Weekly Recap: Trump Announces Intent to Raise Tariffs, Japan’s Nonwovens Challenges & More

Here’s your weekly recap—the most-viewed news stories on our site for the week ended Jan. 25, 2025.
 
U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated plans to impose a 10% tariff on Chinese imports into the U.S. beginning next month as well as a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico. Speaking at the White House, Trump said that the tariffs were in response to China’s role in America’s fentanyl crisis. The president claims China is sending fentanyl to the U.S. via Canada and Mexico.

Meanwhile, amidst a declining domestic birth rate and intense competition from China, the Japanese nonwovens industry continues to face struggles. Last month, Unitika was the latest nonwovens producer to respond to market pressure, saying it was exiting the textile business and seeking a buyer for its nonwovens and fiber units, which generate about 40% of its total business.

Here are our top 3 most-viewed stories from the past week:

1. Trump Announces Intent to Raise Tariffs
 
2. Japan’s Nonwovens Producers Defend Themselves Against Market Challenges
 
3. Leigh Fibers to End Nonwovens Production Amidst Restructuring