The hottest Trade policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Top Links 562 Global shipping and Trump trade. UK stagnation. H5N1 in North America and Nehru's legacy.

Chartbook • 515 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Global Economics Political Legacy Public Health International relations
  1. Global shipping is seeing a big surge, but this comes with challenges like trade wars. It's important to watch how these two trends affect the economy.
  2. The UK is facing stagnation, which means there isn't much growth happening. This could affect jobs and opportunities for people in the country.
  3. H5N1, an avian flu, is now in North America. It's crucial to stay informed on this as it can impact health and the poultry industry.

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.

Trump's Export Control Strategy

ChinaTalk • 207 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Technology Policy Geopolitics Semiconductors National Security
  1. Trump's team may need to reconsider how they handle chip export controls to better respond to China's advancements in technology. Using broader, simpler restrictions might be more effective than current complicated rules.
  2. It's important for America to strengthen its semiconductor industry to avoid losing market share to China. Investing in domestic production is key, and the current CHIPS Act needs to be expanded.
  3. To effectively restrict China's tech growth, the U.S. should coordinate with allies and avoid creating loopholes. A united front will make it harder for China to advance their semiconductor capabilities.

Trump Weaponizing Trade, Is An Act Of War, Under International Law.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 36 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Economic Policy International relations Political Commentary Trump administration
  1. Trade tactics can be seen as acts of war according to international law. This means that economic strategies might escalate tensions between nations.
  2. Many believe that the US has lost control of its trade policies, leading to a decline in American-made goods and increased economic struggles for workers.
  3. To improve the economy, investing in American workers and lowering costs like rent could help increase consumer buying power and create a more stable economic environment.

Predictable Chaos: Trump’s Tariffs and the Fragility of Global Supply Chains

Gad’s Newsletter • 23 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
💼 Business Trade policy Supply Chain Economic Impact Corporate strategy Market Analysis
  1. Tariffs can hurt both businesses and consumers by increasing costs, leading to higher prices for goods. Companies that depend on global supply chains may struggle to adapt to these changes.
  2. Supply chains are fragile and can get disrupted easily. When one part faces issues, it can affect the entire chain, leading to bigger economic problems.
  3. Flexibility in supply chains is important. Businesses need to have options for different suppliers and production routes to handle unexpected changes and avoid significant losses.
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The Physiocratic Platform: Tariffs

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1153 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tax policy Economics Trade policy National Security
  1. Tariffs can help raise money for government services, especially for defense and border security. By applying a uniform tariff on imported goods, it aims to make the tax system fairer for everyone involved.
  2. Historically, high tariffs were essential for the growth of the U.S. economy and protecting local industries. Examples from the past show that many countries successfully used tariffs to develop their manufacturing sectors.
  3. While tariffs might increase the cost of living, they can also boost domestic production and potentially lead to higher wages. The idea is that by protecting local jobs, the overall economy can become stronger.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #20

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Nuclear Energy Economic Growth Populism Technology Policy
  1. Free trade is good for the economy because it helps increase productivity and wages. Even if it disrupts some jobs, the overall benefits are greater.
  2. Tech companies are starting to embrace nuclear energy to power their data centers. This move aims to cut carbon emissions and manage rising energy demands.
  3. Despite economic challenges, the American system has shown resilience. The economy has adapted and grown stronger after tough times like the financial crises.

Tariffs are a necessary tool in the trade arsenal

The Dossier • 181 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Economics Government International relations Negotiation
  1. Tariffs can be an important tool for negotiating better trade deals. They act as a bargaining chip that can encourage countries to agree to more favorable terms.
  2. Having the option to use tariffs is similar to keeping nuclear weapons for defense. It creates a stronger position and may deter other nations from unfair practices.
  3. Recent threats of tariffs from U.S. leaders have prompted other countries to open discussions, showing that the threat of tariffs can lead to positive negotiations.

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.

Manifest Destiny Returns

Alex Danco's Newsletter • 252 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidency Foreign Policy National Security Trade policy Historical context
  1. American Exceptionalism means the U.S. sees its values as universal and acts with a moral purpose in the world. This belief makes it different from other nations that focus mainly on national interests.
  2. The idea of Manifest Destiny allowed America to expand its influence without feeling guilty about using power, framing it as if it were a domestic issue. This helps to justify aggressive policies while maintaining a sense of moral superiority.
  3. Recent tariffs on neighboring countries are seen as a strategy to strengthen America's negotiation power and unify its goals domestically. It treats trade policies as matters of national authority, boosting support from Americans who want to see stronger actions taken.

Just So We're Clear on the 2024 Election....

