Walmart(US:WMT) Huan Qiu Shi Bao·2025-05-18 22:58Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant price increases announced by Walmart in response to tariffs, which has drawn criticism from President Trump, highlighting concerns over consumer confidence and the overall economic outlook in the U.S. [1][2] Group 1: Price Increases and Economic Impact - Walmart has indicated that price increases due to tariffs will affect all products, with CFO warning of unprecedented magnitude and speed of price hikes, potentially seeing double-digit increases [2][3] - Other companies, including Mattel, Microsoft, and Ford, have also announced price hikes, suggesting a broader trend across the retail sector [3] - The consumer confidence index in the U.S. has dropped to its second-lowest level on record, reflecting growing pessimism among American households regarding the economic outlook [4][6] Group 2: Credit Rating and Economic Concerns - Moody's downgraded the U.S. sovereign credit rating from Aaa to Aa1, citing increasing government debt and interest payment ratios, which are projected to rise significantly by 2035 [5][6] - The decline in consumer confidence and the downgrade in credit rating indicate a deteriorating economic environment, exacerbated by aggressive tariff policies [6][7] Group 3: Trade Negotiations and International Relations - The U.S. government is pursuing unilateral tariff policies, with Trump acknowledging the impracticality of negotiating with over 150 countries [7] - Other countries, including EU nations, are becoming increasingly assertive in trade negotiations with the U.S., seeking better terms than those offered to the UK and China [7][8] - Australia's government has expressed a commitment to maintaining strong trade relations with China, resisting U.S. pressure to limit economic ties [8]