Up
Three of the best sales leaders in the country – Doug McMillon de Walmart, Brian Cornell of Target and Ted Decker of Home Depot – met President Trump to the White House to present their file against the pricing policies proposed by the administration, advising consumption rates and could potentially disturb the retail chains of retail supplies and cause products, depending on Bloomberg.
President Donald Trump has a graph as he pronounces remarks on reciprocal rates during an event … More
Key facts
After Monday, a Walmart spokesperson said: “We had a productive meeting with President Trump and his team and enjoyed the opportunity to share our ideas,” said Reuters.
A representative of Home Depot said about the same thing, adding that the meeting was “informative and constructive”.
A Target spokesperson confirmed that it was a “productive meeting” where they had the opportunity to “discuss the way to follow on trade”.
Using the 90 break on reciprocal prices as a lever effect, President Trump said that his administration was open to hearing business leaders, telling journalists earlier this month: “We will also talk to businesses. You know, you must show some flexibility. No one should be so rigid.”
Background
The retail industry of 8.5 billions of dollars and the 132 million American households it serves are faced with a rapid increase in prices at all levels if the reciprocal prices offered were taxed. The National Retail Federation estimated that the prices may cost Americans up to $ 78 billion in annual expenditure power in six categories of goods, including clothing, toys, furniture, household appliances, shoes and travel goods. This estimate does not include food and drinks, which totaled 1.5 billion of dollars in spending last year for personal consumption out of site, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Vulnerabilities vary
Walmart customers have less online if prices are taxed. About 33% of the products it transports internationally, although China and Mexico are its most important business partners. On the other hand, Target imports approximately 50% of its goods, including 30% of its brands of private brands come from China. And Home Depot reports that 50% of its goods come in North America, although the quantity of Canada is not specified.
Crucial quote
“Retailers are counting strongly on imported products and manufacturing components so that they can offer their customers a variety of products at affordable prices. A price is a tax paid by the American importer, not a foreign country or the exporter. This tax finally comes out of consumer pockets in a declaration.
Consumers vote against prices
American voters want government policy leaders to focus on reducing inflation and the cost of grocery store as their main priorities rather than the implementation of prices to reset world trade, according to a NRF / Morning consulted survey at more than 2,000 voters carried out at the end of March, before the announcement of Trump’s “release day” price. Some 76% of those questioned expect prices to increase if prices are implemented. The price increase will be a blow for all American households, but especially for those of vulnerable communities, such as low -income households, working class families, the elderly, families with small children, rural communities, farmers and small businesses.
Tangent
Adding to concerns about retail supply chains is a report that products import imports will drop in May and will continue to decrease throughout the year. The NRF predicts a total decrease in the net volume of 15% or more by the end of the year, which will probably mean selective shortages of products on the shelves of retailers.
Pay the price of prices
The CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association, Steve Lamar, told CNBC: “Higher prices, job losses, products of products and bankruptcies will only be some of the adversity that the American economy has repercussions while the president pursues this poorly advised tariff policy.”
Upon reading
Walmart, Target leaders meet Trump while features of pricing spread (Bloomberg, 4/22/2025)
Trump meets American retailers to discuss prices (Reuters, 04/21/2025)
Trump’s prices will not bring back supply chains to us, companies will go to the world-hopping: CNBC Survey (CNBC, 4/17/2025)
Target calls the meeting of the CEO Brian Cornell with Trump on “productive” prices (Minnesota Star Tribune, 04/22/2025)
