Berkshire Hathaway operating earnings dip 4% as conglomerate braces for tariff impact
Berkshire's operating profit — those from the company's wholly owned businesses including insurance and railroads — dipped 4% year over year to $11.16 billion in the second quarter. The results were impacted by a decline in insurance underwriting, while railroad, energy, manufacturing, service and retailing all saw higher profits from a year ago.
The Omaha-based conglomerate once again issued a stern warning of President Donald Trump's tariffs and the potential impact on its various businesses.
"The pace of changes in these events, including tensions from developing international trade policies and tariffs, accelerated through the first six months of 2025," Berkshire said in its earnings report. "Considerable uncertainty remains as to the ultimate outcome of these events."
"It is reasonably possible there could be adverse consequences on most, if not all, of our operating businesses, as well as on our investments in equity securities, which could significantly affect our future results," it said.
Buffett's cash hoard fell slightly to $344.1 billion, from the $347 billion level at the end of March.
The conglomerate didn't repurchase any stock in the first half of 2025 even as shares declined more than 10% from a record high.
In May, the 94-year-old "Oracle of Omaha" announced that he's stepping down as CEO at the end of 2025 after experiencing the physical effects of aging. Greg Abel, Berkshire's vice-chairman of non-insurance operations, is set to take over as CEO, while Buffett will remain as chairman of Berkshire's board.
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(Reuters) -The tariffs U.S. President Donald Trump imposed last week on scores of countries are likely to stay in place rather than be cut as part of continuing negotiations, Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Sunday. Ahead of a Friday deadline, Trump set rates including a 35% duty on many goods from Canada, 50% for Brazil, 25% for India, 20% for Taiwan and 39% for Switzerland, according to a presidential executive order. In trade talks since Trump returned to office, the White House has lowered some rates from levels initially announced, including halving import duties set last week as part of a deal with the European Union. Greer told CBS's Face the Nation on Sunday, however, that this would not be the case on the most recent round of tariffs. "A lot of these are set rates pursuant to deals. Some of these deals are announced, some are not, others depend on the level of the trade deficit or surplus we may have with the country," he said. "These tariff rates are pretty much set." Read more here. Trump introduces tiers for trade partners in latest approach to tariff President Trump is moving forward on a new suite of tariff rates with an approach increasingly focused on grouping countries into tiers, as opposed to a previous approach of simply looking at the trade balance. The new approach remains heavily influenced by either a trade surplus or a deficit but has grown more complex — some might say more subjective — leading to some consolidation in rate levels and the lowering of rates for many countries to a key new standard of 15%. The new landscape was reflected in Thursday night's executive action announcing rates, which centered around the 15% rate set to be in place next week in about 40 countries. Countries facing that rate include major trading partners that recently struck deals, such as Europe and Japan, as well as smaller nations, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. More than 100 countries were excluded altogether from this week's announcement, meaning their rate will stay at 10%. Meanwhile, a third group of about 30 countries will see higher rates ranging from 18% to 50%. Trump and his team are taking an approach that could simplify future negotiations and be more in line with global trade dynamics. Read more here. President Trump is moving forward on a new suite of tariff rates with an approach increasingly focused on grouping countries into tiers, as opposed to a previous approach of simply looking at the trade balance. The new approach remains heavily influenced by either a trade surplus or a deficit but has grown more complex — some might say more subjective — leading to some consolidation in rate levels and the lowering of rates for many countries to a key new standard of 15%. The new landscape was reflected in Thursday night's executive action announcing rates, which centered around the 15% rate set to be in place next week in about 40 countries. Countries facing that rate include major trading partners that recently struck deals, such as Europe and Japan, as well as smaller nations, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. More than 100 countries were excluded altogether from this week's announcement, meaning their rate will stay at 10%. Meanwhile, a third group of about 30 countries will see higher rates ranging from 18% to 50%. Trump and his team are taking an approach that could simplify future negotiations and be more in line with global trade dynamics. Read more here. Berkshire's consumer goods companies feel the sting of Trump's tariffs Not even the Oracle of Omaha can avoid the pinch of President Trump's trade war, it seems. