Trump and Biden Aren't Free Traders, so What's the Difference?
May 6, 2024
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Exploring similarities and differences in trade policies between Trump and Biden, especially focusing on tariffs and protectionism. The implications for international trade and high-tech manufacturing are discussed, highlighting the complex nature of bilateral agreements and global competitiveness.
Both Trump and Biden share protectionist tendencies, with Biden opting for subtler strategies than Trump.
Biden intensifies protectionism through subsidies and local content rules, while Trump advocates for universal tariffs.
Deep dives
Comparison of Trade Policies Between Trump and Biden
Both Donald Trump and Joe Biden have not shown significant variance in their trade policies, with Biden's administration following a notably quieter path similar to Trump's protectionist strategies. The USMCA, replacing NAFTA, has prompted concerns about Chinese content within Mexican exports to the US, potentially leading to tariff threats from both administrations. Despite differing rhetoric towards China and varying tariff proposals, the fundamental stances show a shared skepticism towards trade openness.
Impact of Protectionism through Subsidies and Local Content Rules
Biden's administration has intensified protectionism through the implementation of substantial subsidies promoting domestic production and the enforcement of localized content rules. These tactics not only restrict international competition but also inflate production costs by mandating the use of American-made materials. The significant subsidies, amounting to trillions of dollars, reinforce protectionist measures that hinder global competitiveness.
Proposed 10% Tariff and Implications on Modern Supply Chains
Trump's proposal of a universal 10% tariff on imports reflects a drastic shift in US trade policy, contrasting with Biden's reserved approach despite maintaining existing tariffs and protectionist regulations. Such tariffs would disrupt modern supply chains that extensively rely on global sourcing, impacting American manufacturers who heavily depend on imported components. The tariff could inadvertently burden domestic producers by increasing costs and complicating international trade dynamics.
There aren't big, glaring differences between Trump and Biden on giving Americans maximum freedom to trade across the globe, but the style of the candidates' protectionism differs somewhat. Scott Lincicome explains.