Canada, Greenland, Mexico, etc - USA Tariffs / Trade War commencing March 2025 #4

[Herat]

I think a number of cleverer people thought they could manipulate him enough to use him as a puppet. And yes, you can manipulate him easily. But he's also pathologically impulsive, spiteful, and stubborn. Capricious, in that his best friend one day is his worst enemy the next.

And this is the man in power for the next four years.

I think a bunch of very rich people who were happy a few months ago are watching their stocks and shares fall and beginning to feel something like fear.

MOO

Fear, or concern that someone they can't control has DJT's ear and is enabling him to make these irresponsible and fraudulent moves

I hope some of these rich men can get to their GOP congressman and instill in them a sense that either they fix this out of control economic tsunami or they are getting axed in 2026.

 

[otto]

I do not know or understand why anyone would have trusted a game show host with the US Economy. As we can all see, it is tanking quickly. Trump never did have much political experience and is not a very intelligent person, anyway. I remember Trump from the 1970's, even. He wasn't a good person then and that has not changed. Hard to understand what anyone saw in this man that would indicate that he would make a great president. Trump showed us what he was about on Jan 6. That should have been enough. Instead, here we are enduring another four or more years of constant negativity. Sorry but, the man couldn't even lead himself out of a paper bag if he had to. The continuing and constant lies are getting old and tired, much like Trump himself.

This CBC report released yesterday explains why young men in Canada are leaning towards Conservative. The primary reason is reaction to woke ideology that consumed society for a few years. Additionally, because equal rights for women are more or less in place in Western societies (60 years after 1960s women's liberation), men feel that they are the unheard, under-valued and under-privileged. They see Trump and right-wing politics as their path to the man's man and the restoration of their place in society as home-owners, father, provider.

That may well be the demographic group that put a game show host in charge of the USA.

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6718064

 

[Herat]

I do not know or understand why anyone would have trusted a game show host with the US Economy. As we can all see, it is tanking quickly. Trump never did have much political experience and is not a very intelligent person, anyway. I remember Trump from the 1970's, even. He wasn't a good person then and that has not changed. Hard to understand what anyone saw in this man that would indicate that he would make a great president. Trump showed us what he was about on Jan 6. That should have been enough. Instead, here we are enduring another four or more years of constant negativity. Sorry but, the man couldn't even lead himself out of a paper bag if he had to. The continuing and constant lies are getting old and tired, much like Trump himself.

Everyone knows that Trump always folds.

The Chinese know it, Putin knows it, likely most of the EU and every banana republic dictator knows it.

Trump folded on the NAFTA agreement in 2020.

He's just a blowhard and right now he is probably making enormous personal profits from the market swings. Which, of course, is illegal.

Sure there will be some noise and pain for a bit, but he's given everyone except China a 90 day reprive, at which time he surely hopes everyone has forgotten about it. He's probably planning on trying to wrestle the Panama Canal ports back from China and then giving them some "concessions" because Apple and other US electronics will be a disaster for the next months .

But he will fold and then use his Billionaire Tax Relief bill as an excuse.

 

[Mo Thuairim]

Trump’s ‘Liz Truss moment’: when economic bravado meets market reality

A maverick economic policy announcement from a self-styled disruptor plunges the country’s currency into freefall and puts rocket boosters behind the cost of government debt, prompting warnings of an economic nuclear winter and forcing a pretty undignified U-turn.

If, on top of general concern, there has been a nagging sense of deja vu in Britain over the past 24 hours, then the ill-fated 49-day reign of Liz Truss as the UK prime minister may well be to blame.

“This is Donald Trump’s Liz Truss moment,” tweeted Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader (alternatively known to followers of Elon Musk on X as that “snivelling cretin”).

[...]

For some, Trump’s gameshow host performance in the White House Rose Garden, as he unveiled the bumper tariffs on “liberation day”, had all the hallmarks of a Truss-style disaster in the making – and one on a rather grand scale.

Trump’s theatrics were, inevitably, celebrated by his most dedicated supporters as a genius move right out of his Art of the Deal book. But the bond markets gave, as they always do, the most clear-eyed view possible from people with skin in the game: they absolutely hated it.

Confidence in the US economy plummeted as investors dumped government debt, normally a safe haven.

[...]

