The hottest Tariffs Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

How Will the Trump Tariffs Affect Construction?

Construction Physics • 17955 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Tariffs Economic Impact Imports
  1. Tariffs on imports can greatly impact construction costs. For example, the recent 25% tariffs on materials from Canada and Mexico might lead to higher prices for building projects.
  2. A significant part of construction relies on imports, especially metals and interior components. In 2022, nearly $469 billion in construction-related imports were recorded in the U.S.
  3. Most construction materials come from various countries around the world. No single country dominates the market, showing how global trade supports the construction industry.

Trump starts to break things

Noahpinion • 74295 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Tariffs Trade Relations Political Analysis International relations
  1. Trump's new tariffs on Canada and Mexico could raise prices for American consumers. These tariffs might hurt people's wallets and lead to higher costs for everyday goods.
  2. The tariffs may disrupt American manufacturers' supply chains, making it harder for them to compete. This could lower the production efficiency of U.S. companies that rely on imports from these countries.
  3. There is uncertainty about the impact of these tariffs on trade relations. If Trump keeps them in place, it could harm relationships with allies and create economic instability.

When are tariffs good?

Noahpinion • 19353 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Tariffs Economics National Security Manufacturing
  1. Tariffs can help protect national security by ensuring that the U.S. maintains essential manufacturing capabilities for military needs. Having domestic industries ready to switch to military production is crucial in case of conflicts.
  2. Targeted tariffs can support 'national champions,' which are big domestic companies that can thrive by limiting foreign competition. This helps the country's economy by allowing its firms to earn more profit and create jobs.
  3. The infant industry argument suggests that tariffs can help new industries grow by shielding them from foreign competition until they are strong enough to stand on their own. However, broad tariffs should be carefully considered as they might not apply well to every situation.

At least five interesting things: Red Tape edition (#57)

Noahpinion • 15706 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Tariffs Policy Analysis Economic issues
  1. Environmental review laws like NEPA slow down development and can lead to unnecessary delays and high costs, affecting infrastructure projects.
  2. Jimmy Carter's legacy of deregulation is remembered as a way to navigate some current regulatory barriers and foster economic growth.
  3. Targeted tariffs are more effective than broad tariffs in managing imports and trade deficits, and there's new evidence that the Trump administration is shifting towards this approach.

Top Links 645 Trump's assault on the North American division of labour continued. How the eurdollar system works. North Korea's aerial trash bombardment & FDR on the Arsenal of Democracy.

Chartbook • 472 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Tariffs Economics International relations Political Analysis
  1. Trump is pushing for tariffs on aluminium and steel imports, which could affect the US economy. It's important to know that the US relies a lot on imported aluminium.
  2. The eurdollar system is explained, which is key for understanding international finance. It plays a significant role in global trade and economics.
  3. North Korea is using aerial trash bombardment as a tactic, highlighting serious issues of conflict. This kind of action reflects the ongoing tensions in the region.
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Yes: This Is Worth Signing: Economists Who Are Neither Bought Nor Crazy Oppose Broad-Based Tariffs

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 1137 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Trade Policies Tariffs International relations
  1. Broad-based tariffs are generally not a good idea because they can harm the economy. Instead of helping, they often lead to higher prices and lower productivity.
  2. Historically, tariffs have not stopped the decline of manufacturing jobs in the U.S., which is mainly due to increased productivity and changes in demand. The economy is doing well even with trade deficits.
  3. Foreign investment is important for the U.S. economy, and tariffs can actually hurt growth. Successful economies attract foreign capital, which has helped the U.S. prosper throughout its history.

Trump’s Trade War Is On. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1604 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Tariffs Political strategy Elections International relations
  1. Trump is imposing high tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, which has sparked a strong response from these countries. Canada is retaliating with its own tariffs, indicating that this trade conflict could escalate quickly.
  2. RFK Jr. is gaining attention in politics, especially among a group called MAHA that aims to change the healthcare system. There are varying opinions about him, with some supporting his ideas and others critiquing them.
  3. A new conservative calendar featuring bikini models has been released, showing a trend among some on the right to embrace a more provocative image. However, its artistic quality is being questioned by critics.

