The Brian Lehrer Show The Latest on the Trade War With China
May 5, 2025
Kimberly Adams, Senior Washington correspondent for Marketplace, discusses the end of the de minimis exemption and its possible impact on consumer prices. Arthur Dong, a teaching professor at Georgetown, analyzes the evolving US-China trade dynamics and Beijing's potential negotiations with President Trump. They dive into how tariffs are shaping everyday purchases and the broader implications on job stability and the American dream. The complexity of sourcing materials for small businesses amid trade barriers also takes center stage.
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Mom's Party Fan Tariff Impact
- Kimberly Adams shared how her mom's birthday party plans were disrupted due to tariffs cancelling a bulk fan order from China.
- The alternative fans cost $500 more, illustrating immediate consumer impact.
Tariffs Target Discretionary Goods
- The administration expects consumers to tolerate higher prices on discretionary goods like toys to support trade policy goals.
- Tariffs are seen as a way to correct overreliance on cheap imports with ethical and environmental concerns.
Hidden Tariff Charges in Online Sales
- Listener Chris shared how a Chinese online seller reserved the right to charge added tariffs after purchase, causing order cancellation anxiety.
- This practice caught many shoppers unprepared for sudden price hikes at checkout or shipment.