New US Tariffs are Anti-Maker and Will Encourage Offshoring
Out of all possible trade barriers, I think tariffs are generally the better option.<p>The alternative is subsidies, quotas or &quot;unofficial&quot; barriers like product safety rules or other burry-you-in-bureaucracy setups. Tariffs bring in taxes (as opposed to costing the public) They&#x27;re easier to understand. This one makes Chinese microwaves x% more expensive. It&#x27;s clearer who is paying for it (consumers) and who benefits, as opposed to pretending a policy is intended to protect consumers. Importantly, they are easier to change. Politicians can make a decision and do it. With other options, it&#x27;s harder to implement patches or predict the results of any change.<p>Basically, they&#x27;re simpler, more explicit and more honest than any other approach. ..if you&#x27;ve already decided to have trade barriers.