Trump's 2nd Trade War Begins

Apricitas Economics • 91 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Tariffs Economics International relations Political strategy
  1. Trump has announced new tariffs on imports from key trading partners, including a 25% tax on all goods from Canada and Mexico, and 10% from China. This could raise prices for everyday items in the U.S.
  2. These tariffs can hurt not only the U.S. economy by increasing costs and causing uncertainty but also negatively impact Canada and Mexico, whose economies rely heavily on trade with the U.S.
  3. The administration's approach seems rushed and chaotic, with no clear plans on how to implement these tariffs effectively, which might lead to further complications and delays.

So Much for That Tariff Shock

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1052 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Tariffs Bureaucracy International relations Political Commentary
  1. Washington's political landscape is changing, and decisions can happen quickly, like pausing tariffs unexpectedly.
  2. There's a sense of adjusting expectations, especially for those used to previous norms before Trump.
  3. Independent journalism is vital to provide honest insights about these changes and the real world.

Why targeted tariffs are more effective than broad tariffs

Noahpinion • 16882 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Economic Policy Tariffs Supply Chains International relations
  1. Targeted tariffs focus on specific industries or products, helping to reduce dependence on foreign sources like China for critical goods, such as batteries.
  2. Broad tariffs can create problems by raising costs for American manufacturers, making them less competitive against foreign companies, which may worsen trade deficits.
  3. To effectively improve trade balances, policies should avoid broad tariffs and instead concentrate on targeted measures that do not negatively affect American industries.

The Tariff Game

Points And Figures • 1918 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tariffs Political Economy Regulations Government spending
  1. Tariffs are often more about politics than economics, and many believe they don't help growth. They're seen as special favors rather than economic tools.
  2. While tariffs can raise prices, their real impact on the economy isn't as severe as some think. They could even lead to slower growth, which might help reduce inflation.
  3. There are concerns that government job cuts could hurt people who lack skills for other jobs. However, adapting and reinventing oneself is crucial, as others have had to do in tough situations.

Can Trump Transform America with a Stroke of His Sharpie?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1961 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive orders Tariffs Political Commentary Government Regulation
  1. Trump pardoned many individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, raising questions about his use of power. Some Republicans are concerned this could be seen as an overreach.
  2. There are debates about whether Trump can effectively use executive orders to change significant policies, like birthright citizenship or halting TikTok's ban.
  3. Plans for tariffs on imports have sparked worries that they could lead to inflation and empower lobbying groups, instead of truly reducing government power.

Why Did Trump Just Start a Trade War with Our Neighbors?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 746 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Tariffs Economic Impact Executive Power International relations
  1. Trump has imposed a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, causing concern for many. This decision appears sudden and lacks a clear reason.
  2. The tariff could disrupt the economy and long-standing trade agreements. It might lead to increased costs for consumers and harm relations with neighboring countries.
  3. While there's a limit on tariffs for Canadian energy imports to avoid spiking energy prices, the rules are inconsistent and confusing for trade with Mexico.

‘I Don’t Think My Business Can Survive These Tariffs’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 635 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
💼 Business Trade Tariffs Small business Economics International Trade
  1. Many small businesses in Canada are struggling due to high tariffs imposed by the U.S., especially under Trump's trade policies. This means they might face serious financial challenges unless these tariffs are lifted.
  2. Darrin Smith, who runs a successful woodworking tools company, is worried that the 25% tariffs will threaten the survival of his business. He relies heavily on sales to the U.S.
  3. The tariffs were created to address issues like illegal immigration and drug smuggling, but the actual impact on businesses could be quite damaging, raising concerns about the broader economy.

🌐✨ Trade and AI uncertainty are not the same

Faster, Please! • 913 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Tariffs Supply Chains Market Impact
  1. Trade policy changes can create a lot of uncertainty in the economy. Recently announced tariffs are causing confusion among markets and businesses.
  2. The impact of these tariffs could disrupt established supply chains and lead to higher costs, which might hurt businesses more than expected.
  3. While AI is also a source of uncertainty, current trade issues are having a more immediate and significant effect on the economy right now.

Retaliatory Tariffs

David Friedman’s Substack • 260 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Tariffs Economic Theory Political strategy International relations
  1. Retaliatory tariffs are taxes on imports that match the tariffs a country imposes on exports. They aim to make both countries reconsider their tariff policies.
  2. If one country sets high tariffs, the other may respond with corresponding tariffs, which might lead to both countries lowering their tariffs for mutual benefit.
  3. The idea of reciprocal tariffs can help simplify trade negotiations, but it can also create loopholes where countries find ways to keep protections in place without directly using tariffs.

