New US Tariffs are Anti-Maker and Will Encourage Offshoring
Out of all possible trade barriers, I think tariffs are generally the better option.The alternative is subsidies, quotas or "unofficial" barriers like product safety rules or other burry-you-in-bureaucracy setups. Tariffs bring in taxes (as opposed to costing the public) They're easier to understand. This one makes Chinese microwaves x% more expensive. It'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's harder to implement patches or predict the results of any change.Basically, they're simpler, more explicit and more honest than any other approach. ..if you've already decided to have trade barriers.