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway said Saturday its consumer goods businesses felt the impact of Trump's trade policy, which raised tariffs on imported goods, Reuters reported: Read more here. Not even the Oracle of Omaha can avoid the pinch of President Trump's trade war, it seems. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway said Saturday its consumer goods businesses felt the impact of Trump's trade policy, which raised tariffs on imported goods, Reuters reported: Read more here. US has 'makings of a deal' with China, Bessent says Treasury Secretary said on X that the US has "makings of a deal" with China. Reuters reports: Read more here. Treasury Secretary said on X that the US has "makings of a deal" with China. Reuters reports: Read more here. 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You can check out the latest action and updates in our markets live blog. Stocks came under pressure Friday after President Trump unveiled his plan for sweeping tariffs on almost all trading partners. Also weighing on sentiment were further signs of cracks in the labor market, punctuated by a weaker-than-expected jobs report released Friday morning. You can check out the latest action and updates in our markets live blog. Trump's 40% penalty for tariff dodging missing key details President Trump's tariff surprises are far from over. The US president has threatened to slap an extra 40% tariff on any product that Washington determines to be transshipped via another country. Its believed that this may be punishment, aimed at stopping goods mainly from China dodging US duties. The penalty for transshipping, which is when goods are moved from one type of transport to another, while on the way to where they're going, was included within the White house announcement on Thursday. But countries still do not have all the details. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. President Trump's tariff surprises are far from over. The US president has threatened to slap an extra 40% tariff on any product that Washington determines to be transshipped via another country. Its believed that this may be punishment, aimed at stopping goods mainly from China dodging US duties. The penalty for transshipping, which is when goods are moved from one type of transport to another, while on the way to where they're going, was included within the White house announcement on Thursday. But countries still do not have all the details. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Trump unleashes massive tariffs on Swiss watches, pharma firms Switzerland's exporters are bracing for financial fallout from President Trump's 39% tariffs, one of the steepest rates globally in his escalating trade war. From watch makers to pharmaceutical companies the knock on effect of Trump's new tariffs will be felt. The new tariffs on Switzerland are part of a broader package announced by Trump on Thursday. But Swiss manufacturers warned on Friday that tens of thousands of jobs are at risk due to Trump's tariff hit. Trump's 39% tariffs on Swiss exports do exclude the country's drug sector, but pharmaceutical companies Novartis AG (NVS) and Roche Holding (RHHBY) were one of the 17 global pharma firms to receive a letter from Trump demanding lower prices. "It's a massive shock for the export industry and for the whole country. We are really stunned," said Jean-Philippe Kohl, deputy director of Swissmem, representing the mechanical and electrical engineering industries. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Switzerland's exporters are bracing for financial fallout from President Trump's 39% tariffs, one of the steepest rates globally in his escalating trade war. From watch makers to pharmaceutical companies the knock on effect of Trump's new tariffs will be felt. The new tariffs on Switzerland are part of a broader package announced by Trump on Thursday. But Swiss manufacturers warned on Friday that tens of thousands of jobs are at risk due to Trump's tariff hit. Trump's 39% tariffs on Swiss exports do exclude the country's drug sector, but pharmaceutical companies Novartis AG (NVS) and Roche Holding (RHHBY) were one of the 17 global pharma firms to receive a letter from Trump demanding lower prices. "It's a massive shock for the export industry and for the whole country. We are really stunned," said Jean-Philippe Kohl, deputy director of Swissmem, representing the mechanical and electrical engineering industries. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Trump unleashes delayed shock for global economy Four months after Donald Trump rattled markets by revealing steep tariff plans, his latest update has drawn a quieter response from investors. Still, average tariffs now sit at 15% - some of the highest since the 1930s - with rates rising further for countries that run trade surpluses with the US. So far, the global economy has absorbed the impact better than expected, but with the new tariffs kicking in that resilience may be tested. