Core Viewpoint - The report from CITIC Securities indicates that U.S. importers are primarily bearing the burden of increased tariffs, with Chinese exporters currently absorbing about 12% of the tariff increment, particularly in the apparel sector [1][3]. Group 1: Tariff Impact on Trade - The transmission of tariffs is a complex issue, with U.S. government tariff revenues surging in recent months. If the threatened tariffs from July materialize, the overall effective tariff rate in the U.S. could rise to approximately 15.8% [2]. - U.S. import prices, excluding food and energy, have not decreased following the implementation of "reciprocal tariffs," indicating that non-U.S. exporters have not lowered their prices, thus U.S. importers are likely absorbing most of the tariff increases [3]. Group 2: Cost Transfer to Consumers - U.S. companies have expressed both the willingness and ability to pass on tariff costs to consumers. Despite previous instances where importers absorbed tariff increases without significantly raising retail prices, the broader scope of current tariffs makes it difficult for companies to maintain profit margins without raising prices [4]. - If U.S. retailers fully absorb the tariff increases, their profit margins could decline by an average of about 1.8%, which is particularly challenging for industries with already thin margins like retail, apparel, and furniture [4]. Group 3: Price Changes in Consumer Goods - The analysis of over 60,000 U.S. import goods suggests that prices of U.S. consumer goods with high import content are beginning to reflect the impact of tariffs. Products with a high "Chinese content" have started to see mild price increases following the implementation of the "fentanyl tariff," while goods from other non-U.S. trading partners have not yet experienced price hikes [5]. - The sustainability of the current low inflation environment in the U.S. post-tariff implementation will depend on whether U.S. companies continue to absorb costs or pass them on to consumers, with potential inflationary pressures expected in the latter half of the year [5].

Core Insights - Many companies lack the ability to pass on tariffs to consumers, indicating potential challenges in maintaining profit margins amid rising costs [1] Group 1 - The Federal Reserve's Daly highlighted that numerous companies are struggling to transfer tariff costs to their customers, which could impact their pricing strategies and overall financial performance [1]

Group 1 - The upcoming CPI report is expected to show a slight increase in inflation, particularly in goods inflation, due to companies gradually passing on higher import tariffs to consumers [1][5] - The market anticipates a year-on-year CPI increase to 2.5% from the previous 2.3%, with a monthly CPI rate holding steady at 0.2% and a core CPI monthly increase of 0.3%, marking the largest rise in four months [1][5] - Businesses are increasingly transferring tariff costs to consumers, with a significant portion of manufacturers and service providers fully passing on these costs through price increases [5][6] Group 2 - The inflation report will provide insights into the impact of tariffs, as investors remain cautious about rising inflation [3][5] - Consumer expectations regarding future inflation have eased, with one-year inflation expectations dropping to 3.2% from 3.6% in April, and five-year expectations decreasing to 2.6% from 2.7% [6] - The CPI report is a critical data point ahead of the Federal Reserve's upcoming meeting, with expectations that the Fed will maintain interest rates unless there is a significant unexpected rise in inflation [8][10]

Core Viewpoint - President Trump has urged Walmart to absorb tariff costs instead of passing them on to consumers, emphasizing that he will monitor the company's pricing strategies closely [1] Group 1 - Trump expressed that Walmart should "absorb the tariffs" and not increase prices for consumers [1] - He warned Walmart that both he and customers will be watching their pricing decisions closely [1]

Investment Rating - The report provides a positive investment outlook for various sectors, particularly recommending companies in the home furnishing, new tobacco, light consumer goods, and paper packaging industries [5][23][24][26]. Core Insights - The home furnishing sector is expected to stabilize with the introduction of consumer subsidies, leading to improved order intake for many companies [5][19]. - New tobacco products, particularly from Smoore International, are anticipated to benefit from market expansion despite tariff challenges [23]. - The paper packaging industry is facing high pulp inventory levels, which may slow down profit recovery, but consolidation efforts are expected to improve competition [24]. - The light consumer goods sector, especially in pet products, is likely to see accelerated domestic brand growth due to increased tariffs on imports [26]. Summary by Sections Home Furnishing Sector - Domestic sales are improving as consumer subsidies are rolled out, with expectations for further stimulus policies [5][19]. - Companies like Gujia Home and Sophia are highlighted for their strong market positions and growth potential [5][19]. - Export challenges due to increased tariffs are noted, but companies with strong domestic sales channels are expected to perform well [5][19]. New Tobacco - Smoore International is positioned to adapt to tariff impacts due to its production capabilities in Indonesia [23]. - The electronic cigarette market is expected to maintain consumer demand despite potential price increases from tariffs [23]. - The overall market for compliant brands is projected to expand, providing growth opportunities [23]. Paper Packaging - High pulp inventory levels are suppressing price increases, with a slow recovery in profitability expected [24][25]. - The acquisition of Zhongliang Packaging by Aorijin is expected to enhance competitive dynamics in the industry [24]. - The introduction of new consumer electronics subsidies is anticipated to benefit leading packaging companies [24]. Light Consumer Goods - The pet food market is expected to see a shift towards domestic brands as tariffs on imports increase [26]. - Companies like Guibao Pet are positioned to capture market share due to their competitive pricing and product quality [26]. - The AI glasses segment is highlighted for its growth potential, with recommendations to focus on key supply chain players [26].