关税成本传导效应显现 美国中小企业或现倒闭潮

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant impact of rising tariffs and producer price index (PPI) on U.S. small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), suggesting a potential wave of bankruptcies as these businesses struggle to absorb increased costs [1][6]. Economic Indicators - The U.S. PPI rose by 0.9% month-on-month in July, significantly higher than June's zero growth and market expectations of 0.2%, marking the largest increase since June 2022 [2][3]. - Year-on-year, the PPI increased by 3.3% in July, up from 2.3% in June and exceeding the market forecast of 2.6% [2][3]. - The core PPI, excluding volatile food and energy prices, also saw a month-on-month increase of 0.9% and a year-on-year increase of 3.7%, compared to 2.6% in the previous month [2][3]. Tariff Cost Distribution - As of June, U.S. businesses bore 64% of the tariff costs, consumers 22%, and foreign exporters 14%. Projections indicate that by October, consumers may bear 67% of the costs, while foreign companies and U.S. firms would bear 25% and 8%, respectively [5][6]. - Analysts from Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase predict that tariffs could lead to a 1% decline in U.S. GDP and an inflation increase of 1% to 1.5% [5][6]. Impact on Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises - SMEs are particularly vulnerable to the rising costs associated with tariffs, with experts estimating a 90% chance of the U.S. economy contracting for two consecutive quarters, potentially leading to a 4% decline in GDP [6]. - The lack of operational capital in SMEs makes it difficult for them to absorb additional costs, leading to warnings of widespread bankruptcies among retailers if current tariff policies persist [6].