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Four months after Donald Trump rattled markets by revealing steep tariff plans, his latest update has drawn a quieter response from investors. Still, average tariffs now sit at 15% - some of the highest since the 1930s - with rates rising further for countries that run trade surpluses with the US. So far, the global economy has absorbed the impact better than expected, but with the new tariffs kicking in that resilience may be tested. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Copper set for weekly drop on LME after Trump's tariff surprise Copper (HG=F) prices edged higher on Friday but were on track for a weekly drop in London as the market took stock of President Trump's decision to exempt refined forms of the metal from hefty US import tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Copper (HG=F) prices edged higher on Friday but were on track for a weekly drop in London as the market took stock of President Trump's decision to exempt refined forms of the metal from hefty US import tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Bangladesh secures 20% US tariff for garments, exporters relieved Bangladesh has negotiated a 20% tariff on exports to the US. This tariff rate has reduced from the initial 37% proposed by President Trump and has brought some relief to the world's second-largest garment supplier. Reuters reports: Read more here. Bangladesh has negotiated a 20% tariff on exports to the US. This tariff rate has reduced from the initial 37% proposed by President Trump and has brought some relief to the world's second-largest garment supplier. Reuters reports: Read more here. BOJ: US tariffs could hit firms' profits, delay capex plans The Bank of Japan warned on Friday that profits of Japanese firms are likely to fall this year due to President Trump's US tariffs. This will lead many companies in Japan to downgrade capital expenditure plans. The central bank has signalled caution over an expected hit to the export-dependent economy. Reuters reports: Read more here. The Bank of Japan warned on Friday that profits of Japanese firms are likely to fall this year due to President Trump's US tariffs. This will lead many companies in Japan to downgrade capital expenditure plans. The central bank has signalled caution over an expected hit to the export-dependent economy. Reuters reports: Read more here. Trump hikes tariffs on Canada to 35%, outlines sweeping new duties on dozens of trade partners The White House took a step forward with President Trump's plan to remake the trade landscape by releasing new details Thursday evening that included a raft of new tariff rates now formally authorized by executive order, which set new levels from 15% to 40% on over 70 countries. The move represents a giant shakeup in the US's trade order, with outlined rates that range from a 35% tariff on Canada (up from 25%) to rates above 30% on nations from Algeria to Switzerland. But there's a last minute catch, as these new rates will not go into effect for seven days, instead of a midnight Friday deadline as originally planned — according to the text of the order. India, after initial high hopes for a deal that have bogged down in recent weeks, is set to face a 25% rate but now appears to have another week to negotiate. Taiwan is another top US trading partner and is set to see a 20% rate. The White House documentation released Thursday also confirmed some of the parameters of recent deals including 19%-20% rates on a range of Southeast Asian nations and an unchanged 10% rate on the United Kingdom. Dozens of other nations also saw their tariff rates upped to 15% from 10% — in line with deals sketched out in recent days that included that headline 15% tariff rate on Europe, South Korea, and Japan. But some nations were not included in Tuesday's release — those omitted included many nations with which the US currently has a trade surplus — who therefore are set to see their rates remain at 10%, in a surprise relief for some after comments from Trump in recent days suggested 15% would be his new minimum. Read more here. The White House took a step forward with President Trump's plan to remake the trade landscape by releasing new details Thursday evening that included a raft of new tariff rates now formally authorized by executive order, which set new levels from 15% to 40% on over 70 countries. The move represents a giant shakeup in the US's trade order, with outlined rates that range from a 35% tariff on Canada (up from 25%) to rates above 30% on nations from Algeria to Switzerland. But there's a last minute catch, as these new rates will not go into effect for seven days, instead of a midnight Friday deadline as originally planned — according to the text of the order. India, after initial high hopes for a deal that have bogged down in recent weeks, is set to face