In response to the U.S. – China trade deal meeting delay,  American business leaders continue expressing concerns, stating that the end of the tariff impact is far from over and continues to negatively impact business operations. Freedom Partners Executive Vice President Nathan Nascimento commented on the current situation, adding that damages brought on by the tariffs situation affects growth, job creation, and more.

“From lost sales to increased costs, higher tariffs give America’s job creators big headaches and endanger our prosperity. We urge the administration to work with other nations to drop the tariffs and eliminate all barriers to trade. The time is now because, the longer this standoff drags on, the markets and suppliers that closed overnight to U.S. producers may take years to re-open. Tariffs are destructive taxes that sow only fear and confusion, where free trade fosters job creation and gives American consumers more choices at affordable prices to stretch paychecks further.”

Additionally, Freedom Partners reported on information released by the Census Bureau back in February that stated an additional $2.7 billion was spent in tariffs by business in November compared to the $375 million spent in November 2017.

“Tariffs Hurt the Heartland, a nationwide campaign against recent tariffs on American businesses, farmers and consumers, today released new data that shows American businesses paid an additional $2.7 billion in tariffs in November 2018 — the most recent month data is available from the U.S. Census Bureau due to the government shutdown. This figure reflects the additional tariffs levied because of the administration’s actions and represents a $2.7 billion tax increase and a massive year-over-year increase from $375 million in tariffs on the same products in November 2017.” (Press Release, “New Data Shows Trump Administration Tariffs Cost U.S. Businesses $2.7 Billion In A Single Month, Exports of American Products Targeted For Retaliation Plummet 37 Percent,” Tariffs Hurt The Heartland, 2/14/19).

Other executives, such as Brown-Forman Corporation CEO, Lawson Whiting add that international sales are feeling the impacts from tariffs from the EU’s retaliation:

“Brown-Forman owns Jack Daniel’s, Woodford Reserve and numerous other spirits brands. While most of its products are made in the U.S., most of its sales (about 60 percent) are made in international markets. And the cost of tariffs on American whiskey implemented by the European Union in retaliation for new U.S. tariffs were a drag on earnings. A key part of Brown-Forman’s global strategy is to focus on building a market for its super-premium brands, such as Gentleman Jack and Woodford Reserve,” (David Mann, “Brown-Forman Shares Sink After Earnings Release,” Louisville Business First, 3/6/19).

Source: Freedom Partners