https://www.reuters.com/world/trumps-canada-mexico-china-tariffs-suspend-loophole-behind-fentanyl-shipments-2025-02-02/
This interesting quote:
"Former President Joe Biden's administration in January issued last-minute proposed rules to curb the de minimis exemption globally, denying it to goods under other punitive tariff orders, and requiring shippers to identify the package contents by their 10-digit tariff codes.
It is unclear if Customs and Border Protection, now under Trump's direction, will act to finalize that rule."
So, had Harris won the election, we might all still be upset by the loss of de minimis, but imposed by a different hand, and on all nations, not just China at this point. So, when "the other side" does it, it's okay, right?
If you detest politics, as I do, and you do balanced reading, you find mountains of disgusting hypocrisy emanating from both directions. Making it all that much more detestable.
The spectacle of the human species. Alternately uplifting and revolting. Always a show either way.
Previous Message
We are the world's largest importer. Therefore, usually the largest market share for any exporter. If prices become too high for us--especially for "luxury goods" like models--and we stop buying, most then lose their largest market share (though actually, with models specifically, I bet Japan and Asia in general are a bigger market.) They will have to deal with the loss of revenue somehow. One way is to raise prices. May well not happen over models, but this isn't about models in the bigger picture. The rest of the world could then see higher prices for some things to compensate for our market loss or reduction, though I am not well enough versed in the details of exactly what goods those might be. As he was getting ready to take office, and warning about tariff increases, he caused a substantial panic among a number of Chinese exporters, and with foreign companies with factories in China which export from there. A few of the foreign companies pulled out of China, or started plans to do so. Coupled with China's own tariff increases in retaliation, and China is not getting away "pain free." War hurts everyone.
We have a huge trade imbalance with China which many here would like to see addressed. For better or for worse, it is being addressed. It will impact markets globally when two of the world's largest economies choose to do battle. And no, it won't be fun. If you look at world history, though, trade wars are not completely unheard of. They happen. We're now living through one. Hang on for the ride. Previous Message
You forgot again something:
The tariffs on Japanese cars made them more expensive for US customers. US carmakers then had two options: raise their prices to a similar level and increase their profit margin, or keep their lower prices in the hope of selling more.
In the case of Chinese products, the tariffs would make them more expensive for US customers. It makes no sense for Chinese dealers to raise prices, because that would increase the price of their products even more! If US manufacturers raise prices, it will be similar to the tariffs on Japanese cars!
Tariffs imposed by the US government are paid by people in the US - only people in the US.