# EMS & The Economist: Liberation Day Shockwaves, Tariffs and Global Trade Disruptions

- Show: [EMS@C-LEVEL](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level)
- Published: 2025-04-04
- Length: 26m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-04-04-ems-the-economist-liberation-day-shockwaves-tariffs-and-global-trade-disruptions

## Summary

Shawn DuBravac, Chief Economist of IPC, joins host Philip Stoten to analyze the economic shockwaves from the White House's 'Liberation Day' tariff announcements, which impose rates of 46% on Vietnamese goods and 34% on Chinese imports. DuBravac explains that these tariffs are disrupting electronics supply chains, particularly for laptops, where Vietnam has captured 27% of US imports, potentially driving prices up by nearly 48% and triggering a recession risk. The conversation highlights how companies are responding with automation, supplier switching, and contract renegotiations, while Mexico and Canada emerge as beneficiaries due to USMCA exemptions.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-04-04-ems-the-economist-liberation-day-shockwaves-tariffs-and-global-trade-disruptions#t=6) Introduction: Shawn DuBravac and IPC
- [0:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-04-04-ems-the-economist-liberation-day-shockwaves-tariffs-and-global-trade-disruptions#t=53) Executive Sentiment and Liberation Day Uncertainty
- [3:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-04-04-ems-the-economist-liberation-day-shockwaves-tariffs-and-global-trade-disruptions#t=199) Impact of 46% Vietnam and 34% China Tariffs on Laptops
- [8:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-04-04-ems-the-economist-liberation-day-shockwaves-tariffs-and-global-trade-disruptions#t=499) USMCA Exemptions: Mexico and Canada as Winners
- [12:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-04-04-ems-the-economist-liberation-day-shockwaves-tariffs-and-global-trade-disruptions#t=724) Rising Recession Probability and Consumer Spending
- [15:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-04-04-ems-the-economist-liberation-day-shockwaves-tariffs-and-global-trade-disruptions#t=915) European Supply Chain Rewiring and Defense Investment
- [17:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-04-04-ems-the-economist-liberation-day-shockwaves-tariffs-and-global-trade-disruptions#t=1041) Manufacturer Responses: Automation, Hiring Freezes, and IPC's Role

## Topics

- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)

## Most relevant to

established companies

## Mentioned

- IPC (company)
- USTR (other)
- USMCA (other)
- Koh Young (company)
- Global Electronics Association (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Bonus: Tariffs 101 with Aaron Alpeter](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2025-02-06-bonus-tariffs-101-with-aaron-alpeter) (The Startup CPG Podcast)
- [Episode 114: More Semi Tariff Chaos, Lip Bu's Plan, TSMC Earnings](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2025-04-21-episode-114-more-semi-tariff-chaos-lip-bus-plan-tsmc-earnings) (The Circuit)
- [World Trade Futurity (WTF)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-11-11-world-trade-futurity-wtf) (The Amp Hour)
- [US-China Train Wreck](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2019-05-24-us-china-train-wreck) (EE Times Current)
- [124: Tariff Talk](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2025-05-08-124-tariff-talk) (Thoroughly Considered)

## Citing this page

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