Why the Deep State Loves Tariffs

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 579 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tariffs Bureaucracy Lobbying Inflation Administrative state
  1. Tariffs raise prices for consumers, going against the goal of reducing inflation. It's a way for bureaucrats and lobbyists to benefit at the expense of everyday people.
  2. The system of tariffs is controlled by complex bureaucracies that aren't transparent. This means that the true impact and manipulation of tariffs can be hidden from public view.
  3. If someone wants to reduce the power of the government and its administration, getting rid of tariffs would be a good starting point.

Top Links 624 Tariff arithmetic. The gearshift in global auto. Will India overtake Japan and Germany's likely lads.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Tariffs Global Economy International relations
  1. Tariffs can raise prices for consumers. When tariffs are imposed, it often leads to higher prices for goods.
  2. India may soon become a major player in the global auto industry. Some believe it could surpass Japan and Germany in this sector.
  3. Understanding how trade policies like tariffs impact global markets is key. They can change the dynamics of industries and economies around the world.

Chartbook 337 The stakes in the struggle over Trump's trade strategy.

Chartbook • 1473 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Economic strategy Tariffs Public Opinion
  1. Trump's new trade strategy might lead to higher tariffs, which could raise prices for consumers. It’s planned to increase average tariffs from 2.6% to around 8% by 2026.
  2. Certain industries, especially car companies and food importers, could be hit hard by these tariffs. This could lead to increased car prices and food shortages.
  3. The success of Trump’s trade policy depends on balancing the interests of trade and public opinion. If people react negatively, it could limit how far he can go with these new tariffs.

Economic Errors

David Friedman’s Substack • 655 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
💰 Finance Economics Wealth Trade Investment Tariffs
  1. Wealth isn't just cash; it can be land, stocks, or buildings. A person's gain in wealth doesn't mean someone else has to lose money.
  2. When countries trade, it’s not just about wages. The value of currencies affects trade costs, and tariffs can disrupt these complex economic balances.
  3. People often hold on to incorrect economic beliefs because they sound easier or support their self-image. Understanding the real logic behind economics can be complicated but helps us see the true picture.

Tariff Engineering, Explained

SatPost by Trung Phan • 84 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
💼 Business Tariffs International Trade Market Competition E-commerce Product Design
  1. Tariff engineering is when companies change their products slightly to pay less in import taxes. This can involve using different materials or designs that fit into cheaper tariff categories.
  2. Some well-known brands, like Converse and Subaru, have used tariff engineering to give their products lower duty rates. This practice can lead to legal debates but is generally accepted as long as rules are followed.
  3. Recent changes in tariff rules, especially related to low-value imports, can affect companies like SHEIN and Temu significantly, potentially leveling the playing field for U.S. businesses and impacting the prices consumers pay.

Op-Ed: New China tariffs and USPS disruptions threaten Temu and Shein’s US growth

The PhilaVerse • 123 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
💼 Business Ecommerce Tariffs Shipping Trade Regulations
  1. New tariffs from China and USPS delivery issues may hurt Temu and Shein's low pricing options in the US.
  2. If shipping costs go up, these companies might have to raise prices or take a hit on their profits.
  3. Both companies are already facing scrutiny over their practices, so new regulations could make it even harder for them in the competitive market.

Top Links 611 Trump's threat to affordable cars. Why trust small business? The world's most important boy scouts & revisiting the Maginot line.

Chartbook • 243 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Economics Trade Tariffs Business
  1. Trump's tariffs will make affordable cars harder to find in the US. This is because the cost of making these cars will go up.
  2. Trusting small businesses is important for our economy. They often provide better service and creativity compared to larger corporations.
  3. Revisiting historical events, like the Maginot Line, can teach us valuable lessons. It's a reminder of how preparation and strategy matter in facing challenges.

Top Links 588 The looming oil glut of 2025. The railroad on the wrong side of Trump's tariff plans. The Christmas tree disaster in N Carolina.

