US tariffs not only killing trade, but chilling investment, leaders warn

Uncertainties created by the United States’ tariff blitz are not only disrupting global supply chains, but also causing investors to delay decisions, entrepreneurs and policymakers said at the “Summer Davos” forum.

“Everybody is pausing” due to the uncertainty over US trade policies, which are creating a “very challenging” situation for global businesses, said Victor Chu Lap-lik, chairman and CEO of the Hong Kong-based First Eastern Investment Group, during a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum event.

“If you were to build an additional plant today, you can’t price your investment because you don’t know what the actual pricing will be three or four years down the road,” he added.

“And there are feelings that if you invest in certain countries, you’ll get pressure from other governments.”