Trump’s Trade Agenda Could Benefit Friends and Punish Rivals

Published On Nov 23, 2024, 5:00 AM

Donald Trump, as President-elect, is looking to impose new tariffs on various products similar to those implemented during his first term. Companies are actively seeking exemptions from these tariffs, which could significantly impact their cost structures and competitiveness. The push for exemptions is leading to increased lobbying in Washington, with many businesses hiring legal firms to represent them. The previous tariffs had a substantial reach, targeting over $300 billion in Chinese goods and imposing hefty duties on steel and aluminum from multiple countries, which sparked a wave of exemption requests from affected companies.

Stock Forecasts

The renewed focus on tariffs under Trump could positively impact domestic steel and aluminum producers due to reduced competition from imported products, as long as exemptions are not widely granted. However, this may negatively affect companies relying on imported metals for production.

Companies engaged in industries heavily reliant on imports (such as machinery and manufacturing) could face headwinds due to potential new tariffs, which may decrease their profitability if they lack exemption status.

Related News

The US economy doesn't need the return to industrial-era policies Trump is planning.

XOM
CAT
TAN

Economists said Donald Trump’s plan to return trade barriers to levels not seen in generations would be “a grenade thrown in the heart” of the international system.

Tesla CEO (among other things) Elon Musk has been loudly campaigning for Trump and giving money away to help register voters. Getting deeper into politics hasn't seemed to hurt the car company, however, which just posted a surprise beat on profit in its Q3 results.