花旗：“雷声大雨点小”！特朗普“关税战”影响远小于“理论水平”，关键原因是“豁免”

Core Viewpoint - The actual effective tariff rate in the U.S. is only around 9%-10%, significantly lower than the theoretical rate of approximately 18%, indicating that the negative impact of tariffs on inflation and corporate profits is overstated [1][3][5] Group 1: Tariff Impact Analysis - The report highlights a significant discrepancy between the theoretical effective tariff rate (17%-18%) and the actual effective rate (around 10%), suggesting that the real impact of the trade war is less severe than perceived [5][6] - The primary reason for this discrepancy is attributed to policy exemptions and carveouts rather than transshipment practices, which are believed to have a limited effect [6][7] - The "tariff-flation" effect has not materialized as expected, with the annualized growth rate of the tariff basket's prices remaining moderate at 2% [8] Group 2: Inventory and Profitability Concerns - U.S. companies have engaged in significant import stockpiling prior to the tariffs, with excess imports equivalent to 5-6 months of normal import levels, indicating that inventory buffers are nearing depletion [9] - There is limited evidence to support the notion that companies are absorbing tariff costs by compressing their profits, as profit margins for the S&P 500 remain stable [9]