讀後心得

Trump's tariff policy, once launched, had wide-ranging effects, impacting everyone from high-tech companies to restaurants. The stock market suffered a sharp decline, and the restaurant industry faced pressures from rising costs. The CEO of a hardware company exclaimed in shock at the plummeting stock prices, noting that 72% of the company's products came from Asia last year. The U.S. stock market experienced its largest drop since the pandemic, with Apple and Nvidia losing about $400 billion in market value each. Restaurant operators are concerned that the new tariffs will exacerbate already weak profit margins. Businesses like 606 Cafe and Zagaqi are also actively addressing price increases to maintain stability.

Trump's tariff policy, once announced, significantly affected high-tech companies, importers, and local restaurants. The stock market suffered, investors faced losses, and non-investors felt pressure from rising prices, leading some to lash out. The CEO of a retail company, during a discussion with analysts, saw stunning stock prices and immediately exclaimed, "Oh, shit!" The company’s stock price plummeted 40% the next day, marking the largest drop since its IPO. Last year, 72% of this retailer's products came from Asia. The recent stock market decline is the most severe since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq index dropping 6%, followed by a further decline of 5.7%. A well-known tech company saw its stock price fall by 9% and 7.4% over two days, wiping out $400 billion in market value. Another company's market value also decreased by $400 billion. Smaller companies are facing expectations of significantly rising costs. The restaurant industry is struggling with high labor costs and soaring food prices, and the new tariffs will undoubtedly further squeeze already thin profit margins. A representative from a restaurant association stated that any additional costs would impose real financial pressure on operators, as profit levels are already declining, making it difficult to absorb new cost increases.

The chef of a Vietnamese restaurant located in a certain area is prepared to face the challenges. After the government announced a 46% tariff on Vietnamese products, he immediately contacted suppliers to seek ways to minimize the anticipated price increases. He mentioned that he doesn’t want customers to feel that prices are too high, and that business owners must cope with challenges, yet it is hard for customers to understand the difficulties behind them. Another café owner, who imports various ingredients from local grocery stores, is already facing a 10% tariff on these ingredients, with an additional 20% tariff looming. He frequently stays in touch with suppliers to control price increases, and while the impact is not yet evident, it remains unclear when consumers will encounter rising prices at nearby grocery stores.

Newly opened grocers are also exploring the impacts of imposing a 25% tariff on imported goods and how to stabilize prices.