Kat de Naoum

Writer at Freelance

Commerce Editor-at-Large at Thomas

Mother • Writer • Reader • Hermit • Scwewy Wabbit • English Lit/Philosophy • Author repped by @theagencybooks

Articles

Green Steel Is Promising, But Still Years Away

6 days ago | thomasnet.com | Kat de Naoum |Audrey Altmann

Image Credit: DedMityay/ShutterstockThe modern world is built on steel, with around two billion tons produced annually. Steel is everywhere — in the buildings we live in, the cars we drive, and the bridges we cross. Global steel production is a cornerstone of modern infrastructure, but making steel has always been a dirty business with a huge carbon footprint. The steel industry is responsible for 7–9% of the world’s carbon emissions.
The 10 Biggest Global Electric Vehicle Companies

6 days ago | thomasnet.com | Kat de Naoum |Audrey Altmann

Over the last decade, the electric vehicle (EV) market has experienced historic growth. In 2024, global EV sales reached a record 17.1 million units, marking a 25% increase over 2023. This surge meant that 14.5% of all light-duty vehicle sales worldwide were EVs, up from 11.45% the previous year. In the U.S., EV sales grew to approximately 1.3 million units in 2024, a 7.3% increase from 2023, accounting for 8.1% of total new vehicle sales.
Some Tariffs Reduced, Market Access Expanded in New U.S.-U.K. Trade Agreement

6 days ago | thomasnet.com | Kat de Naoum |Audrey Altmann

On May 8, 2025, President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a new trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom—America’s ninth-largest trading partner—to strengthen economic ties between the two countries. The new agreement—which Trump described as a “breakthrough trade deal”—aims to boost trade and expand market access for the two long-allied countries by reducing tariffs in key sectors, including automotive, steel, and agriculture.
New Mitsubishi EV Coming in 2026 as Automaker Expands North American Lineup

1 week ago | thomasnet.com | Kat de Naoum

A new battery electric vehicle (BEV) is coming from giant automaker Mitsubishi Motors, and it’ll be on sale in North America in the summer of 2026.
Executive Order Aims to Boost Domestic Pharma Manufacturing, Streamline Approvals

1 week ago | thomasnet.com | Kat de Naoum

President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order aimed at ramping up pharmaceutical manufacturing in the U.S. and speeding up the approval process for critical medicines. This move follows Trump’s recent implementation of tariffs on imported drugs, part of a broader push to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign manufacturers. Around 70% of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)—the key ingredients used to make medications—currently come from abroad, mainly China and India.
Mercedes-Benz to Produce Core Vehicle at Alabama Plant

1 week ago | thomasnet.com | Kat de Naoum

Showing its commitment to business in the U.S., German automaker Mercedes-Benz is bringing a new core segment vehicle to its Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant by 2027. The upcoming model will specifically be designed with U.S. consumers in mind—a key move in the company’s “local-for-local” strategy, which aims to bring manufacturing closer to customers, simplify supply chains, and better align with regional demands.
U.S. Army Seeks Control Over Weapon Maintenance

1 week ago | thomasnet.com | Kat de Naoum

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is planning to include "right to repair” clauses in both new and existing Army equipment contracts. According to a memo signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and sent out to the Pentagon on April 30, 2025, this change will give the Army access to the tools, software, and technical data needed to fix equipment without having to go through the original manufacturers.
U.S. and Ukraine Agree to Rare Earth Minerals Deal

1 week ago | thomasnet.com | Kat de Naoum

After a lot of back and forth, Ukraine has finally agreed to a rare earth minerals deal with the U.S. Ukraine will grant the U.S. access to its vast reserve of critical minerals, and in return, the U.S. will co-invest in the war-torn country’s reconstruction. Signed on April 30, 2025, the agreement benefits both countries.
Trump Administration Modifies Automotive Tariff Measures

2 weeks ago | thomasnet.com | Kat de Naoum |Audrey Altmann

On April 29, 2025, President Donald Trump’s administration announced a softening of certain automotive tariffs that were introduced earlier this year. While the core 25% tariff on imported vehicles is still in place, the administration has introduced adjustments to ease the financial burden for U.S.-based automakers relying heavily on imported parts. Starting May 3, the 25% tariff on imported automotive parts will still be implemented as planned.
Airbus to Buy Spirit AeroSystems Assets Amid Boeing Acquisition

2 weeks ago | thomasnet.com | Kat de Naoum

From being Spirit AeroSystems second-largest customer, Airbus is now set to become the owner of some of the company’s assets and production sites. On April 27, 2025, Spirit AeroSystems announced that the two companies had entered into a $439 million agreement for the sale of certain facilities and operations. Under the agreement, Airbus will pay $559 million for the sites, but with around $120 million in assumed liabilities, the net cash consideration comes to approximately $439 million.