Axios

Energy — whether it be oil for cars or power for data centers — is suddenly the world's biggest constraint.

Why it matters: Energy is becoming the singular driver of both global stability and economic growth.

U.S. manufacturers are pleading with the Trump administration not to allow the Chinese auto industry "to wheedle its way in" to the American market.

Why it matters: President Trump is visiting China at a time when sky-high gas prices and inflation concerns have reignited calls for allowing cheap Chinese vehicles into the U.S.

Americans may be burdened by inflation, but they're still willing to buy cars, especially used ones, according to new research shared first with Axios.

Why it matters: While cost pressures persist, demand for vehicles remains resilient because of how essential they are to work and opportunity.

President Trump faces a tough climb turning his "energy dominance" agenda into energy wins when he meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Why it matters: China is a massive market, and Trump loves using bilateral summits to secure energy purchase agreements.