Odd Lots David Woo: What Trump Started is Worse Than a Trade War
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Apr 24, 2025 
David Woo, founder of David Woo Unbound and former head of global economics at Bank of America, shares his insights on the escalating U.S.-China tensions. He predicts that the real economic pain from tariffs is coming and argues it's more severe than a typical trade war. Woo explains the damaging 'war of attrition' impacting both economies and critiques the hardline approaches shaping trade relations. He highlights the political implications and discusses how these dynamics could hinder future negotiations as diplomatic trust erodes.
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Trade War or Economic War?
- Trump's trade conflict with China is a full-scale economic war, not just a trade war.
- The strategy aims to bankrupt China's economy to stop its rise as a global hegemon.
Lighting Shortage Anecdote
- David Woo tried to buy high-end lighting made in China but found severe shortages in Israel.
- This illustrates the real-time supply disruptions not yet felt widely in the U.S.
War of Attrition Dynamic
- The current U.S.-China standoff is a "war of attrition," not a game of chicken.
- Both sides endure economic pain, holding out until one breaks due to unbearable suffering.