Tesla’s global sales tumbled in the first quarter of 2025, adding further pressure on CEO Elon Musk as he faces growing backlash over his role in President Donald Trump’s administration.

The electric vehicle giant delivered 336,681 units worldwide in the first three months of the year, marking a 13% decline compared to the same period in 2024. This sharp drop brought Tesla’s quarterly performance to its lowest level in nearly three years, falling short of Wall Street expectations.

The company attributed the decline to “the loss of several weeks of production” as it prepared to ramp up upgrades for the Model Y. However, the weak numbers intensified concerns among analysts and investors about Tesla’s long-term growth prospects—especially as Musk’s deepening involvement in US politics continues to overshadow his leadership at the automaker.

Since Trump returned to the White House, Musk’s leadership has drawn fierce criticism due to his role as head of the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), which has spearheaded sweeping federal spending cuts. As an unelected figure, Musk’s influence has sparked concerns about transparency and accountability, while his aggressive layoffs in government agencies have made Tesla a target for consumer boycotts and public backlash.

Musk, who contributed more than $270 million to Trump’s re-election campaign, has also used his social media platform, X, to attack critics of the administration. This has further politicized Tesla’s brand, alienating some consumers and investors. The result has been a sharp drop in Tesla’s reputation, particularly in key markets like Europe, where Musk’s association with Trump has become a liability.

Tesla shares initially fell over 6% following the earnings report but later rebounded after Politico reported that Musk may soon step down from his formal role in the administration. Sources cited in the report said White House officials were growing frustrated with Musk’s unpredictability and viewed him as a political risk, particularly after a Musk-backed judicial candidate in Wisconsin suffered a significant defeat to a liberal opponent.

While Trump publicly praised Musk as “amazing,” he hinted at a possible transition, saying, “I also think he’s got a big company to run, and so at some point he’s going to be going back. He wants to.”

China’s Model Y Success Fails to Offset Global Decline

Despite Tesla’s global struggles, the company saw a strong performance from the Model Y in China, where demand for the all-electric crossover remained robust. In March 2025, Tesla China sold 43,370 new Model Y units, making it the best-selling battery electric vehicle by volume in the country. The success of the revamped Model Y highlights the continued importance of Tesla’s China operations, which remain a critical pillar of the company’s revenue.

However, analysts noted that even with China’s solid numbers, Tesla’s overall Q1 results reflect deeper challenges, including slowing EV demand in North America and Europe. The Cybertruck, which Musk once touted as a revolutionary product, has failed to gain traction, with weak sales contributing to Tesla’s disappointing quarter. The company did not break out Cybertruck deliveries in its report, but the figures suggest poor performance, further exacerbated by a mass recall in March due to an exterior panel defect.

Investor Concerns and Musk’s Leadership Under Fire

Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives, a longtime Tesla bull, described the Q1 results as “a disaster on every metric,” warning that Musk’s political entanglements were damaging Tesla’s brand and investor confidence.

“It’s a fork in the road moment,” Ives said. “The more political he gets… the more the brand suffers, there is no debate. This quarter was an example of the damage Musk is causing Tesla.”

Tesla shareholder Ross Gerber echoed similar sentiments, taking to X to criticize the company’s performance.

“These numbers suck,” he posted. “The Cybertruck is basically not selling. The brand is broken and may not be fixable. The board of directors is 100 percent responsible.”

Despite the weak results, Tesla’s stock finished the day up 5.3% as speculation swirled about Musk’s potential retreat from his government role as DOGE lead. However, questions remain about whether Musk can successfully navigate Tesla through its current challenges while balancing his political ambitions.

With rising competition from Chinese automakers, an increasingly skeptical investor base, and ongoing consumer backlash, Tesla faces what could be one of the most defining periods in its history.

In a landmark shift in global trade policy, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping 10% baseline tariff on all imports, alongside sharper, country-specific reciprocal tariffs targeting nations that impose higher duties on American goods.

The move, described by Trump as a long-overdue correction to an “unfair” global trade system, has sent shockwaves across international markets, with developed economies vowing retaliation and developing nations scrambling to assess the impact.

Among the countries affected is Nigeria, which will now face a 14% U.S. tariff on exports—a direct response to what Washington claims is a 27% duty imposed by Nigeria on U.S. goods. The decision could have significant consequences for Nigeria’s trade sector, particularly as exports to the U.S. have recently shown an uptick after years of stagnation.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that between 2015 and 2024, Nigeria’s total trade with the U.S. amounted to N31.1 trillion. Of this, N16.4 trillion represented Nigerian imports from the U.S., accounting for 8.7% of the country’s global exports. Over the past year, Nigeria has begun expanding its non-oil exports, with increased shipments of agricultural produce, textiles, and manufactured goods to the U.S. under preferential trade arrangements like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

However, the imposition of a 14% tariff threatens to reverse these gains, making Nigerian exports less competitive in the American market. Analysts warn that if the U.S. tariffs dampen demand for Nigerian goods, businesses that rely on U.S. trade could see declining revenue, forcing them to explore alternative markets that may not offer the same profitability.

