shipment of select vehicle models, including the F-150 Raptor, Mustang, Bronco SUV, and Lincoln Navigator, from the United States to China. This decision stems from escalating trade tensions and retaliatory tariffs imposed on US-manufactured vehicles, reportedly reaching rates as high as 150%.

The company acknowledged the detrimental impact of the current trade environment in a recent statement. Despite the suspension of vehicle exports, Ford will continue supplying US-built engines and transmissions to the Chinese market. The Lincoln Nautilus, produced within China, remains unaffected by the halt, although it is still subject to existing tariffs.

The “on-again, off-again” trade policies are placing considerable strain on automotive manufacturers and suppliers. Industry analysts predict significant cost increases for automakers due to the tariffs, potentially totaling $108 billion by the end of 2025. Ford is reportedly contemplating price increases on new vehicles to offset the financial burden imposed by these ongoing trade challenges. While largely producing its vehicles domestically, the company may still need to adjust pricing to preserve profitability in the face of escalating tariff costs.

Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has issued a statement lamenting the death of Pope Francis. The pontiff passed away at his Vatican residence on Easter Monday at the age of 88.

Mr. Abubakar described Pope Francis’s passing as marking “the end of an era defined by humility, moral courage, and an unwavering commitment to the service of humanity.” In a statement released via X, he praised the late Pope as a trailblazer and a shepherd of the vulnerable, emphasizing his dedication to unity and compassion in a world often marked by division.

Mr. Abubakar extended his condolences to the Holy See, the Catholic Church both in Nigeria and globally, and to the wider Christian community, expressing his shared sorrow and solidarity in prayer. He concluded by hoping that the Pope’s memory would continue to inspire unity, compassion, and peace, and that his soul would find eternal rest.

The Kremlin announced Monday that President Vladimir Putin has expressed his condolences following the death of Pope Francis. In a message addressed to Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, President Putin acknowledged the late Pope’s significant role in fostering dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches. Furthermore, he recognized Pope Francis’ contribution to constructive cooperation between Russia and the Holy See. The Russian leader conveyed his “sincere condolences” and offered words of “sympathy and support” to the Catholic clergy during this period of mourning. The Vatican confirmed Pope Francis’ passing on Monday, citing pneumonia as the cause of death for the first Latin American pontiff.