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462 points JumpCrisscross | 1 comments | | HN request time: 0s | source
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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.

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esseph ◴[] No.45078666[source]
Both raw materials and finished goods are tariffed.

So if the idea is to be more self sustaining: we cannot.

Also, read this: https://www.molsonhart.com/blog/america-underestimates-the-d...

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hippo22 ◴[] No.45078812[source]
Is the argument here what we should forgo important things because they’re difficult? As far as I can tell, the difficulty will only increase as time goes on.
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1. esseph ◴[] No.45079028[source]
It is neither in our best interests to continue this, because I can't give you the level of detail this can. It would be a pale imitation of the reasons in front of you.

Basically, there is no way we "win" this economically through tariffs. Nor can we power through it by trying to throw labor at the problem, because the labor cost is cheaper everywhere else.