Drezner’s World • 963 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Trade policy Inflation Authoritarianism
  1. The author has issues with both Biden and Trump, but views Trump's economic policies as far worse.
  2. The author emphasizes the difference between the economic policies of Biden and Trump, particularly in relation to inflation.
  3. The author highlights the authoritarian tendencies and disastrous economic policies of Donald Trump, leading to a preference for Biden in the 2024 election.

What does Trump's win mean for the world?

Comment is Freed • 131 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Analysis International relations Government Structure Foreign Policy Trade policy
  1. Trump's presidency might lean towards nationalism and isolationism. This could challenge established alliances like NATO and impact international cooperation.
  2. Expect unpredictability in Trump's upcoming administration, with potential government restructuring and a focus on unilateral decisions. This may lead to issues in the usual functioning of government.
  3. Trump's approach to foreign conflicts, especially in Ukraine and the Middle East, could shift, leading to concerns among allies about U.S. support and stability in those regions.

Trudeau Buys Into Trump's Racist Border Lies After Trump Bluffs Canada With 25% Tariffs.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 30 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Bilateral Relations Political Commentary Border Security Economic Impact
  1. Trump often uses aggressive negotiation tactics, but these tactics might not work well with Canada. Canada has strong trade routes and options if the U.S. threatens tariffs.
  2. If a 25% tariff were imposed, Canada could adapt by selling goods elsewhere, and it would likely damage U.S. industries more than Canadian ones.
  3. There are existing treaties ensuring the free flow of people and trade between the U.S. and Canada. The idea of a border crisis is not as big of an issue as it's made out to be.

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.

Trump’s Taiwan Tariff Shock

Taipology • 102 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Foreign Relations Economic Policy Election Impact Political Commentary
  1. Trump has proposed very high tariffs on chips from Taiwan, which could hurt many businesses that rely on these products. This move is seen as harmful, especially for Taiwan, which has been a strong ally.
  2. People online are really upset about Trump's tariffs, criticizing the decision and questioning its economic logic. It seems like some are even saying it might lead to more inflation in the U.S.
  3. There are concerns that Taiwan needs to start thinking for itself instead of just following U.S. demands. Building more chip plants in the U.S. could be ruinous for Taiwan's economy.

Why Does Trump Play The Retard Cracker? Don't Worry, The Russians Will Wipe That Silly Smile From His Face.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 12 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Trade policy Public Health Foreign Relations Civil Liberties
  1. There's a belief that the U.S. has taken advantage of Canada through unfair trade deals, which has led to a negative view of American brands in Canada.
  2. Political figures, like Trump, are seen as acting from a position of weakness, trying to assert dominance while their own credibility fades away.
  3. Many people feel that current leadership is out of touch with what the public wants, leading to increasing resistance against government control and policies.

The O-Ring Theory of Economic Development

Something to Consider • 59 implied HN points • 15 Jun 24
💼 Business Economic Theory Human Capital Productivity Trade policy Labor markets
  1. Production can be broken down into many steps, and a failure at any step can ruin the entire process. The skill level of workers, known as human capital, plays a key role in this.
  2. Regions can be stuck in a bad place with low investment in education due to a lack of returns. Immigration can help individuals escape this situation, leading to better education and economic growth in both their new home and their original country.
  3. Trade policies can significantly impact production. Quotas can be much more damaging than tariffs because they disrupt the entire production process, leading to larger losses than expected.

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.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 02.02.2025

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Defense Trade policy Elections Public Opinion
  1. The war in Ukraine is showing signs of collapse for Ukraine's front lines. This highlights the challenges that Western military support has faced.
  2. African countries are distancing themselves from France, with many ending military agreements and calling for the removal of French troops. This marks a significant shift in former colonial relationships.
  3. Trump's trade policies could destabilize the global economy by harming the ability of countries like Mexico to pay off debts. This could lead to broader economic issues and potential defaults.

The Fuss Over Chips

Diane Francis • 559 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Geopolitics Trade policy Technology International relations Economic strategy
  1. Semiconductor chips are extremely important today, like how steel was key during World War II. They're used in everything from smartphones to military systems, making them a vital part of the global economy.
  2. The CHIPS Act in the U.S. aims to boost domestic production of chips and limit China’s access to advanced technology. This has created a significant economic and geopolitical tug-of-war between the two countries.
  3. China is trying to gain leverage by controlling resources needed for technology, like lithium and cobalt, while the U.S. deals with the challenge of ensuring fair trading practices. Both countries need a balance to improve the global economy without conflicts.

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.

Henry Huiyao Wang: With deal-maker Trump, business cooperation could reset US-China ties

Pekingnology • 52 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Trade policy Economic Cooperation Political strategy
  1. Trump's business-focused approach could reshape US-China relations. By promoting cooperation through direct investment, both countries might find common ground.
  2. China can learn from Japan's strategy in the 1980s, where investment in US manufacturing helped ease trade tensions. This model shows that collaboration can lead to shared benefits.
  3. American and Chinese companies have a lot to gain from each other. Success stories in both markets highlight how strong business ties can improve relations, even during tough times.

