As consumer products companies look to a new Trump administration, higher tariffs are most likely on the way. Businesses that prepare now, even as they wait for the tariffs to take shape, will be better positioned to maximize their margins. For example, businesses can adjust to smaller tariffs through ... READ MORE >
tariffs
The U.S. economic year ahead: Regime change, growth and rising interest rates
Since the American economy emerged from the shocks of the pandemic, we have made the case that it is undergoing a fundamental structural change. The end of historically low interest rates, the adoption of policies aimed at bolstering vital national industries and the influx of foreign capital have all ... READ MORE >
To contend with higher tariffs, businesses need to act now
With higher tariffs likely under the incoming Trump administration, businesses are already making decisions in a way that will affect economic growth and reshape the global economy. We are already getting questions on pulling forward expected orders for durable goods to avoid the increase in ... READ MORE >
The de-risking of world trade: Industrial policy in an era of changing political economy
The death knell of globalization and free trade has been sounded over the past several years as nations have imposed tariffs and embraced industrial policies to protect vital industries. For the past five decades, the economics of efficiency has dominated the trade and financial framework. The logic ... READ MORE >
New tariffs on medical equipment could strain health care and life sciences supply chains
Health care and life sciences organizations’ operations could be affected by recent tariff increases on Chinese medical equipment imports as part of a broader economic regime shift to embrace industrial policy. The Biden administration, in an effort to address what it calls unfair trade policies and ... READ MORE >
A not-so-great anniversary of Smoot-Hawley
This month marks the inauspicious 90th anniversary of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, perhaps the most ill-advised bill on the economy ever enacted. This bill, signed into law by President Herbert Hoover on June 17, 1930, was the tipping point that pushed a nasty recession into the deep and ... READ MORE >
Seaports grow quiet amid trade tensions and the coronavirus outbreak
On a recent trip to Seattle, I noticed a lack of commercial activity in the port and an absence of containers compared to the bustling business of the recent past. This anecdotal evidence of declining trade activity prompted us to take a closer look at the Los Angeles/Long Beach port, which is one of the ... READ MORE >
USMCA is a solid opportunity for the middle market
The new North American trade agreement represents a solid opportunity for American middle market firms to expand their participation in the regional and global economies. The pact, called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, includes a chapter dedicated to small and medium enterprises – a first ... READ MORE >
No holiday break for fashion and apparel
On Aug.1, President Trump announced a 10% tariff on an additional $300 billion of Chinese goods not subject to previous tariffs levied by the United States during the protracted trade war. Last Friday, the president announced that the fresh tariffs would be hiked to 15%. According to the American Apparel ... READ MORE >
Administration delays tariffs on some Chinese goods ahead of holidays
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on Tuesday issued a notice stating that an additional planned 10% tariff set to take effect on Sept. 1 on many imports from China will be delayed on some of those products until Dec. 15. The move was expected to provide relief to U.S. retailers and consumers ... READ MORE >