this post was submitted on 05 Mar 2025
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Donald Trump just imposed a 25 percent tariff on virtually all goods produced by America’s two largest trading partners — Canada and Mexico. He simultaneously established a 20 percent across-the-board tariff on Chinese goods.

As a result, America’s average tariff level is now higher than at any time since the 1940s.

Meanwhile, China and Canada immediately retaliated against Trump’s duties, with the former imposing a 15 percent tariff on American agricultural products and the latter putting a 25 percent tariff on $30 billion of US goods. Mexico has vowed to mount retaliatory tariffs of its own.

This trade war could have far-reaching consequences. Trump’s tariffs have already triggered a stock market sell-off and cooling of manufacturing activity. And economists have estimated that the trade policy will cost the typical US household more than $1,200 a year, as the prices of myriad goods rise.

All this raises the question: Why has the US president chosen to upend trade relations on the North American continent? The stakes of this question are high, since it could determine how long Trump’s massive tariffs remain in effect. Unfortunately, the president himself does not seem to know the answer.

In recent weeks, Trump has provided five different — and contradictory — justifications for his tariffs on Mexico and Canada...

...more in the article.

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[–] RizzRustbolt@lemmy.world 3 points 9 months ago (2 children)

Because republicans want to fund the country entirely from tariffs instead of taxes.

Which worked out great for every country that has ever tried it.

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[–] PersnickityPenguin@lemm.ee 2 points 9 months ago

It’s part of their plan to eliminate the IRS and federal taxation, to be replaced by a universal sales tax. However, trump doesn’t have the authority to do that. But he can tariff. And a tariff is a little bit like a sales tax.

Therefore, we get tariffs.

Now, the other problem is that the tariff revenue is going to be like 1/10 that of the IRS tax revenue, which will require a 90% reduction in federal spending. Including defense, research, healthcare, and social security. Can’t collect social security tax if the IRS doesn’t exist either, so social security is getting axed.

It will of course make 56 million seniors homeless, but thats a small price to pay for a 15% pay bump for me!

[–] Litebit@lemmy.world 1 points 9 months ago

Market manipulation. He is also a TV show host, so he is a showman. He likes creating drama.

He is famous for bad management, causing his casinos to go bankrupt. His management style is going to bankrupt US and somehow make him richer.

[–] HawlSera@lemm.ee 1 points 9 months ago

Because at his age it was easier than getting penis-enlarging surgery.

[–] ininewcrow@lemmy.ca 1 points 9 months ago

Market manipulation .... upset the system .. make it dive ... buy cheap ... sell them high

Keep doing this for the next four years until you become king of the world!

[–] notsoshaihulud@lemmy.world 0 points 9 months ago (6 children)

All this raises the question: Why has the US president chosen to upend trade relations on the North American continent?

It's because the trade agreement trump's unhappy with was made by a raging moron.

[–] thejml@lemm.ee 1 points 9 months ago (1 children)

For everyone else following along, the USMCA that was put in place after Trump renegotiated NAFTA in his first term… was made by Trump. So he’s unhappy with his own legacy. Which seems on brand for him, tbh.

[–] ryper@lemmy.ca 1 points 9 months ago (2 children)

Part of the agreement allows for a review next year and his complaints could have been addressed them, but apparently negotiated such a lousy deal he can't wait that long.

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[–] cyberpunk007@lemmy.ca 0 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Am I the only one surprised at how low the cost per household could be? I keep thinking it should be quite a bit higher.

[–] Someone@lemmy.ca 1 points 9 months ago

Maybe they're factoring in all the job losses, if someone can't afford to buy food at all they won't be paying any tariffs.

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