President Trump is continuing his two-front trade war – battling allies and China at the same time — despite the fact that the allies want to work together with the US within the World Trade Organization (WTO) to curb Chinese abuses. The President’s trade policy might be called a non-Bismarckian or “Kaiser Wilhelm II” approach, […]
China retaliates against US with tariffs hitting Midwest farmers
Founders Broadsheet trade correspondent L.C. reports: Late Sunday April 1st, China announced that effective immediately it will be imposing tariffs of 25% on eight US exports, including pork, and 15% on one hundred and twenty other US exports, including fruits. This is China’s response to President Trump’s Section 232 (defense-related) steel and aluminum tariffs announced […]
China is gaining on the United States. What is the US doing about it?
This very concerned strategic assessment — “China is gaining on the United States. What are the US doing about it?” — was written by an American Enterprise Institute (AEI) analyst after the Trump administration’s first National Defense Strategy was released by Secretary of Defense Mattis — but before the sequester was set aside and increased […]
Despite export boom, US tax cuts and deficit will increase imports over exports, threatening ill-considered administrative protectionism
Trade correspondent LC’s weekly report The probability that the trade deficit will continue to grow presents a danger for US trading partners. The recent US tax cuts and government spending hike will likely increase US demand, keeping US savings lagging consumption and attracting even more imports, pushing the trade deficit up. Strong demand abroad should […]
Transpacific Partnership now live — minus US. Trump on protectionist drive?
Weekly trade report by L.C. Late breaking item! As we went to press, Canada’s Prime Minister Trudean announced that Canada had accepted joining the Transpacific Partnership (TPP-11). It’s now live — without the U.S. This is a major world trade development that will put much pressure on the US, especially its crucial agriculture sector. Yesterday […]
