Trump And Xi Jinping's Tariff Threats May Be 'Just For The LOLz,' Says Analyst: 'It's Not Like This Is A Great Financial Crisis'
Benzinga (Sat, 12-Apr 12:21 AM)
Despite growing concerns about renewed trade tensions between Washington and Beijing, one analyst says the drama may be more performative than policy-driven.
What Happened: Marko Papic, chief strategist at BCA Research, downplayed the long-term impact of escalating U.S.-China tariff rhetoric, suggesting that the latest threats may be largely symbolic and unlikely to result in sustained economic disruption.
"As the kids would say — just for the LOLz," Papic said in an interview with CNBC on Friday, referencing what he sees as political posturing from both sides.
His comments come after China's finance ministry accused the U.S. of "bullying" and warned that aggressive tariff policies could make America look like a "joke" on the global stage.
Papic acknowledged that markets are reacting to fears of a policy-induced slowdown, particularly in sectors like commodities, but said those concerns may be exaggerated. "It's not like this is a great financial crisis," he noted.
He's also not convinced that these trade policies— tariffs and bringing manufacturing back—will actually work or happen as planned. "When was the last time any U.S. policymaker actually referred to them [tariffs] as revenue raisers?"
See Also: Oil Crashes To $60 Per Barrel As Global Recession ...
