It’s “liberation day” . . . again? But does anybody really know which nations are subject to which tariff rates? Import policy by tweets . . .

Photo above - this image was served up by Google when I entered the search term "Best things to do in Lesotho". Lesotho is subject to the highest Trump tariff levels, at 50%.

August 1, 2025. A day that will live in . . . obscurity? It’s supposedly “liberation day”, version 2.0. Version 1.0 was on April 2nd. Changed from April 1st by some astute White House quisling.

I’m uncertain how higher tariffs on everything I buy is supposed to liberate me. If there are more jobs being created, there is no evidence of it in our tent cities or barrios or automakers. Ford has announced multiple layoffs in 2025 and cancelled at least one new factory which was under construction. My mom bought a new car last week. It was a Kia, but it was made in America. That helps, I suppose.

At this writing, I cannot say for certain if any of the proposed August 1st additional tariffs are in effect, or postponed by a midnight tweet again. Mexico might be postponed. And I thought Mexico was the whole point. Bring automaking back to the USA. Stop narcotics gangs and human traffickers. None of that has actually happened, as far as I can tell.

Fed Chairman Jerome Powell was a dissenter in the most recent interest rate deliberations. He actually wanted to RAISE the Fed Funds rate. Jerry was evidently talked out of it by the other Fed governors, who stay in closer touch with main street. Evidently home construction needs to be strangled even more with higher mortgage rates, in Powell’s thinking.

Allegedly, the highest US tariff rate – 50% - is on “Lesotho”. That’s in Africa, near Botswana and Mozambique. Most of Lesotho's exports are clothing. But all fast fashion I buy comes from Pakistan and Vietnam. The tariff on THOSE nations' clothing is only 20%. Allegedly.

Tariffs are now 35% on everything from Switzerland. Evidently the White House is positioning America for manufacturing boom in chocolate bars and collectable watches. But why are tariffs on Zimbabwe and Zambia only 15%. Is there some crazy angle that I’m missing here?

All the tariff numbers above are subject to change, however. The Wikipedia page (link below) is undated, but claims these rates will be in effect on August 1st. Unless someone tweets otherwise at midnight. Or the day after. Or a week from Sunday . . .

I’m just sayin’ . . .

Global Markets Drop After Trump Moves to Raise Tariffs on Scores of Nations

US Import Tariffs by Country 2025 | Stats & Facts – The Global Statistics

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exchrist · 31-35

Its all blatant market manipulation to extract as much profit from fluctuating markets. Every time the mind attled president makes a tweet people react. The market sinks or rises and people buy or sell to make untold profits. Is the u.s. making progress paying its bills? Idk but unless it is and if it is this all constitutes insider trading by high excellency DJT.
Illegal; but rich old white men can do anything they want and pay lower taxes while the rest of us will forever foot the bill.

SusanInFlorida · 31-35, F

@exchrist if this is true, then the NYT and WaPo should get on this and release the details of (alleged) insider trades by Trump or his cronies. But they haven't, and I doubt if they're in collusion.

it's hard to see how Trump is profiting from drops in Tesla, Lululemon (clothing) and United Healthcare unless he is shorting those companies. that should be a matter of public record, if it actually happened.

my theory is that this (tariff yo-yo's) are all a distraction by trump to push his MAGA followers away from media focus on Epstein, the Gaza war, and the lack of progress on deporting aliens with felony warrants.

just a theory.

exchrist · 31-35

@SusanInFlorida id say your right on it being a distraction from epstein and Trump's obvious involvement is absolutely true.
My postulation regarding DJT and other wealthy types avoiding taxes does seem to be valid; plus it is constantly being relitigated; suggesting he was found guilty but is trying to use loopholes to weasel out of consequences. Unfortunately, the judicial system is bought; so the supreme court though lifetime appointed is somehow loyal to certain players only. Hopefully those judges come to realize their immunity and start enforcing the rules of the land. Unfortunately, DJT is increasngly using mafia and soviet\russian intimidation tactics; so survival instinct is likely to weigh more heavily than honor and fulfilling job duties.

exchrist · 31-35

@SusanInFlorida put options are a thing. Betting that a stock will fall.