←back to thread

462 points JumpCrisscross | 5 comments | | HN request time: 0s | source
Show context
hippo22 ◴[] No.45078622[source]
I’d like to lay out an argument about why tariffs are good.

The only businesses that are derailing with tariffs issues are those that import goods to sell. The argument against tariffs is that they make goods more expensive.

Of course, this argument is true. But that’s not the end of the story.

Because prices are higher for imported goods, demand for domestically produced goods increases. This increase in demand leads to increased demand for labor, which can increase wages. Additionally, the money multiplier effect is higher when money is kept domestically vs paid to offshore parties.

Finally, I think it’s ridiculous to expect that this nation can maintain its wealth without producing anything. We act as if the producers of food are fungible cogs that businesses can swap out. But I think we’ll find that management is the fungible part. Anyone can sell a quality good. Knowing how to make it is what’s important. I’m surprised that mindset doesn’t resonate more with software engineers.

replies(14): >>45078640 #>>45078641 #>>45078655 #>>45078666 #>>45078667 #>>45078673 #>>45078695 #>>45078775 #>>45078850 #>>45079034 #>>45079108 #>>45080080 #>>45082608 #>>45082629 #
1. jameslk ◴[] No.45078673[source]
Incentives work better than tariffs. Tariffs are less effective due to their uncertainty (why would I build a factory if the next admin removes the tariffs?)
replies(2): >>45078745 #>>45079463 #
2. hippo22 ◴[] No.45078745[source]
The fact that X is more effective than Y is not an argument against Y if X and Y are not mutually exclusive.
replies(2): >>45078798 #>>45080718 #
3. jameslk ◴[] No.45078798[source]
Sure, I get your point. It all comes down to the pros and cons of each on the rest of the economic system. The goal isn’t to get industry onshore at the expense of the economy. If you have a better tool, use that instead
4. toasterlovin ◴[] No.45079463[source]
The problem with incentives is that they need to be ongoing. It doesn’t matter how cheap it is to build a factory in the US if foreign competition can still bring comparable products to market for cheaper. Because then you won’t sell anything, so your ROI is zero.
5. adgjlsfhk1 ◴[] No.45080718[source]
the real problem is that sudden tariff changes are one of the worst tools imaginable. building large scale factories requires spending billions that will only pay off over decades. if the tariff changes every month that's one of the worst things you can do to build confidence in long term bets.