Muggle Economics Gone Mad! Tariffs Threaten Toothpaste and Burritos, Oh My!

A Very Unhappy Prognostication

Honestly you wouldn't believe the state of Muggle economics these days! It seems companies are slashing their forecasts faster than Gilderoy Lockhart flees from a Cornish Pixie convention. Apparently these 'tariffs' are making things rather difficult for businesses like Procter & Gamble and even Chipotle. I can't imagine a world where getting my hands on a decent burrito becomes even MORE complicated than brewing Polyjuice Potion!

Peruvian Avocados Under Siege!

The real kicker? These tariffs mean higher prices on everything from Peruvian avocados (essential for a proper Muggle feast I'm told) to saccharin for toothpaste! Honestly it's like they're trying to take away the few simple pleasures Muggles have. It's all rather unsettling isn't it? Even Dumbledore would have trouble finding a silver lining in this economic cloud!

Uncertainty: The New Bogeyman

But wait there's more! Apparently the 'trade war' is causing so much uncertainty that consumers are holding back on spending. It's like they're all under a Confundus Charm making cautious decisions! As P&G CFO Andre Schulten rightly pointed out a "nervous consumer" is reducing consumption and that my friends is NOT good for business. I have to say I find myself agreeing with Severus Snape here "Always the same," I said to myself. "People don’t like being told what they can’t do.".

Aircraft Costs are Taking Flight!

Even the airlines are feeling the pinch! American Airlines CEO Robert Isom rightly complains that aircraft cost too much already and he certainly doesn't want to pay any more! I mean can you imagine the chaos if flying became even more expensive? We'd be back to using Floo Powder and I for one am NOT looking forward to another soot filled adventure. If air travel takes a hit how else are students going to get to Hogwarts?

From Coffee to Coffee Mugs: Price Hikes Loom

So what's the solution? Many companies are considering raising prices to offset these higher costs. P&G Keurig Dr Pepper and even Hasbro (imagine the children missing out on their toys!) are all contemplating price hikes. It's a slippery slope isn't it? Before you know it we'll be paying Galleons for a cup of coffee! "Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself," said Albus Dumbledore. Likewise fear of tariffs is increasing the fear of the economy itself.

A Gloomy Outlook and Subdued Spending

Ultimately the outlook is rather bleak. Consumer sentiment is plummeting and shoppers are pulling back on spending fearing inflation job losses and even a potential recession! Chipotle is even seeing fewer customers claiming that diners are worried about their finances. Honestly it's all a bit like reading tea leaves isn't it? Except instead of predicting a Grim we're predicting economic doom. Well I always say If in doubt go to the library.