Business | Duties call

How painful will Trump’s tariffs be for American businesses?

Their options range from hoarding goods and raising prices to rewiring supply chains

red shipping container twisted into a knot-like shape, set against a yellow background
Illustration: Ricardo Rey

In the weeks after Donald Trump’s sweeping election victory, American companies sought to reassure investors that they were amply prepared for a new round of tariffs. Some, like Stanley Black & Decker, a toolmaker, highlighted efforts to shift their supply chains away from China. Others, like Lowe’s, a home-improvement retailer, pointed to processes they have put in place to deal with tariffs after Mr Trump’s first term, during which levies were imposed on various goods, mostly from China, ranging from furniture to washing machines.

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This article appeared in the Business section of the print edition under the headline “Duties call”

From the December 7th 2024 edition

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