02/03/25 Afternoon CommStock Report – The Stupid is Only Getting Started

(updated as of 1 p.m.) US importers, who frontloaded inventories of goods from Canada, Mexico and China are glad that they did. Logistics companies in TX say that their commercial warehouses have filled since the November election as US companies-built inventories fearing that Trump tariffs would be retaliated against. Wal-Mart for example has utilized warehouses and distribution centers which they filled with imported goods. That way they have some time to adjust to new pricing. It also gives them a price advantage over companies who could not frontload. There are a lot more goods ordered on their way but they have to be landed and clear customs before the tariffs are evaded. I bought a new I-phone last week as they will not be getting any cheaper. The 10% tariff on China was so well telegraphed in advance it was barely mentioned, waiting now on a response from China. Many companies will have to raise prices to account for the tariff costs and consumers, already in ire over inflation, will not like more of it.   Some of Trump’s tariffs announced this weekend did not last the day Monday. The Trump administration does not have its people in place yet…