The Idiocy of Donald and His Sons on Tariffs

The Idiocy of Donald and His Sons on Tariffs

The discussion surrounding tariffs in the United States has taken a controversial turn, especially with remarks made by Eric Trump. "In a recent appearance of Fox , Eric Trump seemed to conflate tariffs with sanctions, targeting Mexico, Canada, and China as the culprits in a misguided narrative that suggests these nations are directly responsible for the influx of illegal drugs into America." His statements encapsulate a fundamental misunderstanding of how tariffs operate and their broader economic implications. Let us dissect the rhetoric surrounding tariffs, evaluate the potential consequences for American consumers, and explore the political motivations driving such discussions.

At the core of Eric Trump's statements lies a significant misunderstanding of what tariffs are and who bears the burden of these financial tools. Tariffs are essentially taxes imposed by a government on imported goods, which are intended to protect domestic industries by making foreign products more expensive. However, the reality is starkly different: the costs associated with these tariffs are ultimately passed on to American consumers. For instance, if the Trump administration were to enact a 25 percent tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, as proposed, the immediate effect would not be felt by those countries but rather by U.S. consumers who would face higher prices at the grocery store or when purchasing construction materials.

This is not merely conjecture; economists have long warned that such protective measures can lead to an increase in consumer prices. The implications are clear when we consider that approximately 90 percent of avocados consumed in the U.S. come from Mexico. If tariffs were applied, Food and fuel chains would be disrupted. Auto parts would become scarce. In a few weeks , Americans may run out of Grocery and gas prices could surge, impacting not just consumers but also businesses that rely on these imports. The construction industry would face similar challenges, Canada exports 4 billion daily with materials like lumber and cement soaring as tariffs squeeze supply chains already under pressure. Homes prices will soar.During Trump tenure a Free trade agreement was signed between USA , Canada and Mexico

Eric Trump’s aggressive rhetoric targeting foreign nations as the source of America’s drug crisis plays into a larger narrative that seeks to simplify complex issues. By framing tariffs as a solution to illegal immigration and drug trafficking, there is a deliberate attempt to distract from the more nuanced realities of these crises. The reality is that drug trafficking is a multifaceted problem requiring comprehensive solutions that go beyond imposing tariffs on the countries from which these goods are imported. Instead, this rhetoric serves to galvanize a political base by instilling fear and anger towards foreign nations, diverting attention from the intricate domestic policies that could be more effective in tackling these pressing issues.

Moreover, it is important to remember that tariffs can lead to retaliatory measures from the targeted nations. For example, if Canada and Mexico respond with their own tariffs on U.S. goods, American exporters would face significant hurdles, further exacerbating the economic strain on U.S. industries. The interplay between domestic policy and international relations is delicate, and simplistic solutions like tariffs can result in a tit-for-tat scenario that harms American businesses and consumers alike.

America's economy is built on global trade.The daily trade between the U.S. and Mexico amounts to nearly $1.8 billion, with countless American jobs reliant on this relationship. Imposing tariffs as a means to curb illegal activity is not only shortsighted but also economically damaging. The potential for increased costs on everyday goods is compounded by the reality that the American economy thrives on interconnectedness. By disrupting these relationships, the very consumers that Eric Trump claims to protect may find themselves facing higher prices and diminished access to goods.

Furthermore, the assertion that tariffs could help American companies overlook the reality that many of these businesses rely on imported materials and goods to maintain their operations. When faced with increased costs due to tariffs, companies may either absorb these expenses, thereby reducing their profit margins, or pass them on to consumers, leading to inflated prices for everyone. This cycle creates a paradox where the very individuals who may support such tariffs due to a desire for lower prices could end up paying much more for their everyday needs.

As the conversation around tariffs continues to unfold, it is imperative to navigate these discussions with a clear understanding of the economic realities at play. The rhetoric espoused by figures like Eric Trump, while politically charged, often misses the mark when it comes to addressing the complexities of trade, immigration, and drug trafficking. Instead of offering simplistic solutions that may resonate with certain audiences, it is crucial to engage in informed discussions that recognize the interconnected nature of global economies.

