Underwater photography gadget, patent-protected, now subject to import taxes in Brazil due to Trump's trade policies
In the world of photography, James Rainey's company, Outex, has made a splash with its underwater camera housings, selling tens of thousands of its devices to professional photographers and serious amateurs [1]. However, the recent 50% tariff imposed by the U.S. on goods imported from Brazil has created ripples that could potentially affect Outex and other small U.S. businesses.
The tariff, effective August 6, 2025, targets many Brazilian imports, including agricultural products such as coffee, beef, and seafood, causing uncertainty and potential supply constraints that could raise consumer prices and trigger inflationary pressures [2]. Outex's manufacturing plants are located in Brazil, and while the company has not yet reported any direct impact, any reliance on Brazilian components or materials could lead to increased costs or supply disruptions [1].
The tariff emerged from U.S. political concerns and trade disputes with Brazil and represents a broader strategic realignment that could have long-term consequences for bilateral trade [2]. President Lula of Brazil has signaled possible retaliatory measures against these tariffs [1].
Meanwhile, FIFA is in need of 65,000 volunteers for the 2026 World Cup games, while TV networks are trying to re-create the "watercooler moment" [3]. As for entertainment, there's buzz about Taylor Swift possibly appearing on Travis Kelce's podcast, and Bowen Yang tried to talk his way out of one "SNL" impression, but it didn't work [4].
Elsewhere, a photo of the day features a dog named Sydney helping Eaton fire evacuees heal outside a Pasadena hotel. In Riverside, a Chicano artist is melting ice blocks to create art and tell a bigger story [5]. Developing "Alien: Earth" was all about building suspense and not messing up Easter eggs [6].
In California, federal cuts, benefit delays, and errors are derailing veterans' education, while scientists are arguing for stricter lead soil contamination standards, particularly for fire survivors [7]. A new report studied a massive earthquake that occurred in Myanmar, which shares similarities with California's San Andreas fault [8].
In local news, at least 73% of U.S. adults have fallen for online scams, and immigration agents detained a student at gunpoint near a high school, prompting city officials to announce the expansion of safe zones around LAUSD campuses [9]. A man who overstayed his visa stole food aid from thousands of needy Californians, according to federal authorities [10].
Lastly, a recipe for creamy labneh lemon bars is available for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth [11].
References:
- Outex
- Tariff on Brazilian Goods
- FIFA Volunteers
- Bowen Yang
- Chicano Artist
- Alien: Earth
- Veterans' Education
- Myanmar Earthquake
- Online Scams
- Immigration Detention
- Creamy Labneh Lemon Bars
- The tariff on Brazilian goods, including real estate and agricultural products, might affect the costs and supply of Outex's business, a California-based company that manufactures underwater camera housings.
- The increased costs for Outex, a part of the personal-finance and technology industry, could be due to its reliance on components or materials imported from Brazil.
- Meanwhile, the environmental sector is focusing on stricter lead soil contamination standards, particularly for fire survivors in California.
- In the entertainment world, there's hype about Taylor Swift potentially appearing on a podcast, and "SNL" cast member Bowen Yang facing challenges with one of his impressions.
- In the sports sphere, FIFA is looking for volunteers for the 2026 World Cup games, while TV networks strive to re-create popular, conversation-starting moments.
- The government and law sector are dealing with political concerns and trade disputes with Brazil, which could have long-term implications for bilateral trade.
- Brazil's President Lula has signaled possible retaliatory measures against the tariffs placed on various Brazilian goods, including real estate and agriculture.
- The entertainment sector features a photo of the day showcasing a dog named Sydney helping fire evacuees outside a Pasadena hotel.
- A Chicano artist in Riverside is creating art from melting ice blocks to tell a larger story, demonstrating innovation in the art and entertainment industry.
- In the realm of education, numerous veterans face challenges with federal cuts, delays, and errors impacting their education benefits.
- Scientists argue for the importance of stricter standards for soil contamination in California, particularly in areas affected by fires.
- A report has been released on a massive earthquake that occurred in Myanmar, sharing similarities with California's San Andreas fault, raising concerns for the nation's seismic safety.
- In local news, immigration agents detained a student at gunpoint near a high school, resulting in city officials announcing the expansion of safe zones around LAUSD campuses, and a man who overstayed his visa was arrested for stealing food aid from thousands of needy Californians.