Trump’s “Liberation Day” Speech Signals a New Era of Protectionism

During a Rose Garden event branded as “Liberation Day,” Trump declared an end to what he called America’s exploitation under unfair trade deals.

“This is one of the most important days in American history. We will supercharge our domestic industrial base, we will pry open foreign markets, and we will break down foreign trade barriers,” he proclaimed.

His administration’s reciprocal tariff policy applies to over 50 countries, including major economic powers like China, the European Union, India, and Japan, as well as several developing economies across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

The White House justified Nigeria’s inclusion on the list by pointing to the country’s 27% tariff on U.S. goods, arguing that a 14% countermeasure was necessary to establish “fair trade.”

The move raises uncertainty for Nigerian policymakers, who did not appear to anticipate the tariff hike. While some affected countries—including Canada, the EU, and China—have vowed immediate retaliation, it remains unclear whether Nigeria will respond or attempt to renegotiate trade terms with Washington.

Global Retaliation Grows Against U.S. Tariffs

Many developed economies have reacted with fury to Trump’s announcement, branding it a reckless act of economic aggression. Canada, China, and the European Union have already signaled plans for countermeasures, with some officials warning of an impending global trade war.

The European Commission condemned the move as “an unjustifiable assault on multilateral trade” and vowed to impose retaliatory tariffs on American exports. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dismissed Trump’s claims of unfair trade practices, stating that “Canada will defend its industries and workers with proportional measures.”

China, which is one of the largest targets of Trump’s tariff policy, has also promised harsh retaliation, with Beijing warning that it “will not tolerate U.S. economic bullying.”

These reactions suggest that Trump’s move could trigger a wave of retaliatory tariffs, creating instability in global supply chains and potentially harming American businesses that rely on international markets.

Africa’s Trade Preferences at Risk

For African economies, the situation is particularly delicate. Many countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia, benefit from trade preferences under AGOA, which grants them duty-free access to the U.S. for certain goods. However, Trump’s new tariffs undermine these agreements, raising concerns that African exports may soon face further restrictions.

Mauritius, which the U.S. claims impose an 80% tariff on American goods, has been hit with a 40% U.S. tariff in return—one of the highest in Africa. Other affected nations include:

• Algeria, which now faces a 30% U.S. tariff in response to its 59% tariff on American imports.
• Namibia, where the U.S. will impose a 21% tariff to counter a 42% duty on U.S. goods.
• Lesotho, which has been hit with a 50% U.S. tariff, the steepest in Africa.
• Kenya, Ghana, and Ethiopia, all of which now face 10% reciprocal tariffs matching their own duties on U.S. imports.

The African Union has yet to respond, but analysts suggest that the continent’s trade bloc may need to push for urgent negotiations to prevent further disruptions to exports.

What This Means for Nigeria

For Nigeria, the decision to impose a 14% tariff on exports to the U.S. could have serious economic consequences. Key industries—especially those seeking to expand beyond crude oil—may struggle to maintain competitiveness.

While some experts suggest Nigeria should retaliate by imposing higher duties on U.S. imports, others warn that such a move could backfire, further complicating trade relations with Washington.

According to some analysts, Nigeria has a few difficult options:

• Maintain its current tariff regime and absorb the new 14% U.S. duty, risking reduced exports.
• Retaliate by imposing higher tariffs on American imports, potentially provoking trade tensions with Washington.
• Seek to renegotiate trade terms in hopes of securing better arrangements.

The big question now is whether Nigeria will revise its tariffs to avoid these new trade barriers.

If Nigeria chooses to lower its tariffs on U.S. goods, it could prompt a policy shift that benefits American businesses but limits Nigeria’s revenue from import duties.

Alternatively, Nigeria could maintain its existing tariff structure, absorb the new 14% duty, and shift its export focus to other regions. However, given that the U.S. remains a key global market, ignoring the changes could be a costly decision.

This is the fastest ever growing startup I have ever been associated with: “Corgi is building an AI insurance company”. Good People, it is super-amazing and they’re hiring, with starting grad salary of $100k to $180k. Check and apply

But note this: “(We work 7 days a week)”. Yes, they work 7 days a week. (Leave that comment with yourself as there are other companies. But this one is 7 days action).

Tekedia Capital is proud to be an investor in Silicon Valley-based Corgi, the world’s first AI insurance and reinsurance carrier company!

