It Could Happen Here Tariffs and the Corruption State
Aug 14, 2025
The podcast dives into the economic fallout from recent U.S. tariffs, focusing on their inconsistencies and the impacts on struggling nations. It examines how tariffs connect with political funding and the challenges of tech manufacturing. The complexities of the microchip supply chain and the geopolitical effects of Trump's tariffs are explored, alongside Brazil's resistance to U.S. influence. Additionally, it links inflation and corporate pricing to consumer sentiment, while comparing this serious discussion to the upcoming Big 3 Basketball Playoffs.
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Tariff Policy Lacks Economic Coherence
- The tariff scheme is incoherent: deficits get 15% and surpluses 10%, plus random higher rates for some countries.
- Mia Wong argues this reflects policy driven by anger and ignorance, not economic logic.
High Tariffs Hurt Vulnerable Economies
- Very high tariffs hit fragile economies hardest, like Syria at 41% and Laos at 40%.
- Wong emphasizes those tariffs will devastate workers in export-driven Southeast Asian economies.
Tariff Notice Functioned As Recognition
- Trump sent a letter to Myanmar's junta imposing a 40% tariff and effectively signaled recognition.
- Wong recounts the junta's pleased reaction and potential lifting of sanctions as a messy outcome.