Tit for Tat is a Risky Way to Conduct Business

Anyone who runs a business knows that a predictable and stable business environment contributes to a better business operating climate overall. Employees are happier, organizations have greater stability and trust is built in ways that can lead to higher productivity. The latest back and forth between the US, the EU and China over tariffs is undercutting that predictability and making it harder with each passing day to know what will be next.  According the the New York Times, ” Last week, the European Union hit back against Mr. Trump’s steel and aluminum tariffs with penalties on $3.2 billion worth of American products, including bourbon, orange juice, playing cards and Harley-Davidsons. On Monday (June 25th), the Wisconsin-based company said that European tariffs on its motorcycles had increased to 31 percent from 6 percent and estimated that would add about $2,200, on average, to every motorcycle exported from the United States to the bloc. Rather than pass that cost along, the company said it would shift production to its overseas facilities to avoid the European Union tariffs.” As a company who helps business owners prepare for and manage risk, contemplating the unpredictable is our business. Oxford thrives on helping protect clients against risks that keep them up at night!