Trump's Trade War is 'Done,' But the Force is Still Dark: Supply Chain Faces a Tariff Empire

A Trade War... Done? I Find Your Lack of Faith Disturbing.

The Emperor… err President Trump has declared victory in the trade war with China. He believes he has brought balance to the Force but I sense a disturbance. This “done” trade war leaves behind a 55% tariff on Chinese goods. A victory? Perhaps for him. For the average citizen? I find their lack of purchasing power… disturbing.

55%? That's No Moon... It's a Tariff!

Howard Lutnick the Commerce Secretary believes this 55% tariff is set in stone. Like the carbonite that encased Han Solo these tariffs seem designed to freeze the supply chain. Alan Baer CEO of OL USA fears the burden is too great. 'Very few firms have the pricing power to absorb the tariffs,' he cries. Indeed. The consumer as always will pay the price. The Force is strong with this one...ly bad deal.

I Have Altered the Deal. Pray I Don't Alter It Further.

Trump claims it is a win but Bruce Kaminstein a cleaning products magnate questions his motives. 'Does he want to make spatulas?' he asks. A valid point. Meanwhile Steve Lamar of the American Apparel and Footwear Association laments the impact on back to school shopping. 'These costs will hit American families hard,' he warns. The dark side clouds everything. Impossible to see the future is.

Recession Looms: The Fear is Palpable

Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase foresees deterioration on the horizon. Like sensing a trap logistics executives are wary. Andrew Abbott of Atlantic Container Lines speaks of tariff uncertainty and recession fears. 'Many companies are choosing the 'wait and see' strategy,' he says. Waiting... like a Jedi Knight in exile. But waiting never solved anything.

Peak Season or Peak Panic?

Logistics experts report a surge in activity but not at Covid levels. Dean Croke of DAT Freight & Analytics notes that companies front loaded freight to avoid tariffs. 'We are essentially in peak season now,' he declares. But this is no ordinary peak season. It's a season of unease overshadowed by the Empire of Tariffs.

Empty Containers: A Sign of the Empire's Decline?

Empty containers plague ports like Los Angeles and Long Beach. Paul Brashier of ITS Logistics speaks of 'laborious termination policies.' The U.S. export market suffers from limited vessels. Even the Force cannot clear these bottlenecks. A system in chaos much like the Republic before my rise.