When the President Trump decides to implement policies, most people have to accept what he has done and try to work with it. Then there are a group of people whose phones begin to ring to lobbyists to do what lobbyists try to do which is influence the policy, so it does not affect them. We all know in principle how it happens, once in while you see it, but the tariffs have seemingly brought in lobbying wider open.

In an article by Tony Romm of the New York Times News Service, when President Trump steep tariffs threatened to double or triple the price of iPhones, Apple CEO Tim Cook called the President and secured a reprieve for his company and the broader electronics industry.

The lobbyists saw what the President had done or made a carve-out all wanted a carve-out for their people. The agriculture, construction, manufacturing, retail and technology industries have plead their cases.

Then came the company CEOs, anyone who has shopped at Walmart or Target knows many of their goods come from China and Southeast Asia, the CEOs raised their concerns with the President. Target spokesman Jim Joice said they had a productive meeting. CEO Doug McMillion of Walmart acknowledged the many variables, but it was productive.

The EVP for government relations at the National Retail Federation, David French said his industry had sought a meeting with President Trump. While they may agree they want to purchase more goods made in the US, supply lines cannot be reconfigured overnight. Particularly if steep import taxes on machinery and other critical components result in substantially higher manufacturing costs. As well in the retail industry, companies order for 6 months out, not for next month.

Charles Crain, managing VP for policy at the National Association of Manufacturers wants the administration to scope out specific manufacturing inputs that we need to make things in the US.

Kip Eideber, SVP for government relations at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers said if the administration wants to strengthen US manufacturing and bolstering our global competitiveness, then there needs to be relief (or government grants and incentives).

Some business groups are warning the White House the companies may not be able to create the factories and jobs without stable financial markets, available labor and access to raw materials – all inputs that maybe more expensive by the rise in tariff rates.

Linking to dividend paying stocks, all people have the same goal, how they get there is the issue. For investing you are looking for solid, secure companies that will be in business for a number of years and can pay profits along the way. There will be some ups and downs in the marketplace but you are expecting the government neither overtly helps or hurts them, you are looking for steady as she goes, to use a nautical term. The less storms as possible, particularly self-made or you will looking to the lobbyists.

There are more questions than answers, till the next time – to raising questions.