U.S. Auto Push Meets Tariff Backlash: President Donald Trump visited GM’s Milford proving ground to tout a $6B investment and “America First” tariffs, arguing they’re boosting domestic auto manufacturing even as federal data shows factory construction spending down 22% and motor-vehicle jobs still falling year over year. Industrial Policy Reality Check: A separate look at manufacturing under Trump’s second term finds mixed employment and construction signals, with some job gains not yet translating into broad factory-building momentum. China’s Manufacturing Dominance: A new snapshot shows China at about 28% of global manufacturing value-added, more than triple its 2004 share, while the U.S. slips to ~17%—fueling renewed debate over industrial competitiveness. AI Capex Lifts U.S. Equipment Orders: Reuters reports core U.S. capital goods orders rose 0.9% in June and shipments jumped 1.9%, with demand for computers/electronics and AI-driven spending supporting growth. Global Supply Chain & Safety: China’s MIIT inspected GAC Aion and XPENG on vehicle safety and production consistency for intelligent connected vehicles, while Ukraine approved the Inguar-4 armored recovery vehicle for battlefield use. Manufacturing Expansion on the Ground: ISCO Industries opened a $12.75M Louisville facility creating 50 jobs; Century Aluminum completed a plant expansion adding 10% to domestic primary aluminum output. Packaging & Compliance Politics: NAM and an AMERIPEN coalition urged Congress to pass the PACK Act to standardize “recyclable/compostable/reusable” labeling and cut state-by-state confusion. Materials & Tech Industry Notes: Fujifilm raised camera prices citing the global DRAM crisis tied to AI data-center demand; Celestica lifted FY2026 guidance on AI infrastructure-driven revenue growth.