This week, Fitch Ratings found that 6.5% of subprime borrowers were at least two months late on their car payments. That’s the highest level since the agency began collecting this data in 1994. Other data finds that auto loan delinquency rates increased in 2024 across all income levels. What’s behind all this? Plus, tariffs already being felt across the economy. And later, a vintage race car mechanic reflects on the sights, sounds and feelings of racing.

This week, Dunkin’ dropped its surcharges on drinks with nondairy milk. Starbucks did the same late last year, as have some indie coffee shops. Today, we look at how the popularity of nondairy milks is changing how restaurants set prices. But first, we unpack the chaos of recent tariffs, including how they affect a free trade agreement between the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and how trade policy uncertainty is impacting agricultural exporters.

From the BBC’s World Service: The world’s second-largest economy is struggling. The latest trade figures show that imports into China fell by more than 8% in January and February, compared to the same period last year. Then, following an emergency summit of European Union leaders, the bloc says it’s approved a plan that could allow for up to $870 billion in additional defense spending. Plus: a look at the instant noodles market in India.

New Congressional Budget Office calculations suggest a difficult path ahead for Republicans as they seek to find billions in budget cuts. The figures show Republicans are unlikely to meet their cost-cutting goals without finding savings in health insurance programs that serve about 80 million low-income Americans and children. We’ll discuss. And later, we’ll parse out the current state of the job market and talk about the relationship between kids, social media and AI.

After the stock market closes today, Costco will release its latest quarterly earnings. While some retailers have backed away from commitments related to diversity, equity and inclusion, Costco has very publicly dug in. Will that affect the bottom line? Plus, Europe is going to be spending a lot more on defense. And later, we’ll get a preview of what the first jobs report under a new Trump presidency might look like.

From the BBC World Service: Following Germany’s plans to change its fiscal rules, the yield on its 10-year bund rose at its steepest in nearly 30 years, while French and Italian bond yields also surged. New, U.S. tariffs have pushed American yields higher, as well. We chat about some of the latest developments. Also: an emergency European summit on defense spending and back-and-forth decisions to open up tourism in North Korea.

U.S. businesses added 77,000 jobs in February, according to payroll processing company ADP — a dramatic drop from the 186,000 it estimated for January. It comes as firms are concerned about the impacts of tariffs and the potential for rising prices. We’ll discuss. But first, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is dropping its lawsuit against Zelle. And later, we’ll hear what layoffs mean for the morale and productivity of workers.

The second Trump administration is reportedly working on a plan to dramatically reduce the workforce at the Internal Revenue Service. As much as half of the workers at the tax collecting agency could be let go through a combination of layoffs, buyouts and attrition. Also on this morning’s show: We’ll preview the spring break travel economy and hear why wealth informs how quickly those affected by the Southern California wildfires can rebuild.