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Bloomberg Surveillance

Analysis of the April Jobs Report

May 2, 2025
Gene Seroka, CEO of the Port of LA, discusses how tariffs are affecting port traffic and the looming dangers for the U.S. economy. He predicts a potential 10% drop in cargo volume, highlighting the uncertainty in trade. Meanwhile, Adam Posen, President of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, shares insights from his article on the pitfalls of trade wars. Both guests dissect the interlinked fates of U.S. and Chinese markets and the ramifications of tariffs on employment and economic growth.
43:56

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The imposition of tariffs is creating significant economic disruption, particularly affecting small to mid-sized businesses that struggle to absorb rising costs.
  • The podcast stresses the importance of port activity in reflecting broader economic trends, as fluctuations in cargo volumes can signal future market conditions.

Deep dives

The Impact of Tariffs on the Economy

The podcast delves into how the imposition of tariffs is creating significant economic disruption. As businesses grapple with increased costs and uncertainty, the initial decline in GDP is attributed to these tariffs rather than an impending recession. Companies are finding it challenging to adjust, with many caught between rising expenses and the inability to pass these costs onto consumers. Overall, the economic landscape is marked by a cautious outlook as businesses prepare for potential fallout from ongoing trade disputes.

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