The Peter Zeihan Podcast Series Trump Takes on Trade || Peter Zeihan
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Feb 27, 2025 The podcast dives into the nuances of tariffs as a tool of trade policy, emphasizing their potential effectiveness when used strategically. It critiques the approach taken during Trump's administration, pointing out how tariffs were sometimes misapplied. The discussion highlights the impacts on the automotive industry and pricing, along with the complexities of implementing reciprocal tariffs. Insights are shared on the challenges faced in renegotiating trade agreements and the importance of seasoned experts in navigating these intricate policies.
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Tariffs as Goals
- Trump views tariffs as ends rather than means to achieve goals.
- This approach is economically unsound unless existing industrial infrastructure is in place.
Canadian Car Tariff
- Trump proposed a 100% tariff on Canadian cars, but US car production relies on Canadian and Mexican parts.
- Such a tariff would devastate the US auto industry and raise car prices.
Reciprocal Tariffs' Challenges
- Reciprocal tariffs, while seemingly fair, are impractical due to administrative difficulties.
- Implementing them would require a massive increase in government staff to track and enforce.