Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the impact of tariffs on major U.S. retailers, particularly Walmart, which is facing pressure to cut costs and potentially raise prices due to increased tariffs on imports from countries like China [2][4][5]. Group 1: Walmart's Restructuring and Layoffs - Walmart plans to lay off approximately 1,500 employees as part of a restructuring effort to reduce costs [2][4]. - This is the second round of layoffs for Walmart in 2023, following earlier job cuts and office closures [4]. - The layoffs will affect various sectors, including the global technology operations team and e-commerce fulfillment in the U.S. [4]. Group 2: Tariff Impact on Pricing - Walmart's CEO indicated that the company and its suppliers have been absorbing some tariff costs, but cannot fully offset them due to their scale [6]. - Consumers may start seeing price increases as early as the end of May, with some products already experiencing price hikes of over 20% since February [6][8]. - The article highlights that over 60% of Walmart's imported goods come from China, particularly in categories like clothing and electronics [5][6]. Group 3: Consumer Sentiment and Economic Outlook - U.S. consumer confidence has dropped to its lowest level since June 2022, raising concerns about potential economic recession [2][11]. - Retail giants are attempting to mitigate tariff impacts without significant price increases, with some companies adjusting product sourcing and negotiating with suppliers [8][9]. - Analysts predict that inflation may rise significantly in the coming months, with food prices expected to increase by 2.6% over the next three years due to tariffs [9][10].
沃尔玛计划裁员1500人,CEO直言无法“吃下所有关税”