Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of "profitless prosperity" and the implications of extreme price competition in various industries, highlighting the negative impact on profit margins and the overall economy [1][21][62]. Group 1: Price Competition and Its Effects - The article illustrates the extreme price competition in e-commerce, exemplified by products like T-shirts and umbrellas being sold at very low prices, raising questions about the profitability of such sales [4][5][20]. - It emphasizes that low profit margins lead to a situation where all participants in the supply chain are squeezed, resulting in a "supply chain squeeze" [9][10]. - The article argues that while consumers may benefit from low prices in the short term, the long-term consequences include reduced wages and potential business failures across the industry [22][25][62]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Competition - The article contrasts the current competitive landscape with historical examples, noting that unlike the past, today's numerous competitors in industries like umbrella manufacturing cannot easily coordinate to stabilize prices [13][15]. - It discusses the concept of "Nash equilibrium" in pricing, where prices stabilize at a level that neither attracts new competitors nor drives existing businesses out of the market [31][32]. - The article points out that price wars can sometimes be strategic moves by larger companies to establish market dominance, but if they do not lead to monopolistic structures, they can harm the entire industry [33][38]. Group 3: Historical Context and Lessons - The article references the historical case of Texas Instruments and its pricing strategy, which initially led to market dominance but ultimately resulted in a price war that harmed the company and the industry [50][57]. - It highlights the importance of understanding competitor pricing and market dynamics, suggesting that companies should not solely focus on market share at the expense of profitability [59][60]. - The article concludes that a healthy industry should maintain reasonable profit margins while competing on other factors like product features and service quality [61][63].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the impact of increased tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Thailand, which is causing companies to reconsider their production strategies and supply chain locations [1][2]. Group 1: Tariff Impact on Production Strategies - The U.S. has imposed a 36% tariff on Thai products and a 34% tariff on Chinese products, disrupting the "China Plus One" strategy that aimed to diversify production bases in Southeast Asia [1]. - Companies like Casio are contemplating a complete reassessment of their production bases due to the high tariffs, which have exceeded 30%, undermining the feasibility of using these countries as processing trade bases [1]. - Japanese companies are increasingly investing in ASEAN countries, with direct investments rising by 75% from 2017 to 2024, while investments in China have decreased by 65% during the same period [2]. Group 2: Shifts in Trade Dynamics - Vietnam has significantly benefited from this shift, with trade surpluses with the U.S. expected to exceed $100 billion in 2024, more than three times the figure from 2017 [2]. - Companies are exploring contract modifications with U.S. clients due to the high tariffs, with some considering the possibility of contract termination if the tariffs remain unchanged [2]. - The impact of tariffs is widespread, affecting various industries, including apparel, where companies like Fast Retailing are facing challenges in changing suppliers due to high-quality requirements [3]. Group 3: Broader Economic Concerns - Concerns are growing about the potential for reduced U.S. consumer spending, which could further complicate the situation for companies exporting from Southeast Asia [4]. - The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) anticipates that the tariffs will have a broader-than-expected impact on investments in Southeast Asia, particularly in the electronics sector [4].