Trump's Tariff on China - what's the truth?

Poll - Total Votes: 22

Agree with Trump on the Tariff

Disagree with Trump on the Tariff

You can only vote on one answer.

I am confused about Trump's tariff on Chinese goods. Trump declares that the tariffs are absorbed by the Chinese and that it has no effect on the American consumer. American retail companies say that this is not the case. Prominent economists from major banks and universities also say that this is not the case.

Retailers and economists agree that prices on the Chinese goods sold here in America will increase and this means more cost to the American consumer.

Trump says that both the retail industry and economists do not know what they are talking about. He has more expertise than these groups because he is a billionaire businessman and he knows how to make a deal ... and that millions of his MAGA followers agree with him.

I don't think that because his millions of followers support him that this negates what the American retailers and economists are claiming. Nor does it follow that just because one can make deals means that one is an expert with such complex subjects such as trade economics, market supply and international currency exchange.

Has our country finally reached the point that we believe a demagogue over facts coming from the evidence provided by experts?

If this is so, I'm genuinely concerned. This is beginning to take on more and more the aura of 1938 Germany.

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MarmeeMarch · M

to hell with china - stop importing from them and they will be crippled - maybe we can start making things here again - wow., what a thought

SW-User

@MarmeeMarch With all the regulations, taxes, salary expectations, etc.. The price for the same goods would be many times higher than an identical one from China.
This is why manufacturing left many western nations in the first place and outsourcing became the way of business.
This is why it has not happened and will not happen.
If it ever occurred that China were excluded, there would be an equally cheap or nearly as cheap alternative to replace it.

MarmeeMarch · M

@SW-User I know all that - but with more jobs in the USA more people would be able to afford the higher prices.

SW-User

@MarmeeMarch Even if we grant that as true, it could take a long time in optimal conditions and in the mean time and / or with sub-optimal variables the economy may well suffer to a point where that's just not so viable in reality.
Love Chinese imports or hate them..
I doubt they will go away anytime soon.

MarmeeMarch · M

@SW-User I know not all at once - of course. -- But we could limit and eventually ween ourselves from them

SW-User

@MarmeeMarch Yes. It's a possibility in the long term.
It may well increase domestic manufacturing so long as the end costs aren't too high either in consumer's minds, or pockets.. Or those of corporations.
Otherwise there are other nations which will simply replace China as sources of cheap goods and either subdue or completely stifle the potential increase in domestic manufacturing.
Sure, its possible, absolutely yes, but the journey must be taken with care and forethought.
In essence, I agree with you, but I have doubts about the will and prudence of the powers who would plan, implement and oversee such a plan.. They may end up killing a good idea with even the slightest of political shenanigans and chicanery.