Could Trump tariffs drive businesses from UK and Europe to the US? | Future Focus

On this week’s episode of Yahoo Finance Future Focus, Symphony CEO Brad Levy spoke with our host Brian McGleenon about the far-reaching implications of Trump’s tariffs on global trade, with a focus on the UK, EU, and the US. He breaks down the differences between key EU markets such as France and Germany, pointing out their distinct economic setups and how the US must approach them separately. Levy also discusses the potential for US companies to move back to the US from Europe, citing complexities around taxation and Brexit as factors influencing these decisions. Levy highlights that tariffs will not be implemented uniformly across the globe; instead, they will target specific sectors such as steel, energy, and agriculture, with China playing a central role in the discussion. He discusses how these tariffs could affect global inflation and supply chains, especially in key sectors such as AI, manufacturing, and chip production. The conversation takes a turn to explore the new US administration, particularly with Elon Musk’s appointment to head the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Levy explains how Musk’s role may bring efficiency improvements to the federal government but emphasises that the changes will be gradual, focusing on streamlining redundant programs rather than drastic cuts. Levy concludes by examining the broader trend of regional rationalism in global trade, where countries such as the US and France may start focusing on local manufacturing and capabilities, reducing their dependence on a globalised supply chain. This shift could reshape economic dynamics in the coming years, as nations prioritise regional production over cost-effective imports.