Don’t get excited. Trump’s new tariff on India will only raise $40 billion.

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Photo above - President Joe Biden appears perplexed in June 2023, as India's Prime Minister Modi promises to become America's best friend forever. Shortly afterwards, Modi began buying Russian oil, to help Putin fund his invasion of Ukraine.

I’m all for placing higher tariffs on India, as punishment for buying Russian oil. (see link below). As a fellow democracy, India should stand strong with western nations which support the independence of Ukraine. Not only is India buying Russian oil, they’re also buying Russian jets. India’s Air Force is brimming with SU30 and Mig 29 jet fighters. Putin is plowing his profits from those oil and weapons purchase right back into its invasion of Ukraine.

But I doubt if the $40 billion tariff hit is going to deter India from its misbehavior. The self described “Jewel of the East” is gearing up to fight wars with both Pakistan and China. Non-nuclear, we certainly hope. As far as that goes, India buys its uranium from Canada. Hey, could you guys north of the border please behave also? And put out your damn forest fires! This is the second year in a row.

I’m pretty sure I could manage to live without fast-fashion100% polyester tops imported from India, if it comes to that. Probably basmati rice too. But tariffs on rice and cheap clothes aren’t going to bring any jobs back to America.

If Trump was serious about jobs, he’d impose tariffs call centers, and help desks. Those are the sort of jobs which people in small town America could easily do with their high school diplomas. And the $40 billion we get from import tariffs - if Trump doesn't chicken out again - would only fund the US government for 1 day or so . . .

I’m just sayin’ . . .

Trump’s 50% Tariff May Clip India Growth by 1%, Analysts Say