“Donald Trump has long telegraphed his love of trade wars. So Americans probably should have expected the president-elect’s latest tariff news: 25 percent taxes on all Canadian and Mexican products, starting Jan. 20. On the other hand, voters could be forgiven for not anticipating that he’d renege on his main campaign pitch — a promise to reduce prices — even before he takes office. So, if you voted for Trump because you thought he’d lower your grocery bills, I have some very bad news for you..
Each year, Mexico sends us $19 billion worth of fruits and vegetables alone. For some common grocery items — such as ones that Americans eat year-round but can’t grow domestically year-round — we’re especially reliant on our southern neighbor. About two-thirds of fresh tomatoes that Americans eat are from Mexico; same goes for 90 percent of avocados.”.-”.- Catherine Rampell, The Washington Post, ‘Trump’s tariffs on Mexico and Canada won’t reduce grocery prices’
On Monday, Donnie Dotard - aka your new president- announced his plan to impose a 25 percent tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico. In a series of Truth Social posts, Trump argued ed that the tariffs were needed to stop swarming "criminals" coming in - not only from Mexico but from Canada.
The impetuous rat - who thinks he has a mandate- wrote:
"As everyone is aware, thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing Crime and Drugs at levels never seen before. Right now a Caravan coming from Mexico, composed of thousands of people, seems to be unstoppable in its quest to come through our currently Open Border. On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25 percent Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders."
Who does this stupid fucker think he is? I mean he doesn't even have a mandate or electoral majority - getting barely 49.8 % of the votes. Besides, Canada and Mexico are major trading partners with the U.S., accounting for almost 30 percent of U.S. trade volume. Canada is also one of the most trade-dependent countries in the world, with 75 percent of its exports going to the U.S., so higher tariffs would have a significant effect on Canada's economy.
As for Mexico, as President Claudia Sheinbaum (see her image at top) warned, this move is: "unacceptable and will cause inflation and joblessness for the U.S. and Mexico." She also warned of retaliation and that the blowback on the U.S. would be even worse should Mexico exert less control over migration (currently down 3/4 from last December). Also, the impact on U.S. car buyers will be worse given "big U.S. carmakers were among Mexico's principal exporters to the U.S."
Is Dotard remotely aware of any of this, of the economic hornet's nest he's poking? Doubtful, which is why we brand him a dotard. His brain cells, including the microglial, are basically no longer functional. While he may appear relatively sane and coherent, when you parse his words it turns out to be delusion. He's the next thing to stark raving mad. In this case he fails to grasp his tariffs are in fact a tax on the U.S. citizens he claims to want to protect.
But don't take my word. A number of companies have already said they are planning price hikes to cover any loss of their profits owing to Trump's tariffs, e.g.
Companies ready price hikes to offset Trump’s global tariff plans - The Washington Post
Wherein we read:
"Across the United States, companies that rely on foreign suppliers are preparing to raise prices in response to the massive import tariffs that former president Donald Trump promises if he wins the election Tuesday".
In response to the proposed batshit nuts tariffs, the Canadian government, in a joint statement from Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Public Safety Minister Dominic Leblanc, tried to be civil. They emphasized the close relationship between the two countries and said they would discuss the border and vast economic ties with the incoming administration. But they seem not to realize that Rump isn't a rational person, he is demented and right now, in the wake of the absurd election result - putting an unfit loon back into power - they will see it's like trying to argue with a rabid dog. Anyway, their rational statement read:
"Canada places the highest priority on border security and the integrity of our shared border. Our relationship today is balanced and mutually beneficial, particularly for American workers,"
Meanwhile, Mexico's Foreign Relations Department and Economy Department had no immediate reaction to Trump's statements. Why would they, they're likely still in shot at a fool willing to 'toss the baby out with the bath water' on mutual trade because a minor fraction of bad actors is trying to send fentanyl in. But it's typical Trump, especially after a post-marginal election win and 'sugar' high.
To be sure, it remains uncertain whether Dump will follow through on his tariff proposals or whether they are part of a broader negotiating strategy - or just plain empty bombast and bluster. If he did try to impose these tariffs - it would violate a 2020 treaty already in place with both nations.
Also, they could cost Americans an estimated $78 billion annually, NBC News reported, with everyday goods costing more. Already, Corie Barry - the chief executive of Best Buy - has warned that "60 percent of the cost of its goods come from China and Mexico" so that "consumers will pay more given very little is not imported."
Below are the seven major product categories that would be most affected if Trumptard gets his way. (And recall as I posted before, tariffs are impositions of higher prices on a nation's own citizens- not on the foreign countries for which they are purportedly targeted This is what simpleton Trump doesn't get).
Automobiles and Automotive Parts
Canada and Mexico are major suppliers of vehicles and parts, and many cars sold in the U.S. are assembled in those countries or use components sourced from them. Analysts have estimated that a tariff could add $1,000 to $5,000 to the price of a new car, with parts such as engines, transmissions and tires becoming more expensive. Replacement parts would also become more expensive because of the tariffs.
Agricultural Products
Canada and Mexico are also significant exporters of agricultural goods to the U.S., including fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy. A 25 percent tariff would make everyday staples such as avocados, tomatoes, beef and cheese more expensive for U.S. consumers. Canadian beef exports across all markets are projected to total 595,000 tons this year, with about 80 percent destined for U.S. customers. Last year, the U.S. imported $2.7 billion worth of avocados from Mexico, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported.
Electronics
Many electronics—including smartphones—are assembled in Mexico or rely on components manufactured there. Tariffs on electronics could lead to higher prices for consumer goods, especially devices such as TVs, laptops and home appliances that rely on Mexican manufacturing.
