US economy shrank 0.5% in the first quarter, worse than earlier estimates

Even if China paid the tariffs, how did you expect it to work? The manufacturers would just eat the entire fee and give you stuff for under cost?

Chinese manufacturers will split the fee with buyers when the tariff rate is modest and doesn't eat too much into their profit.

Yes, because we're supposed to believe that China having a surplus of manufactured goods constitutes a liability, and our need for manufactured goods constitutes a strength. So with our good strong healthy mentally competent leader, China will soon be paying us to take their products. Noted experts like Ron Vara have explained this in depth. </s>

The rate isn’t modest so the straw already broke the camel’s back.