“We Will See Empty Shelves”: CNBC Commentator Warns of Prolonged U.S.-China Trade Talks

As U.S.-China trade negotiations face delays, experts warn of significant economic repercussions. Torsten Slok, chief economist at Apollo, highlighted that a sharp decline in container-ship departures from China could lead to empty store shelves and shortages reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic. Major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Home Depot have expressed concerns to President Trump about the disruptive impact of tariffs on supply chains and rising costs. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that de-escalation efforts must come from China, given the imbalance in trade volumes. The situation underscores the urgency for swift resolution to prevent further economic strain.