Bloomberg Daybreak: Europe Edition The CEO Radar: Behind the Tariff Headlines (Sponsored Content)
May 4, 2025
Rich Lesser, the Global Chair of BCG, joins Edward Adams to delve into the discrepancies between CEOs and financial analysts regarding US tariffs. They explore how these tariffs may reshape corporate operations and the need for adaptability in an evolving geopolitical landscape. The discussion highlights the potential of circular economy practices in boosting GDP growth and the regulatory hurdles in Europe. Lesser also addresses the unpredictability impacting EBITDA forecasting, urging CEOs to innovate and focus on long-term strategies amid uncertainty.
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CEO Hesitation on Tariffs
- CEOs underestimated the magnitude of US tariffs initially, influenced by mixed signals from the administration.
- CEOs prefer direct engagement over public commentary on policy worries to navigate uncertainties.
Regional Tariff Discussion Variations
- Regional differences in tariff mentions reflect geopolitical relationships and business outlooks.
- Asian CEOs showed less visible concern partly due to optimistic political ties and cautious public communication.
Uncertainty Freezes Investments
- Uncertainty from tariffs dampens investment as companies hesitate to commit capital.
- Competitive advantage arises later based on how companies manage tariff-related costs relative to peers.