Foreign shareholders going to Omaha for Berkshire meeting face new puzzle

The Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting, also known as Warren Buffett’s “Woodstock for Capitalists,” has always been a highly anticipated event for investors around the world. However, this year, the international attendees faced new challenges due to the current political climate.

Xin Jin, a Chinese investor from Guangzhou, had planned to attend the meeting in Omaha for the second time in May. He had invested half of his assets in Berkshire’s stock in 2012 and had seen significant profits. Despite his admiration for Buffett, Jin was hesitant to travel internationally due to the ongoing political tensions.

Similarly, a consumer-focused investor from Shanghai, who had attended the meeting three times in the past, decided to skip this year’s event due to the hostile environment for international travelers. Another Chinese shareholder noted a decrease in third-party agencies organizing trips to Omaha, indicating a decline in international attendance.

The escalating global trade war initiated by President Donald Trump has strained relations between the U.S. and other countries, particularly China. The Chinese government issued a risk alert for its citizens traveling to the U.S., citing economic tensions and domestic security concerns.

Despite these challenges, Berkshire’s annual meeting remains a significant event, attracting up to 40,000 attendees to Nebraska. Investors have the opportunity to hear from Warren Buffett, his successor Greg Abel, and Berkshire’s insurance chief, Ajit Jain. The Q&A session will be broadcast in English and Mandarin on CNBC.

Buffett, who has acknowledged the increasing international attendance at the meeting, used to host special receptions for foreign visitors. However, as the number of international attendees grew, he discontinued the event to accommodate the growing demand.

In conclusion, while the political climate may have deterred some international investors from attending the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting, the event continues to be a valuable opportunity for investors to gain insights from one of the most successful investors in the world. Buffett’s wisdom and expertise remain a draw for investors from around the globe, despite the challenges of international travel in today’s turbulent times.