Economist Podcasts Wall of duties: Trump’s towering tariffs
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Apr 3, 2025 
Rachna Shambhog, Business Affairs Editor at The Economist, and Tom Gardner, Africa Correspondent, join to discuss the sweeping impact of Trump's tariffs on both America and global trade. They explore the economic skepticism surrounding these policies and their potential consequences for households and inflation. Switching gears, they analyze the recent developments in the Sudanese civil war following the recapture of Khartoum, highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis and complex military dynamics. A captivating blend of economics and politics!
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Trump's Tariff Hike
- Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs were higher than expected, increasing rates on all countries.
- This move aims to boost American industry but may lead to a poorer, more unequal America.
Arbitrary Tariff Calculations
- Trump presented tariff calculations using a game-show-style board during a press conference.
- He justified these arbitrary numbers by claiming they account for unfair trade practices by other nations, including currency manipulation and trade barriers.
Trade Imbalances
- The specific tariff numbers presented by Trump are arbitrary and not based on real economic data.
- The idea that trade imbalances are inherently unfair is a misconception, as trade is a mutually beneficial exchange.