In the end, let the decision-makers weigh the implications of their policies carefully. Ignorance on the topic of tariffs can lead to significant repercussions for American consumers and businesses alike. The stakes are high, and it is the responsibility of both politicians and citizens to ensure that the dialogue surrounding tariffs is rooted in fact, not just fervent rhetoric. As the saying goes, "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it." In the case of tariffs, it is a lesson that could cost everyone dearly.


Sarge

...

Now Trump is focusing his attention on America’s largest and third-largest trading partners: Mexico and Canada.
And he’s pledging something extraordinary:
Come January 20, the day Trump is inaugurated, he pledged to slap a new 25% across-the-board tariff on all goods the US imports from the two nations — goods that are almost all coming across the border for free because of the Trump-negotiated US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA
Some of the top consumer goods Americans buy from their neighbors to the north and south, including gas, produce and cars, could get more expensive if Trump follows through with his tariff plan.

CNN

...

Gas

Crude oil, which is refined to produce gasoline and heating oil, is one of the top imports to the US from Canada. In July it reached a record of 4.3 million barrels per day following the expansion of Canada’s Trans Mountain pipeline, according to data from the US Energy Information Administration.

The expansion has helped deliver more oil to be refined to much of the West Coast in addition to the Midwest, where it previously served most prominently.“You can’t simply process different oil overnight. It would take investments/years. More US supply wouldn’t help,” Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said in a post on X.

The 25% tariff Trump floated Monday would have “huge impacts” on gas prices, amounting to an increase of between 25 cents to 75 cents per gallon, De Haan said. That would most directly impact Americans located around the Great Lakes, Midwest and Rockies.Trump has proposed ramping up American oil permit grants, but it would take time for that supply to come online to replace oil from Canada. And it’s unclear that US energy companies would want to produce significantly more oil

Bottom line: It’s going to hurt
The new round of tariffs Trump is prepared to impose comes as the US has grown increasingly reliant on imports from Mexico and Canada.This means that the new tariffs Trump pledged will be virtually inescapable for Americans, as businesses facing higher costs will likely pass that along to consumers.

CNN

bluff!

A politician that came to power campaigning against high prices, is going to increase prices by 25%?

In reply to sgtdjones

When Canada and Mexico retaliate with tariffs of their own Americans will surely feel the pinch.

Emir, Balls, Johndom90 and other MAGATs will soon have to ride horse and buggy. Cars s built in Mexico will immediately get more expensive.

And when China, the biggest importer of American agricultural products retaliates, Willie Nelson Farm Aid festival will have to go on nonstop to help out American Farmers.

Tariffs will create inflation, so Americans get used to higher interest rates.

This should be fun!

In reply to XFactor

...The stupidity of the Trumps...

Mexico

50 % of agricultural produce in Mexico are shipped to the US
tomatoes, lettuce, watermelons, avocados, strawberries, asparagus, broccoli, and cucumbers.
Mexican Oil.........11 million barrels per month.
over 50% of car parts shipped to US
produces 16 out of every 100 cars sold in the US
Mexico supplies computers, monitors, telephones, refrigerators, and air conditioners
In 2022, the US and Mexico traded an estimated $863.4 billion

Canada

Energy
Canada and the U.S. are each other's main source of imported energy, including oil, natural gas, clean electricity, and uranium. In 2023, the two countries traded $198.2 billion in energy.

Transportation equipment
In 2022, transportation equipment was the second largest commodity sector imported from Canada,

Oils, minerals, lime, and cement
In 2022, this was the largest commodity sector imported from Canada, accounting for 36.2% of the total.

Chemicals, plastics, rubber, and leather goods
In 2022, this was the third largest commodity sector imported from Canada, accounting for 10.2% of the total

Processed food, grains, and red meat
These account for over 70% of the total U.S. agricultural imports from Canada

In 2022, Canada exported $438 billion to the U.S., with the main products being crude petroleum, cars, and petroleum gas.

U.S. goods and services trade with Canada totaled an estimated $908.9 billion in 2022

In reply to sgtdjones

I LOVE the preface!!!
Saves me so much time and angst

You sheeple need to take out your blood pressure monitors and Prozac and calm down and await the endgame instead of being duped by the dying lame stream corporate media

In reply to camos

MAGA logic.... but its best we wait and see cuz one thing they should guard against with this dip $hit Trump is that he says Tariffs at 25% then he comes in and slap a 5% tariff and people say, at least its not 25%, well its just as bad. In every one of his controversial policy plan he will do some lesser version of whatever he leaks out and it will be just accepted as it will not be as bad as it could have been. I think a lot of that is going on and it seems everyone is falling for it hook line and sinker.