a 25% rate but now appears to have another week to negotiate. Taiwan is another top US trading partner and is set to see a 20% rate. The White House documentation released Thursday also confirmed some of the parameters of recent deals including 19%-20% rates on a range of Southeast Asian nations and an unchanged 10% rate on the United Kingdom. Dozens of other nations also saw their tariff rates upped to 15% from 10% — in line with deals sketched out in recent days that included that headline 15% tariff rate on Europe, South Korea, and Japan. But some nations were not included in Tuesday's release — those omitted included many nations with which the US currently has a trade surplus — who therefore are set to see their rates remain at 10%, in a surprise relief for some after comments from Trump in recent days suggested 15% would be his new minimum. Read more here. Trump extends Mexico's current tariff rates President Trump said he would extend Mexico's current tariff rates for another 90 days to allow for more time for negotiations. Mexico was facing tariffs of up to 35% on certain goods beginning on Friday. The reprieve came after Trump talked with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Imports from Mexico will still be subject to other tariffs, namely duties on metals and cars. President Trump said he would extend Mexico's current tariff rates for another 90 days to allow for more time for negotiations. Mexico was facing tariffs of up to 35% on certain goods beginning on Friday. The reprieve came after Trump talked with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Imports from Mexico will still be subject to other tariffs, namely duties on metals and cars. Brazil sees 35.9% of exports to US facing steeper tariff: Sources Reuters reports: Read more here. Reuters reports: Read more here. Trump: Tariffs are making 'America great and rich again' President Trump hit Truth Social again on Thursday posting that tariffs are making America "great and rich again." "ONE YEAR AGO, AMERICA WAS A DEAD COUNTRY, NOW IT IS THE 'HOTTEST'COUNTRY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!," Trump posted. The US president also had a message for Washington's federal appeal court judges, who Trump will be meeting today in order to defend his tariffs. "To all of my great lawyers who have fought so hard to save our Country, good luck in America's big case today. If our Country was not able to protect itself by using TARIFFS AGAINST TARIFFS, WE WOULD BE 'DEAD,' WITH NO CHANCE OF SURVIVAL OR SUCCESS. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" On the eve of Trump's tariff deadline the US president unleashed a flurry of surprises. With news of deals with Thailand, Cambodia and rumours of deals with Taiwan. Unless trading partners reach an agreement by tomorrow, many will face higher tariffs. President Trump hit Truth Social again on Thursday posting that tariffs are making America "great and rich again." "ONE YEAR AGO, AMERICA WAS A DEAD COUNTRY, NOW IT IS THE 'HOTTEST'COUNTRY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!," Trump posted. The US president also had a message for Washington's federal appeal court judges, who Trump will be meeting today in order to defend his tariffs. "To all of my great lawyers who have fought so hard to save our Country, good luck in America's big case today. If our Country was not able to protect itself by using TARIFFS AGAINST TARIFFS, WE WOULD BE 'DEAD,' WITH NO CHANCE OF SURVIVAL OR SUCCESS. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" On the eve of Trump's tariff deadline the US president unleashed a flurry of surprises. With news of deals with Thailand, Cambodia and rumours of deals with Taiwan. Unless trading partners reach an agreement by tomorrow, many will face higher tariffs. What's in the US-EU trade deal depends on who is doing the talking Yahoo Finance's Washington correspondent Ben Werschkul looks into the detail of the US-EU trade deal: Read more here. Yahoo Finance's Washington correspondent Ben Werschkul looks into the detail of the US-EU trade deal: Read more here. Trump back in court Thursday to defend the tariffs he plans to impose Friday US president Trump has already started to defend tariffs via his social media app Truth Social. Trump who will be meeting with US federal appeal court judges today posted that tariffs are making "America great and rich again." "To all of my great lawyers who have fought so hard to save our Country, good luck in America's big case today. If our Country was not able to protect itself by using TARIFFS AGAINST TARIFFS, WE WOULD BE 'DEAD,' WITH NO CHANCE OF SURVIVAL OR SUCCESS. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump added. Yahoo Finance's senior legal reporter Alexis Keenan breaks down President Trump's face-off with the federal appeals court judges over his tariffs: Read more here. US president Trump has already started to defend tariffs via his social media app Truth Social. Trump who will be meeting with US federal appeal court judges today posted that tariffs are making "America great and rich again." "To all of my great lawyers who have fought so hard to save our Country, good luck in America's big case today. If our Country was not able to protect itself by using TARIFFS AGAINST TARIFFS, WE WOULD BE 'DEAD,' WITH NO CHANCE OF SURVIVAL OR SUCCESS. