The Morgan Housel Podcast My Thoughts on Tariffs, Economic History, and the Market Decline
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Apr 8, 2025 This discussion highlights the negative effects of tariffs on the economy, urging a focus on trade specialization. The speaker compares U.S. strengths in entrepreneurship and high-end manufacturing with international mass production, using the iPhone as a prime example. Automation's impact on the job market is also examined, tracing its roots to post-World War II manufacturing. Lastly, the conversation tackles the current economic uncertainty, promoting a calm, long-term investment approach amid market fluctuations.
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Tariffs' Negative Impact
- Tariffs raise consumer prices and reduce domestic manufacturers' competitiveness.
- Specialization and trade benefit all parties involved, just like hiring a plumber.
Automation in Steel Production
- A Gary, Indiana steel factory produced 6M tons of steel with 30,000 workers in 1950.
- In 2010, it produced 7.5M tons with just 5,000 workers, highlighting automation's impact.
Post-War Manufacturing Boom
- Post-WWII, the US enjoyed a manufacturing monopoly due to devastated Europe and Japan.
- This period saw high manufacturing employment and relatively lower white-collar wages.