In reply to carl0002

There is a trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, he cannot unilaterally impose tariff without big WTO fines. Remember he was the one who negotiated the new trade agreement and boasted then how good it was "best agreement ever signed"?

In reply to sgtdjones

There is a reason he is spewing the tariff crap now....think about it

......

In assessing the legality of the proposed tariffs, the answer is unequivocally NO.

According to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) replacement negotiated six years ago, there exists a clause allowing each country to apply measures deemed necessary for the protection of its essential security interests. But any attempt to invoke that clause would be so obviously a pretext that it’s laughable.

However, while the tariffs may be illegal within the framework of international trade agreements, this legal perspective may be overshadowed by the reality of power dynamics and political manoeuvring.
The question shifts from legality to practicality, revealing the chronic instability that has characterized U.S. politics in recent years. Canada, which has historically relied on established norms and rules governing trade relationships, now faces an uncertain future where these very foundations appear to be eroding.

The Trump administration's propensity for aggressive trade policies is not new. During his first term, Trump repeatedly employed threats of tariffs to impose his will on Canada and Mexico, framing Canadian aluminium imports as a national security threat—a claim that many found absurd. The response from Canada was one of measured retaliation; officials recognized that they could not remain passive in the face of aggressive tactics. However, what is now evident is that the relationship has fundamentally changed. Canada can no longer operate under the assumption that established norms will govern interactions with the United States.

In reply to Halliwell


Oh, how disappointing it must be for you to realize that even with lowered expectations, you still find yourself underwhelmed by my preface.
It seems that your thirst for comebacks is insatiable.Hang around and be learned.

But fear not, my dear challenger, for I am not one to shy away from such respites.
I shall rise to the occasion and will respond with remarks that will leave you questioning your very existence.
eh Brutus....

So...the thinking I believe is that the tariffs will force manufacturers to produce their goods in the US. The downside to that thinking is that labor costs will be a lot higher in the US unless they depend on ..well...people from shithole countries to do it.

I would wager that Elon has convinced Trump that imminent AI and robotics tech will soon get rid of most of the labor cost anyway. Either way, its more hardship for the regular Joes of the US.

In reply to Cheeks

The massive task to relocate production in the US can't be achieved in a 4-year presidential. In addition, companies will only move production that are needed for the US market to the US, simple because US cost of production will be higher than overseas plus retaliatory tariffs that countries will impose on US produced goods.

Better yet, I want to see Trump sanction the over 130 countries that voted for the ICC resolution to make Bibi a war criminal. Then all those countries coming together to form a tax free trade agreement among themselves, while charging 25% tariffs on all US made goods, let’s see how long US could hold a big stick over the heads of nations.

In reply to camos

I realized that and they called it USMCA, so think about it. Is he going to blow that up? Probably not so chances are he is expecting just the share threat of Tariffs will cause something else to happen or he bargains for some smaller percentage tariff. If that does not work he moves to the next strong man tactic - negotiate with one to get the other on board or negotiate with them separately, basically pitting his partners against each other. He has done it before its his MO and play book and he doing it again. I can bet this talk of 25% tariffs is one big misdirection where anything apart from the status quo gives him a so called win.

In reply to carl0002

You are Correct....

Example America imports over 60% of its oil from Canada. Its tar sands oil, heavy oil that cost approx 40 dollars per barrel. Keystone pipelines.
Brent crude over 70 dollars per barrel.
American refineries cannot refine Brent Crude oil. They would need to be redesigned to accept such.
Will take at least two years to accommodate such upgraded repairs.
These refineries can only refine heavy oil. Such oil comes from Canada and Venezuela.

Notice Canada is not saying much , Mexico promised to retaliate with tariffs.
Canada is building a new pipeline to British Columbia to serve the largest heavy oil refineries in the world (India and China.)

Marmalade menace and his clowns if they proceed will destroy America's economy.

The next 4 years will show america's stupidity with daily uncertainty.