Retail behemoth Walmart has reportedly requested its Chinese manufacturers to cut prices by as much as 10% per round of tariffs, essentially passing on the cost of President Trump's trade policies. The retailer is specifically going after kitchenware and apparel manufacturers, seeking to keep its competitive advantage. Suppliers are resisting, however, citing already thin profit margins. The move follows Walmart predicting lower-than-projected sales and profits this year due to geopolitical uncertainties and the high interest rate environment. The aggressive bargaining strategies of the retailer reflect the sustained effect of the trade tensions on international supply chains.
Sources: Bloomberg News, Reuters, MarketScreener