Mineral Fuels and Oils
Canada is the largest exporter of crude oil and refined petroleum to the U.S. A 25 percent tariff would increase fuel costs, affecting gas prices and heating oil. This means consumers would likely see higher prices at the pump, with several cents per gallon being added to gasoline and diesel prices.
Plastics and Plastic Products
Canada and Mexico supply a significant amount of plastic materials and products used in packaging, construction and consumer goods. Tariffs would raise costs for businesses and consumers across industries that rely on plastic.
Machinery and Industrial Equipment
Canada and Mexico also export heavy machinery, engines and industrial tools used in manufacturing and construction. If Trump's tariffs are imposed, U.S. industries will face higher costs for equipment, such as industrial machinery, boilers and electrical equipment. The higher costs could slow down construction and manufacturing projects, which in turn could hit companies in those industries.
In the words of economics commentator Catherine Rampell on Monday (CNN):
"Maybe you voted for Trump because you thought he was going to bring down the cost of housing. But a lot of our lumber, cement and other materials comes from Canada, which means that construction costs are going to go up,"
Aluminum and Steel Products
Canada is a top supplier of aluminum and steel, which are essential for construction, automotive manufacturing and packaging. Tariffs would raise the cost of raw materials, affecting industries that use these metals and even products such as soda cans.
If the inflation does spike even higher than it was in the last months of the Biden-Harris administration, don't say I didn't sound the warning. This is exactly what happens when too many 'low information' voters - dazzled by bluster and fake machismo - cast ballots for an imp who shouldn't even run a dog kennel.
See Also:
And:
Trump’s tariffs could mean higher inflation on groceries, gas and cars - The Washington Post
And:
by Alex Henderson | November 29, 2024 - 7:00am | permalink
Critics of President-elect Donald Trump's proposal for aggressive new tariffs were hoping that he would back down or reconsider his idea. Instead, Trump is promising to enact new tariffs on his first day back in office, including across-the-board 25% tariffs on goods imported into the United States from Mexico and Canada. Tariffs on items imported from Mainland China would be pegged at 10%.
Vice President Kamala Harris, during her 2024 presidential campaign, repeatedly warned that the tariffs Trump was proposing would, in effect, be a major "sales tax on the American people" if enacted. And many economists, including Robert Reich and the New York Times' Paul Krugman, have been warning that Trump's tariffs would lead to brutal inflation.
And:
by Maya Boddie | November 26, 2024 - 7:21am | permalink
President-Elect Donald Trump announced via social media on Monday that he will enforce tariffs on goods imported from Canada, Mexico, and China.
"On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders," the MAGA leader wrote via Truth Social. "This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country! Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem. We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!"
Several political and economic experts slammed the president-elect's announcement.
Adam Isacson replied: "Using the same logic, Mexico and Canada could impose tariffs on US goods until we get serious about: - Reducing US demand for illicit drugs - Stopping cross-border trafficking of guns easily purchased in US shops - Curtailing money-laundering in US banks, real estate, etc."
Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) said: "Donald Trump’s first act as president will be to intentionally *raise* prices for the American people."
Economist and University of Los Angeles law professor Kimberly Clausing commented: "Policy by tweet is something we once again brace for. But the uncertainty and chaos are just part of the economic damage that these policies bring. Canada and Mexico are our largest trading partners, and these huge tariffs will raise prices for consumers."
Boston College political science assistant professor Masha Krupenkin replied: "Enjoy your cheap avocados and electronics while you can."ring problem. We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!"
And:
Eric Trump demonstrates in 30 seconds he doesn’t have a clue how tariffs work
And:
Donald Trump & GOP "Better For Economy" ? This Delusion Is Belied By The FactsAnd:
by Rev Dr Liz Theoharis | November 26, 2024 - 6:32am | permalink
by Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis and Shailly Gupta Barnes
“If they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
— Luke 23:31
Before November 5, millions of us were already struggling with poverty, extreme storms, immigration nightmares, anti-trans bills, criminalized reproductive health, the demolition of homeless encampments, the silencing of freedom of speech on campuses… and, of course, the list only goes on and on. Since Donald Trump and JD Vance were elected, more of us find ourselves in a state of fear and trembling, given the reports of transgender people attacked in broad daylight, misogynist social media posts threatening “your body, my choice,” Black college students receiving notes about returning to enslavement, and the unhoused beaten and battered.
In the wake of the election results, there has also been a flurry of activity in anticipation of the extremist policies Donald Trump and crew are likely to put in place to more deeply harm the nation’s most vulnerable: mass Zoom meetings with MoveOn, the Working Families Party, Indivisible, and more; interfaith prayer services for healing and justice organized by various denominations and ecumenical groups; local actions pulled together by the Women’s March; community meetings with the hashtag #weareworthfightingfor; and calls to mobilize for inauguration day and beyond.
And:
by Thom Hartmann | November 26, 2024 - 6:04am | permalink
“The political folks believed that because [Covid] was going to be relegated to Democratic states, that they could blame those governors, and that would be an effective political strategy.”
—Vanity Fair’s Katherine Eban quoting Jared Kushner’s team in March, 2020
Arguably the most important aspect of political leadership is the ability to deal with a crisis.
The massive incompetence and malice of the Trump administration in 2020 led, for example, to the unnecessary deaths of an estimated half-million Americans. And now we may well be facing a repeat that could be even worse.
The flu pandemic of 1918-1920 was the result of a bird flu (H1N1) that mixed, presumably in a pig, with a human-adapted flu virus and then killed over 50 million people worldwide and almost 700,000 in America (when our population was only 100 million people; it’s 334 million today).
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