KQED's Forum How Trump’s Trade Deals Could Impact Jobs, Prices and Inflation
Jun 16, 2025
David Goldman, executive editor at CNN Business, Kevin Truong, business editor at The San Francisco Standard, and Sid Malladi, CEO of logistics firm Nuvo, explore the implications of recent tariff deals. They discuss how the steep reduction from 145% to 55% tariffs on Chinese imports may not alleviate uncertainty for businesses and consumers alike. Local enterprises face tough choices amid fluctuating trade policies, while inflation and job markets hang in the balance, showcasing the tangled web of global trade dynamics.
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Trump's Aggressive Tariff Strategy
- Trump administration implemented wildly varying tariffs up to 145% on Chinese imports and others.
- These measures surprised markets and introduced significant uncertainty into global trade.
Market Volatility and Tariff Reversals
- Markets initially reacted harshly to tariff threats but recovered as tariffs were paused or scaled back.
- The phenomenon is nicknamed 'Trump always chickens out' due to policy reversals easing concerns.
Horse Import Tariff Struggles
- A small business importing horses from Europe faced a sudden 50% tariff, severely impacting costs.
- The owner delayed import hoping tariff reductions to avoid excessive charges and loss.