Raising tariffs won’t fix the trade deficit

4 comments

1. Indeed, nearly all of the factors offsetting tariffs described above were apparent after Trump’s 2018-2019 hikes, which left the trade deficit **entirely unchanged**. This is just one episode, of course, but analysis by IMF researchers of 151 economies over several decades confirms that **tariff hikes have little effect on the trade balance**.

2. Much like his first term the Trump administration is going to loot the government for private interests.

3. The stated reasons for tariffs and the actual reasons for tariffs may vary. Tariffs allow the President to pick winners and losers, grant exceptions, and get favors. This is a means to force countries and oligarchs to obey or be punished. We are reliving McKinley and the Gilded Age.

4. I’m waiting for the Trump bros.

   It’s all just a negotiating tactic. Trump isn’t serious. Gina gonna pay. Tariffs lower prices! Supreme Orange Leader loves us!

   Please shoot me in the fucking face.

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