In the past seven to ten days, President Trump’s Section 301 tariffs on China, his aluminum tariff on Canada, his Commerce Department’s treatment of US importers, and his personal involvement in the TikTok sale have all generated trade setbacks or criticism. The weekly trade report with L.C. Here’s a round-up of administration trade setbacks: China […]
Administration to punish “undervalued” currencies
The weekly trade report with L.C. The Trump administration has taken another step in a protectionist direction with the Commerce Department’s release on February 3rd of its final rule to punish “undervalued” currencies. The rule will take effect on April 6th. Other protectionist measures that are under consideration include exiting the World Trade Organization’s Government […]
Commerce proposes a new countervailing duty: currency devaluation
Trade correspondent L.C. writes: In a major new trade policy move, the Commerce Department on May 23rd released a draft proposal to add currency devaluation to its rules on countervailing duties. US law defines a countervailable subsidy as a financial contribution from a government or public entity that is specific and provides a benefit to […]
Norway, Trudeau, Italian elections, Netanyahu’s plight, trade decisions on hold
We cover today the Italian elections, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu under fire, the suspenseful US trade situation, and for levity, Norway’s Olympic triumphs and Prime Minister Trudeau’s hitherto unsuspected talents at make-believe. What’s with those Norwegians? We liked this Politico piece on why the Norwegians cleaned up so many medals in the Winter Olympics. On a […]
School schootings, SpaceX reactions, trade war threat
Three important developments clamor for discussion since our previous issue: the policy recommendations, foolish and sound, in the wake of the Parkland, FL school shootings; the delayed reactions to the successful flight of the SpaceX Falcon rocket; and the trade war threat of the Commerce Department’s recommendation for steel and aluminum tariffs and import quotas. […]