And when Forbes finally decides to put a village boy on its cover page (I will likely be representing all the village boys and girls), Corgi (YC S24) is expected to be one of the anchors. So proud of the team, on the uncommon tenacity and execution mindset.

Comment on Feed

Comment: 180k, 7-day-week in California is synonymous to receiving 400k-a-month, 7-day-week in Ikoyi. Both life-altering jobs. California tax is on another level and the cost of living makes six-figure salary look like five-figures.

My Response: Anywhere in America, $180k is a top range. If you ask ChatGPT or use the dept of Labour data, that $180k in CA may be at least $100k in 99% of American states/cities. So, I do not know what your theory is. Give me a city and I will tell you what $180k equates to. That will be top range.

Also, on taxes. You can live in CA and NY with no need for a car because they provide public amenities. Even if the state takes say $10k on that $180k, with available public transport, you are better than someone who owns and maintains a car in Alabama but pays $2k state tax on an equivalent salary (say $90k) for the same standard of living.

In Alabama, you keep your money but get not much from the state. But in CA, they take your money and will provide lots of things. Statistically, you are better in CA because by pooling those resources, everyone becomes better. When I came, I was in Alabama. I needed a car the next day and had to buy a car. But when I moved to Maryland, I did not need a car for 4 years because public transport was there. I would have been better off paying AL state government more taxes to avoid owning a car!

On the Ikoyi, that is totally off, respectfully. I think it is a joke, so, no comment.

Sterling Bank has announced a zero-transfer-fee policy, making it the first Nigerian commercial bank to eliminate charges on online transfers. The move, which takes effect immediately, is expected to ease the financial burden on customers who have long complained about excessive banking charges.

For years, Nigerian depositors have expressed frustration over the weight of bank fees on their savings, as banks deduct various charges instead of paying interest on deposits. Many customers argue that instead of seeing their money grow, their balances shrink due to transfer fees, SMS alert charges, account maintenance fees, and other deductions imposed by financial institutions.

Sterling Bank’s announcement initially sparked skepticism, as the policy was unveiled on April 1, 2025—April Fools’ Day. Many assumed it was a marketing gimmick rather than a genuine policy shift. However, the bank quickly reassured customers that the move was real and permanent.

The bank has since clarified that any customers charged transfer fees on April 1 between midnight and 8 a.m. would be refunded. Sterling Bank explained that the policy officially took effect on Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. and that any charges before that time were unintentional.

Sterling Bank’s Growth Executive, Obinna Ukachukwu, said the bank’s decision was based on a commitment to fairness and inclusivity rather than financial gains.

“We believe access to your own money shouldn’t come with a penalty. This is more than a financial decision; it’s a values-based one. It reflects our commitment to making banking fair, inclusive, and truly customer-focused,” he stated.

Ukachukwu also acknowledged that while Sterling Bank is not the largest bank in Nigeria, it is bold and forward-thinking, aiming to set a new standard in digital banking.

Nigerian Banks Profit Heavily from Customer Fees

Banking fees have become a significant revenue source for Nigerian banks, generating billions of naira annually. In their 2024 full-year financial reports, two of Nigeria’s biggest banks—Zenith Bank and United Bank for Africa (UBA)—earned staggering amounts from banking fees alone.

Zenith Bank made N208 billion in banking fees income, while UBA earned an even higher N350 billion. To put this in perspective, these figures exceed the total annual profit of many publicly traded Nigerian companies.

For instance, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, a major petroleum marketing company, made less than N10 billion in profit after tax in 2024—a tiny fraction of what UBA and Zenith Bank earned from fees alone. This highlights the dominance of banking fees as a key profit driver in the financial sector, making it unlikely that banks will willingly let go of these charges.

Will Other Banks Follow Suit?

Despite the positive reception from customers, there is little hope that this move will compel other banks to stop charging online transfer fees. The policy is entirely at the discretion of each bank, and since the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has officially approved transaction charges, banks are not violating any regulations by imposing them.

With billions being made annually from fees, most Nigerian banks have little incentive to follow Sterling Bank’s lead. Instead, competitors might continue their current practices, confident that most customers will hesitate to switch banks over transfer fees alone.

Sterling Bank’s initiative, a rare move in an industry that heavily profits from customer fees, has been met with enthusiasm on social media, with many customers tagging rival banks and urging them to adopt similar policies. While some viewed Sterling Bank’s decision as a potential game-changer, the reality is that it may not force other banks to follow suit.

However, as long as the CBN continues to allow banks to impose these fees, other financial institutions are unlikely to abandon them voluntarily. It is believed that banking in Nigeria is structured to benefit financial institutions more than depositors, and a single bank’s decision—no matter how groundbreaking—may not be enough to shift the industry’s approach.