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump added. Yahoo Finance's senior legal reporter Alexis Keenan breaks down President Trump's face-off with the federal appeals court judges over his tariffs: Read more here. Pakistan and US reach a trade agreement to develop oil reserves and reduce tariffs The US and Pakistan have announced that they have reached a trade agreement that would allow Washington to develop Pakistan's untapped oil reserves and lower tariffs for the South Asian country, officials from both nation's said on Thursday. AP reports: Read more here. The US and Pakistan have announced that they have reached a trade agreement that would allow Washington to develop Pakistan's untapped oil reserves and lower tariffs for the South Asian country, officials from both nation's said on Thursday. AP reports: Read more here. EU wine, spirits to face 15% US tariff from August 1: EU official Reuters reports: Read more here. Reuters reports: Read more here. Sign in to access your portfolio
Miami Herald
2 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Tariffs cause August grocery price surge: Five foods hit hardest
Many Americans have been struggling with the price of groceries since the pandemic. In fact, the U.S. Economic Research Service reported a 23.6% increase in food prices from 2020 to 2024. This is higher than overall inflation, which was at 21.2% during this period (and which was already near a record high). Surging prices on staples like eggs hit especially hard because, while it is possible to try to trim your grocery budget, there's only so much you can do to cut back on essentials. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Unfortunately, things are not likely to get better any time soon. In fact, things are very likely going to get worse. That's because tariffs are scheduled to go into effect on almost all U.S. trading partners. These tariffs were originally slated for August 1, but have now been pushed back to August 7. Related: Warren Buffett sends White House blunt message on the economy Tariffs are taxes on imported goods, which are inevitably passed on to consumers. If there are higher import duties due on the food you eat, you are going to pay more for it. In fact, you are going to pay significantly more for many kinds of foods because it's not that easy to just switch to sourcing certain items in the U.S. So, how will tariffs affect your grocery budget, and which items will see the biggest price surges? Let's take a look. Image source: Lysenko Andrii/Shutterstock The Tax Foundation took a close look at how the new tariffs are going to impact food prices, and it is not good news. President Trump's tariffs are expected to impact around 75% of the U.S. food imports. You don't need to be a math expert to understand that is the majority of the food that we eat. USMCA-covered goods are not subject to the tariffs, so the good news is that around 63% of agricultural imports from Mexico and Canada can continue to enter the country without added fees being imposed. Related: White House accidentally shares dark plan for Social Security However, food imports not covered by USMCA will face new tariffs of 25%, with scheduled increases to go as high as 35% or 30% for Canada and Mexico. Since the administration has already put tariffs in place totaling between 10% and 30%, some countries' imports will now face tariffs exceeding 30% if the reciprocal tariffs end up going into effect on August 7. Consumers will largely have to cover a substantial added cost, given that the grocery business' profit margin is pretty thin, making it difficult for others up the supply chain to eat the cost. The Tax Foundation explained that not all foods are going to be equally impacted by the new tariffs. The top five foods that are expected to be hit hardest, in order, include: Liquor and spiritsBaked goodsCoffeeFishBeer Unfortunately, in many cases, these items can't really be swapped out in a one-for-one exchange with products made in the U.S. More on personal finance: Dave Ramsey offers urgent thoughts about MedicareJean Chatzky shares major statement on Social SecurityTony Robbins has blunt words on IRAs,401(k)s If you love your Russian Vodka or your Brazilian coffee, for example, you may not want to swap out these specialized products for U.S. versions that you find to be inferior. Unlike some products, food and drink items aren't just interchangeable. Unless a further change is made to tariff policy, which isn't an impossibility given the many shifts that have occurred, consumers had better start getting ready for this unpleasant reality. August 7 is going to be here before you know it, and your grocery bills may just get a lot bigger when the fateful date arrives. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
