Azeem Azhar's Exponential View What it’s like on the frontlines of Trump’s tariff’s war
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Apr 16, 2025 
Ryan Petersen, CEO and founder of Flexport, shares his expertise on the fast-evolving landscape of global trade amidst ongoing tariffs and geopolitical tensions. He discusses how U.S. businesses are adapting to shifting manufacturing dynamics, and why shipping remains vital to everyday life. Petersen dives into the fragility of global trade, the impact of technology on logistics, and the urgent need for businesses to embrace agility. He also contemplates the future of globalization and what a potential U.S.-China trade deal might entail.
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Customer Distress Over Tariffs
- American businesses face severe distress from new 145% tariffs on Chinese goods.
- Many must decide between shipping at a loss or halting orders, threatening bankruptcies.
Tariffs May Boost Shipping
- Tariffs could increase global shipping due to complex supply chains.
- Components made in China still ship to Vietnam for assembly, doubling freight needs.
Global Trade's Long-Term Growth
- Global trade has grown exponentially over centuries despite shocks like wars and pandemics.
- Human drive and economic benefit ensure trade's long-term upward trajectory, despite political attempts to restrict it.