Chartbook • 500 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
💰 Finance Tariffs Economic Forecast Energy Policy Global Trade
  1. There might be a big oversupply of oil by 2025. This is because OPEC+ is having trouble managing production limits.
  2. Some railroads are struggling due to tariffs from Trump. This could impact their business in the long run.
  3. North Carolina is facing a disaster with its Christmas tree production. This situation could affect both local farmers and holiday traditions.

Tariffs are coming

Noahpinion • 8588 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Tariffs Economic Impact
  1. Tariffs are likely to be a significant tool in the upcoming global trade war, but may not be the most effective solution
  2. China is responding to its economic slowdown by heavily investing in export manufacturing, potentially flooding global markets with cheap goods
  3. The threat of tariffs against Chinese exports is prompting various countries and trade entities to consider imposing their own tariffs, leading to a potential widespread increase in trade barriers

Top Links 572 Tariffs & toys. The Trump non-linearity. A Miami real estate mystery. Keeping the Panama Canal open.

Chartbook • 443 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tariffs Economics Real Estate Trade Policy
  1. Tariffs can impact holiday shopping by raising prices on various goods. This might make things like toys more expensive for consumers.
  2. There are unique stories, like the mystery surrounding Miami's real estate market, that highlight interesting trends in the economy.
  3. Global issues, such as keeping the Panama Canal open, show how interconnected our world is and why these logistics matter for trade.

A Lens to Understand the Trump Tariffs

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 769 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
💰 Finance Tariffs Trade Economics Investment Market Analysis
  1. Not all tariffs are bad; they can help boost domestic manufacturing and protect jobs. The U.S. has lost many manufacturing jobs to overseas markets, which affects both the economy and national security.
  2. Often, tariff threats are used as negotiation tools rather than actual intentions to impose tariffs. For example, Trump used the threat of tariffs to gain cooperation from other countries on unrelated issues.
  3. The bigger issue is that many countries, including China, put up barriers to U.S. products while expecting open access to American markets. Addressing these trade imbalances can be crucial for fair international trade.

The Fear Over Tariffs

Spilled Coffee • 60 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
💰 Finance Trade policy Tariffs Inflation Market Impact Economic Growth
  1. Tariffs can cause prices to rise for consumers, leading to inflation. This means things might get more expensive for everyone.
  2. The ongoing tariffs can create uncertainty in the stock market and economy. Businesses are worried about how these changes could impact their profits.
  3. Monitoring tariffs is important for investors and business owners. They need to stay updated because tariffs affect many products and can cause market fluctuations.

💸 Make America Expensive Again

UnfairNation by Ehsan Zaffar • 3 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Tariffs Inflation Housing Consumer Goods
  1. Prices for many goods are expected to rise significantly in the next six months. This includes cars, energy, housing, and food.
  2. Tariffs are increasing costs for consumers, adding $250 to $420 more to monthly expenses, which is hard for many people to afford.
  3. Although tariffs promise to fund government services, cuts to staff and agencies may prevent taxpayers from seeing any real benefits.

Trump tariffs won’t easily derail euro zone recovery

Klement on Investing • 1 implied HN point • 17 Feb 25
💰 Finance Investing Economics Trade Policy Tariffs
  1. The euro zone is recovering and won’t be heavily impacted by US tariffs. Economists expect slow growth but not a major setback.
  2. There’s confusion about VAT as it’s treated like a sales tax that doesn't favor EU goods over US products.
  3. Even with these tariffs, US can claim a win without causing high inflation in their economy.

That Tariff Shit Sure Was Pointless

I Might Be Wrong • 17 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tariffs Trade policy Political Commentary Economic Policy
  1. Recent tariffs between the US and Canada seemed pointless and were lifted without gaining anything significant. This shows how negotiations can sometimes yield very little.
  2. Trump's approach to tariffs might harm America's economic credibility in the long run. It's like he's playing a game but doesn't understand the rules properly.
  3. Congress can step in and clarify the rules about tariffs to prevent future chaos. They should take control to keep things stable and effective.

Do Tariffs Reduce Trade Deficits?

