Damian J. Troise, AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) – Uncertainty about tariffs and an unpredictable trade war places emphasis on companies that want to report latest financial results and provide financial forecasts to investors.
Some tariffs continue to exist on major US trading partners, while others have been postponed to allow states time to negotiate. Tariffs and trade pictures have been shifted for several months, and sometimes change dramatically every day. These shifts make it difficult for businesses and investors to make reliable assessments of costs and sales impacts.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bescent said on Tuesday he hopes for a “escalation” in the trade war between the US and China, but warned that talks between the two have not yet been formally launched.
Here’s how some large companies are dealing with tariff disruptions:
Tesla
Tesla is in a better position than most auto companies, and it deals with tariffs as it makes most of the US cars domestically. However, it still procures materials from other countries and faces import taxes.
It has a major impact on the company’s energy business. The company said the impact would be “bold” as it sources LFP battery cells from China.
China, the world’s largest electric vehicle market, could hurt China as it retaliates against US Tesla. Earlier this month, they were forced to suspend orders from mainland customers for two models, the Model S and Model X.
President Donald Trump’s adviser Elon Musk reiterated Tuesday that he thought it was “a good idea of prosperity.” However, he added that he will ultimately decide on the tariffs that the president will impose.
Akzo Nobel
The Amsterdam-based manufacturer of paints and coatings for industrial and commercial use said the major risks from tariffs could pose a form of low demand for the product.
The company said almost all of its finished products in the US are produced locally, with most of the raw materials being sourced locally.
“For many years, we have intentionally made both sourcing and production in the US local,” CEO Gregoire Pooh Guilame said in a conference call with analysts. “We also operate primarily in China for China, instead using other parts of Asia as our export base.”
The company’s products range from paints and coatings for the automotive industry to do-it-yourself homeowners. Wide tariffs can narrow down consumers and businesses and damage sales.
Boston Scientific
The medical device manufacturer hopes that most of the tariff effects will be hit by the company later this year, but it says it can absorb the effects.
The company has raised its annual revenue and revenue forecast despite tariffs. It estimates the $200 million impact of tariffs in 2025, but said it could offset that with higher sales and reductions in discretionary spending.
The company said it has long-standing supply chains around the world and has invested heavily in the US.
Boeing
Boeing said much of its supply chain is in the US, and many of its imports from Canada and Mexico are exempt from tariffs under existing trade agreements.
The company has suppliers in Japan and Italy, and is expected to recover these tariff costs. The net annual cost of increased tariffs in the supply chain is less than $500 million.
A greater concern is the possibility of retaliatory tariffs that could affect the ability to deliver aircraft. China, a key target for US tariffs, has been retaliated in part as it no longer accepts delivery of Boeing aircraft.
AT&T
AT&T, like its fellow telecoms, costs more mobile phones and other devices.
The company said it believes it can manage higher costs than expected based on some tariffs and the current suspension of its supply chain.
“The magnitude of any increase depends on a variety of factors, including the degree to which vendors receive tariffs and the impact that tariffs will have on consumer and business demand,” CEO John Stankey said in a conference call with analysts.
Original issue: April 23, 2025, 1:46pm EDT
