The Tariff Scorecard: Did We Miss The Apocalypse? Or Was It Just Postponed?

Core Insights - The potential return to a high-tariff regime in the U.S. has sparked significant alarm among economists and financial experts, with dire predictions about its economic consequences [3][4]. - Despite initial fears, the actual negative impacts of the tariff policies have been mild or nonexistent so far, with various economic indicators showing resilience [4][38]. Inflation Impact - Initial assumptions suggested that tariffs would lead to higher inflation, but the reality is more complex, with tariffs likely causing a one-time price hike rather than ongoing inflation [6][7]. - Tariff revenues for 2026 are projected to be around $300-400 billion, representing only about 1% of total U.S. GDP, akin to a national sales tax increase [7]. - A study indicated that only 17% of the components in the Core Personal Consumption Expenditure Index are affected by tariffs, suggesting a limited overall impact on inflation [7][8]. - The Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed a year-over-year increase but remained below the two-year average, indicating stability in prices despite new tariffs [11][12]. Recession Concerns - Recession forecasts fluctuated significantly in the first half of the year, but by July, sentiment improved, with the S&P 500 achieving 32 new record highs since "Liberation Day" [15][19]. - GDP growth surged at a 3.3% annual pace in the second quarter, and consumer spending showed a year-over-year gain of 4.7%, indicating economic strength [15][17]. - Most economists surveyed have reduced their recession probability forecasts, with only 2 out of 52 seeing an increased risk [16][18]. Treasury Bond Market - Contrary to fears, the U.S. Treasury Bond market has remained stable, with the 10-year Treasury Bond yield lower than on "Liberation Day" and bond prices increasing by almost 6% since the beginning of the year [20][21]. - Investors have shown confidence in U.S. Treasury securities, even as public debt reached $30 trillion, with tariffs projected to generate approximately $3.3 trillion in revenue over the next decade [21]. Dollar Status - Predictions of a weakened dollar and loss of its reserve currency status have not materialized, with the dollar remaining dominant in international trade and finance [22][24]. - The Federal Reserve's report indicated that the dollar's share of international payments is about 50%, showing stability in its global position [25]. Foreign Investment Trends - Foreign ownership of U.S. Treasury bonds has increased since April, with foreign investors returning as significant buyers of U.S. assets [26]. - The trend of foreign investment in U.S. equities and Treasury bonds has intensified, countering initial fears of a mass exodus [26]. Global Trade Dynamics - Concerns about permanent damage to global trade networks due to tariffs have not been realized, with global trade growing by $300 billion in the first half of 2025 [28][29]. - U.S. trade volumes were higher in July than in any month in 2023 or 2024, indicating resilience in trade despite tariff implementations [29][30]. Supply Chain Stability - Initial fears of supply chain disruptions have not come to fruition, with container shipping costs falling and supply chain pressure levels returning to long-term averages [32][34]. - Companies have adapted to potential tariff impacts by improving supply chain management and resilience, mitigating risks associated with tariffs [34]. Corporate Profitability - Contrary to expectations of declining corporate profits due to tariffs, S&P 500 companies reported a 6.4% revenue increase and an 11.9% earnings growth in the second quarter [36][37]. - The majority of U.S. companies exceeded analysts' earnings estimates, indicating strong corporate performance despite tariff concerns [36][37].