In My Tribe • 288 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💰 Finance International Trade Macroeconomics Tariffs Economic Policy
  1. Understanding international economics is complicated and involves many factors. It's not just simple numbers, but a mix of many different elements.
  2. A country's trade surplus is linked to its ability to save more than it invests. Countries that save well will usually end up holding other countries' debt like U.S. Treasury bills.
  3. Imposing tariffs might not significantly reduce trade deficits. Instead, currency appreciation can offset any potential benefits from tariffs, so real change depends more on national savings rates.

The National Defense Argument

Economic Forces • 3 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Defense Policy Trade policy Tariffs Subsidies
  1. The national defense argument is often used to justify tariffs and subsidies. However, many economists view it skeptically, thinking it's a way for special interest groups to gain advantages.
  2. Earl Thompson's theory suggests that during wartime, price controls can distort markets. To fix this, policymakers might provide peacetime subsidies to help industries that would struggle because of these wartime distortions.
  3. Applying this theory today, tariffs on steel and aluminum may be reasonable since these materials are critical for national defense and are hard to import in times of war.

MA Hong on Deep-seated Reasons for U.S.-China Trade Disputes and Future Prospects

Pekingnology • 60 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy International relations Tariffs Globalization
  1. China has become a major player in global manufacturing, making a large percentage of products for the world market. This shift has changed how trade works, impacting jobs in other countries.
  2. The U.S.-China trade war has led to significant changes in trade patterns, with the U.S. looking to import from other countries instead of just China. This is reshaping the supply chains in many industries.
  3. Looking ahead, trade relations may become more regional than global, with smaller countries playing a larger role. The world is moving away from relying heavily on China for manufacturing.

Tariffs Do Not Work

Points And Figures • 506 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tariffs Taxes Trade Economy Policy
  1. Tariffs do not work as intended, often leading to higher prices for consumers and businesses.
  2. Repealing all tariffs on foreign goods and shifting to a consumption tax system could make imports cheaper and boost competitiveness of US products.
  3. Using a consumption tax system could lower prices for American consumers and create a more competitive market without the need for tariffs.

What is Going on With These Tariffs?

Economic Forces • 4 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tariffs Economics Policy Analysis Trade Trump administration
  1. Tariffs are often seen as not helpful for goals like reducing trade deficits, so many economists criticize them. However, understanding the different reasons behind tariffs can help us see their impact better.
  2. The motivations of policymakers when using tariffs can be complex and aren’t always clear in traditional economic discussions. If we consider these motivations, we might get a clearer picture of their potential effectiveness.
  3. It's essential to look beyond conventional views in economics to really understand how policies affect the real world. Digging deeper into these ideas can help us think differently about economic policies.

Two startups to watch, and guess which nations are our largest trading partners?

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
💼 Business Startups Trade Tariffs Technology Investment
  1. Watch out for Halcyon, a startup that just raised $100 million to fight ransomware. This is important since ransomware attacks are a growing problem for businesses.
  2. Copy.AI is gaining attention as a popular AI tool for writing. It's expanding its services and has evolved since it first launched, showing strong potential.
  3. Upcoming tariffs on imports from major trading partners like China, Canada, and Mexico could lead to increased prices. This might create challenges for startups looking to grow and seek investments.

Tariffs: The Good, The Bad, and The Trump Kind.

JoeWrote • 38 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Tariffs Trade policy Labor Rights Political strategy
  1. Tariffs can protect American jobs by making foreign products more expensive, which helps local businesses compete. However, if not used carefully, they can also hurt workers in industries that rely on those imports.
  2. Trump's current tariff strategy is broad and could lead to negative consequences for the economy. A one-size-fits-all approach may raise prices for consumers and could lead to job losses in certain sectors.
  3. Understanding tariffs is important for effective economic policy. Trump's misunderstanding of how tariffs work could result in more harm than good, making it essential to have a clear approach that balances worker needs and economic growth.

November 26, 2024

Letters from an American • 16 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tariffs Immigration Trade policy Public Health Foreign Relations
  1. Trump announced he wants to impose high tariffs on products from Mexico, Canada, and China, blaming them for drug problems and immigration issues. This could hurt trade and raise prices for everyday things.
  2. There has been a recent decline in drug overdose deaths and illegal border crossings, which contradicts Trump's claims. Most fentanyl cases are linked to U.S. citizens, not immigrants from other countries.
  3. Biden successfully helped negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon after ongoing violence. He aims for lasting peace in the Middle East while calling for better treatment of Palestinian issues.