Trump Considers Tariffs on Steel & Chips; US Retail Sales Decline; Lindt Production Shift

Potential Tariffs on Imports

• ⚡ President Trump is considering imposing tariffs on steel and computer chips within the next few weeks.
• 🎯 The proposed tariffs on semiconductors could range from 200% to 300%, with potential exemptions for companies relocating manufacturing to the US.

US Retail Sales Performance

• 📉 US retail sales experienced a 0.5% decrease in July, following an upward revision for June's figures.
• 🛒 Significant contributions to sales came from auto purchases and online shopping events held by major retailers.

Lindt Production and Pricing

• 🍫 Lindt is reportedly planning to shift some chocolate production from Germany to the US, involving an investment of up to $10 million.
• ⚠️ This move aims to sidestep potential import tariffs on their products, such as Easter bunnies and Santa figures.
• 📈 Lindt has already seen a 16% increase in product prices due to surging cocoa costs in the first half of the year.