Tesla, Tariffs, and Trade Wars: A Week in Review
Table of Contents
- 1. Tesla, Tariffs, and Trade Wars: A Week in Review
- 2. Tesla Under Scrutiny: Presidential Pitches and Activist Pushback
- 3. Trump and Tesla
- 4. the Apprentice Returns: Amazon’s Investment
- 5. Tariffs and Trade Wars: Porsche’s Perspective
- 6. EU Countermeasures: targeting Republican Strongholds
- 7. Navigating the Economic landscape
- 8. Given the rise of geopolitical tensions influencing trade policies, how might US corporations adapt their global supply chains to mitigate risks associated with escalating trade wars?
- 9. Tesla, Trade Wars, and Tariffs: An Expert’s Perspective
- 10. Tesla’s Challenges and Presidential Influence
- 11. Tariffs and the Automotive Industry
- 12. EU Countermeasures and Geopolitical Strategy
- 13. The Bigger Picture: Navigating the Economic Landscape
- 14. A Question for Our Readers
March 17, 2025 – From electric vehicles on display to looming trade wars, the intersection of politics and business continues to dominate headlines. Here’s a breakdown of key developments:
Tesla Under Scrutiny: Presidential Pitches and Activist Pushback
A fleet of Tesla vehicles recently appeared outside a former U.S. president’s residence, a spectacle some described as “the largest attack on the dignity of the White House since the British burned down the original one in 1814.” The connection between Tesla and the former president extends beyond mere optics. The former president, in what was described as “full car salesman mode,” lauded the vehicles as “stunning” and “amazing,” even expressing intent to purchase a red Model S. He also reportedly shared a Tesla sales pitch,mentioning prices as low as $299 a month.
However, Tesla faces headwinds.Activist groups, including “Tesla Takedown” in the U.S. and “everyone Hates Elon” in London, are gaining momentum. The latter group, known for coining the term “Swasticar,” has used imagery inspired by what they describe as “Musk’s Hitler-style salute” in protest billboards.
Adding to the company’s challenges,Tesla’s stock market performance is suffering,now being referred to as the “tesla Chainsaw massacre,” a reference to the 1974 horror film and Tesla’s CEO’s penchant for wielding a chainsaw gifted by Argentina’s president,Javier Milei.
Notably, vandalism at Tesla showrooms has prompted strong reactions, wiht the former president labeling those responsible as “domestic terrorists” who would “go through hell” if caught.
Trump and Tesla
The former president feels that the battering taken by Tesla on the markets is all the fault of “radical left lunatics”. “Radical left lunatics” are said to be delighted to have such power.
the Apprentice Returns: Amazon’s Investment
Amazon’s streaming service, Prime Video, is set to stream seven seasons of the original U.S. version of The Apprentice, offering younger viewers a chance to become familiar with its than little-known host and future president the viewership of the first season of the original U.S. version of The Apprentice that aired in 2004 was 20.7 million – this was its most-watched season, according to the network that aired it, NBC. The first episode was titled Meet the Billionaire.
That is not where the relationship ends, according to reports Amazon donated $1 million to the President’s inauguration fund and streamed the ceremony in an in-kind donation also worth $1 million. Meanwhile, Prime Video has bought the rights to a documentary about the former First lady,describing her billionaire-meeting story as “truly unique”.
Tariffs and Trade Wars: Porsche’s Perspective
Jochen Breckner, Porsche’s new finance and IT chief, has expressed concerns about U.S. tariffs, admitting they “give us, to some extent, sleepless nights.” This comes as the German automaker announced plans to cut 4,000 jobs. The potential impact of these tariffs is substantial, with Porsche particularly exposed due to its main factories being located in Stuttgart and Leipzig.
CEO Oliver Blume has warned of a “volatile political and economic environment,” suggesting that profit guidance could face further pressure due to rising trade tensions and a struggling Chinese market.
For consumers, this translates to potentially higher prices for Porsches. However, the silver lining is that more affordable car options are available.
EU Countermeasures: targeting Republican Strongholds
The European Commission plans to reinstate tariffs that were previously paused in a trade dispute with the U.S. A new list of U.S. goods potentially subject to tariffs by mid-April has been published, targeting products primarily produced in Republican-leaning states.
The list,spanning 99 pages,includes a diverse range of items,such as:
- Electric blankets
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryers
- Communion wafers (“communion wafers,empty cachets for pharmaceutical use,sealing wafers,rice paper and similar products”)
- chicken wings
The complexities of global trade and political influence on business require careful consideration. From the evolving automotive market to the potential impact of tariffs, businesses and consumers alike need to stay informed and adapt to the ever-changing landscape. As the EU prepares potential tariff countermeasures by mid-April, monitor how these developments may affect your purchasing decisions and investment strategies. Stay informed, stay prepared, and navigate the economic currents with confidence.
Given the rise of geopolitical tensions influencing trade policies, how might US corporations adapt their global supply chains to mitigate risks associated with escalating trade wars?
Tesla, Trade Wars, and Tariffs: An Expert’s Perspective
We sat down with Eleanor Vance, a fictional but highly knowledgeable Senior Analyst at Global Trade Insights, to discuss the week’s major headlines involving Tesla, tariffs, and international trade dynamics.
Tesla’s Challenges and Presidential Influence
Archyde: eleanor, tesla has been in the news quite a bit this week, stemming from a former president’s endorsement to activist backlash. What’s your take on this intersection of politics and business for the electric vehicle maker?
Eleanor Vance: The situation is complex. A former president’s public support, while potentially beneficial in some ways, can also attract unwanted attention, especially given the current political climate. The activist groups and negative market reactions are a clear indication of this friction. The “tesla Chainsaw Massacre” reference highlights investor concern, especially if Tesla’s stock remains vulnerable at a time when Tesla needs more consumer support and public positive opinion.
Tariffs and the Automotive Industry
Archyde: Turning to tariffs, porsche’s finance chief expressed concern about the potential impact of U.S. tariffs. how significant a threat are these trade measures to European automakers?
Eleanor Vance: They are a very real threat.For companies like Porsche, with significant manufacturing bases in Europe, tariffs add substantial cost burdens. This could lead to job cuts, as we’ve seen announced, and ultimately higher prices for consumers. The trade uncertainty also makes long-term planning incredibly tough.
EU Countermeasures and Geopolitical Strategy
Archyde: The EU is planning countermeasures, targeting goods from Republican-leaning states. What’s the strategy behind this approach?
Eleanor Vance: The EU is likely aiming to exert political pressure.by targeting specific regions, they hope to influence domestic policy and create incentives for a more conciliatory approach to trade negotiations.The inclusion of seemingly innocuous items like electric blankets and communion wafers is a calculated move to demonstrate broad economic impact rather than focusing solely on high-value, industrial products.
Archyde: So, what’s the overall outlook? How should businesses and consumers navigate this volatile economic landscape?
Eleanor Vance: Vigilance and adaptability are crucial. Businesses need to diversify supply chains, explore option markets, and be prepared for rapid policy shifts. Consumers should research pricing options and consider the potential impact of tariffs on their purchasing decisions. The key is to stay informed and be proactive in managing risk.
A Question for Our Readers
archyde: a question for our readers: With the increasing politicization of brands like Tesla, how much does a CEO’s political stance (or perceived stance) influence your purchasing decisions?