An Austrian Perspective on Tariffs

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 20 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Economic Theory National Security Market Dynamics Government intervention
  1. Tariffs are taxes on imported goods that can raise prices for consumers and protect domestic industries. When tariffs go up, the cost of imports usually rises, which can lead to higher prices in stores.
  2. Using tariffs to fix trade imbalances often doesn't help because it doesn't address the real issue of competitiveness in industries. Just raising prices on foreign goods doesn't make local products better if they aren't competitive.
  3. The Austrian view suggests that free trade is better for everyone because it allows countries to specialize where they are most efficient. Tariffs can mess up this system, leading to less efficient production and higher prices overall.

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.

Henry Huiyao Wang on What the U.S. Election Outcome Means for China

Pekingnology • 52 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections International relations Trade policy Foreign Policy Bilateral Relations
  1. If Trump wins the election, he might raise tariffs on Chinese goods but could still seek cooperation on other global issues. This means there may be both challenges and chances for negotiation.
  2. If Harris wins, she will likely continue the Biden administration's approach, which emphasizes competition with China while avoiding major conflicts. This could lead to a stable but competitive relationship.
  3. No matter who wins, there’s room for the U.S. and China to collaborate on big global problems like climate change and peace initiatives. Finding common ground will be crucial for both countries moving forward.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 01.12.2024

steigan.no • 8 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Trade policy Military conflict Economic Policy Human Rights
  1. The situation in Syria is tense, with strong international forces involved, making it a focal point of global conflict. Syria's challenges are compounded by the involvement of various militias and foreign nations.
  2. Donald Trump has made threats against BRICS countries regarding their financial independence from the US dollar. This could lead to significant economic changes, not only for those countries but also for American consumers.
  3. Germany is facing economic issues that are causing industries to shift operations to China. This move may have long-term effects on employment and the balance of economic power in Europe.

The Great Decoupling

Diane Francis • 379 implied HN points • 04 Nov 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Trade policy Geopolitics National Security
  1. China and the United States are moving further apart, starting with a trade war. This separation is changing how both countries interact.
  2. President Xi Jinping's absence from international events shows a bigger trend of isolation. It’s not just about COVID; it highlights a deeper disconnect.
  3. The changes happening between these two nations have shifted policies and relationships globally. The impacts of this 'decoupling' will be felt everywhere.

Macro America Great Again

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 8 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Tariffs Economics Presidential elections Inflation
  1. Tariffs are taxes on imports that can increase prices for consumers. When companies bring products from abroad, they pay these taxes when the goods arrive in the country.
  2. The concept of comparative advantage suggests that countries should specialize in what they do best. This means countries can save money and resources by trading instead of trying to produce everything themselves.
  3. Using tariffs can lead to higher prices and less efficiency in production. This approach can disrupt supply chains and hurt the overall economy, making things more expensive for everyone.

Chinese scholars respond to Trump 2.0

Beijing Channel • 3 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Trade policy Diplomacy
  1. Trump's second term may lead to a more aggressive stance against China, especially regarding tariffs and trade policies. This could create more friction between the two countries.
  2. Experts believe Trump's approach will result in decreased cooperation on global issues like climate change. There might be fewer dialogues and exchanges between the U.S. and China.
  3. Overall, the international landscape has changed since Trump's first term. There's a worry that his unpredictable nature could escalate tensions and lead to conflicts, especially over Taiwan.

Biden’s Trumpian Talks With Japan on Steel Tariffs

Japan Economy Watch • 19 implied HN points • 16 Nov 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Climate change National Security Foreign Relations
  1. Biden continued Trump's trade policies, including tariffs, using them as bargaining chips in trade talks with Japan and Europe.
  2. The US is reportedly using climate change as a reason to negotiate tariffs on steel and other products based on their carbon emissions intensity, potentially impacting allies like Japan.
  3. Biden's administration is aiming to reconcile protectionist/nationalist and climate change agendas in trade policies, facing challenges from different voter bases.

US Losing Its Capability To Be Benign Hegemon

Japan Economy Watch • 0 implied HN points • 28 Sep 16
🌍 World Politics International relations Trade policy Global Leadership
  1. For decades, the US has been seen as a benevolent global leader, especially in terms of trade liberalization, which helped maintain stability and prosperity among allies.
  2. Both Democrats and Republicans in the US are now turning away from open trade policies, continuing a shift that began with Trump's administration.
  3. The US's negotiation of the Trans Pacific Partnership signaled a significant change in its postwar approach to international relations and trade.