We're sunsetting PodQuest on 2025-07-28. Thank you for your support!
Export Podcast Subscriptions
cover of episode Larry Summers: ‘Smart Businesses Are Going to Maintain Flexibility’

Larry Summers: ‘Smart Businesses Are Going to Maintain Flexibility’

2025/7/1
logo of podcast HBR IdeaCast

HBR IdeaCast
AI Deep Dive AI Chapters Transcript
People
L
Larry Summers
Topics
Larry Summers: 我认为关税政策对美国经济来说是一种自我伤害，它提高了物价，增加了失业率，并降低了大多数行业的竞争力。这些政策不太可能大幅提高美国企业的总体竞争力，也不太可能对贸易逆差产生大的有利影响。更糟糕的是，这些政策会疏远其他国家，并可能对中国构成战略礼物。因此，我认为美国应该避免将关税提高到接近斯姆特-霍利关税法的水平。尽管如此，我认为企业最终的评价标准是其产品，许多美国公司生产的产品在全球范围内一直并将继续有强劲的需求。所以，我认为聪明的企业会保持灵活性，并制定在各种不同环境下都能良好运作的稳健策略。美国已经并将继续大幅提高关税，企业应该将此纳入规划。当然，具体规则仍存在不确定性，其他国家可能会做出让步，这将影响一些企业的出口机会。

Deep Dive

Chapters
Larry Summers discusses the negative impacts of tariffs on the American economy, including increased prices and unemployment. He argues that these policies are unlikely to improve American competitiveness or reduce the trade deficit. He advises businesses to maintain flexibility and develop strategies that work in various environments.
  • Tariffs raise prices and increase unemployment.
  • Tariffs reduce competitiveness by raising input prices.
  • Smart businesses maintain flexibility and robust strategies for various economic environments.

Shownotes Transcript

Lawrence H. Summers, former U.S. Treasury Secretary and President Emeritus of Harvard University, has seen the ups and downs of the American economy throughout the decades. As leaders today contend with fears of economic downturn, the growth of artificial intelligence, tariffs, inflation and more, he shares what he thinks we should—and shouldn’t—be worried about. He also discusses how he believes businesses can create stability through macroeconomic uncertainty, and how coming technological and economic forces will shift the labor market, policy agendas, and more.