How much impact has the export of US products been affected by tariffs?

Recently, the export of American products has encountered difficulties, becoming a focus of attention in the global economic field. From the data, the export volume of various ports in the United States has generally declined, and the situation is not optimistic. The export volume of Portland Port in Oregon decreased by 51%, while Tacoma Port in Washington, as a large agricultural export port, saw a 28% decrease in export volume. Even ports with smaller declines, such as Houston Port and Seattle Port, saw a 3% and 3.5% decrease in export volume, respectively. What exactly caused the impact on US product exports? What impact will this phenomenon have? Where will US product exports go in the future?

The global economy has recovered slowly after the pandemic, with weak demand growth. Many countries have experienced a slowdown in economic growth and a decrease in consumer purchasing power, which directly leads to a decrease in demand for imported American products. Taking Europe as an example, in the second quarter of 2023, the export volume of the United States to the European Union unexpectedly decreased by 15%. At the same time, the increasing uncertainty in the global economy has made companies more cautious in investment and procurement, which has also hindered the export of American products.

The trade protectionism policies implemented by the United States in recent years, especially the escalating trade frictions with major trading partners such as China, have dealt a heavy blow to US product exports. The unilateral imposition of tariffs by the United States has triggered countermeasures from trading partners. As an important trading partner of the United States, China has imposed tariffs on some American products. As a result, the price competitiveness of American agricultural, automotive, and chemical products in the Chinese market has significantly decreased, and their market share has been replaced by products from other countries. For example, the market share of American soybeans in China has been severely squeezed by Brazilian soybeans. The continuous withdrawal of the United States from some international economic and trade agreements has made its trade environment in the international market more complex and unfavorable, increasing the difficulty and cost of exporting for American companies.

The decline in exports has led to a decrease in tax revenue for the US government. The decrease in exports and profits of enterprises has led to a corresponding reduction in the amount of taxes paid. This will affect the government's fiscal revenue, which may lead to a shortage of funds for public services and infrastructure construction. The government's investment in education, healthcare, transportation, and other fields may be restricted, affecting the overall development of society.

The market share and profits of American companies have been severely affected. Many companies have to lower prices and compress profit margins in order to cope with export difficulties. Some companies even face survival crises and have to seek new markets or adjust their business structures. Matson, a shipping operator and owner based in Hawaii, lowered its outlook for 2025 on Monday due to factors such as tariffs, global trade regulations, the trajectory of the US economy, and other geopolitical issues.

American companies need to flexibly adjust their market strategies and seek new export markets. Turning to emerging markets such as Southeast Asia may provide new opportunities. These emerging market economies are growing rapidly, with increasing demand for various products. American companies can increase their marketing and sales efforts in these markets to enhance product awareness and market share.

The US government can help businesses reduce export costs and enhance competitiveness through trade agreements and policy support. The government can sign free trade agreements with other countries, eliminate trade barriers, and create a better trading environment for businesses. The government can also provide export subsidies, tax incentives, and other policies to encourage enterprises to expand their exports.

American companies should increase their efforts in technological innovation and industrial upgrading, and enhance the added value and competitiveness of their products. In today's rapidly developing technology, only continuous innovation can establish a foothold in the international market. Enterprises can increase their investment in research and development, launch more innovative and competitive products, and meet market demand.

The impact on US product exports is the result of multiple factors working together, with far-reaching effects. The United States needs to have a correct understanding of the current situation, actively take measures to address export difficulties, and achieve stable economic development. The global economy is an interconnected whole, and countries should strengthen cooperation to jointly promote the healthy development of global trade, rather than adopting short-sighted behaviors such as trade protectionism.