Target, Best Buy CEOs warn of price increases as tariffs take effect

Core Insights - The CEOs of Target and Best Buy have expressed concerns that new tariffs will pressure profits and increase consumer prices [1][3][9] - The U.S. has imposed a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico and doubled tariffs on Chinese imports, escalating a trade war [2][5] - Retailers anticipate that the costs from tariffs will be passed on to consumers, leading to price increases [4][7] Company-Specific Insights - Target's CEO, Brian Cornell, indicated that price increases on imported fruits and vegetables are likely within days due to tariffs on Mexico [1][3] - Best Buy's CEO, Corie Barry, noted that while the company directly imports only 2% to 3% of its products, vendors are expected to pass tariff costs to retailers, resulting in higher prices for consumers [4] - Both companies expect meaningful profit pressure in the first quarter compared to the rest of the year due to tariff uncertainties [3] Industry-Wide Concerns - Other retailers, including Dollar Tree and Walmart, have raised alarms about the impact of tariffs on product costs and inventory management [7][9] - Goldman Sachs has also highlighted that increased tariffs will likely lead to higher costs for American consumers [9]