Trump’s ‘Liz Truss moment’: when economic bravado meets market reality

The president’s U-turn after his maverick plan threatened meltdown has echoes of the 2022 UK crisis

www.theguardian.com

 

[steeltowngirl]

Democratic senators call for probe into possible insider trading over Trump tariff reversal

Two Democrats are seeking answers from the White House about whether Trump administration officials engaged in insider trading amid the tariff rollbacks.

abcnews.go.com

 

[Yellowbelly]

I see bond yields are creeping up again towards 4.5%. Should we expect another reverse ferret from Brave Sir Donald?

https://www.marketwatch.com/investing/bond/tmubmusd10y?countrycode=bx

 

[MontanaMan]

I think a number of cleverer people thought they could manipulate him enough to use him as a puppet. And yes, you can manipulate him easily. But he's also pathologically impulsive, spiteful, and stubborn. Capricious, in that his best friend one day is his worst enemy the next.

And this is the man in power for the next four years.

I think a bunch of very rich people who were happy a few months ago are watching their stocks and shares fall and beginning to feel something like fear.

MOO

I think you are correct. And as much as I would like to hold those people accountable for this mess and chaos we are in, I am not sure it would help. The person who needs to be held accountable is Trump, yet he never is. There were more than enough chances to put this clown right where he has always belonged, in prison. Instead, we are still being forced to deal with his constant pathological lies and chaos, daily now. However, it appears that for those 'clever people' who though they could control the pandemonium and absolute chaos, they were wrong. There is no controlling this clown that masquerades as a president and leader.

Trump's little minion, Elon Musk, thought he could control Trump <modsnip: Name calling>. Musk found out very quickly, that he was also wrong. Now, Elon finds himself as one of the two, most hated human beings on this planet <modsnip: Name calling is not allowed>. Musk has also lost a large portion of his wealth through Slump's stupid tariff games. Of course, we real Americans were also responsible for diminishing Musk's wealth. The Tesla Takedown worked and will likely keep working. It is true though, that those 'clever people' are now watching their own wealth go down the drain and/or shrink significantly.

Personally, I don't know how people like Trump <modsnip: Name calling> and Musk live with themselves. I think this whole country is going to erupt in protest, very soon. And we should. Enough is really quite enough.

 

[iamshadow21]

I think you are correct. And as much as I would like to hold those people accountable for this mess and chaos we are in, I am not sure it would help. The person who needs to be held accountable is Trump, yet he never is. There were more than enough chances to put this clown right where he has always belonged, in prison. Instead, we are still being forced to deal with his constant pathological lies and chaos, daily now. However, it appears that for those 'clever people' who though they could control the pandemonium and absolute chaos, they were wrong. There is no controlling this clown that masquerades as a president and leader.

Trump's little minion, Elon Musk, thought he could control Trump <modsnip: Name calling>. Musk found out very quickly, that he was also wrong. Now, Elon finds himself as one of the two, most hated human beings on this planet <modsnip: Name calling is not allowed>. Musk has also lost a large portion of his wealth through Slump's stupid tariff games. Of course, we real Americans were also responsible for diminishing Musk's wealth. The Tesla Takedown worked and will likely keep working. It is true though, that those 'clever people' are now watching their own wealth go down the drain and/or shrink significantly.

Personally, I don't know how people like Trump <modsnip: Name calling> and Musk live with themselves. I think this whole country is going to erupt in protest, very soon. And we should. Enough is really quite enough.

For a country that prided itself on its tech entrepreneurs, I think a bunch of tech bros who stood at Trump's side are going to lose a lot. Apple is down so much it's no longer the world's most valuable company. Close to 800 billion dollars, gone. Virtually all of its manufacturing is based in China.

Apple is no longer the world’s most valuable company

Microsoft now claims bragging rights.

fortune.com

MOO

 

[ilovewings]

The stupidity just won't stop.

It is beyond stupidity it is willful arrogance and ignorance

 

[iamshadow21]

Volkswagen and Audi to include 'Added Import Fee' to US window sticker prices

Brands have confirmed they will ensure customers know exactly how much of prices are due to Trump’s tariffs.

www.drive.com.au

 

[iamshadow21]

Markets plunge again as US confirms China tariff even higher

US markets plunge again as optimism over President Donald Trump's tariffs "pause" is overshadowed by his escalating trade war with China, which the White House says will now be hit with a 145 per cent tariff.

www.abc.net.au

Analysts warn a financial 'horror' story still possible as US provokes China

With China's economy still being threatened, consumer confidence already falling and business facing extraordinary levels of uncertainty, the risk for Australia is that the economy could falter.

www.abc.net.au

In Trump's America, toasters will be astronomically expensive. Here's why

Of all Trump's miscalculations this week, his biggest miscalculation of all may be assuming that China would not hit back, using the economic power that the Chinese Communist Party has been amassing for decades, but until recently, has not fully deployed.

www.abc.net.au

 

[LoveyG]

I had a doctor appt today and expressed my concern about pharmaceutical tariffs. My doctor said he hopes they are careful because a large number of our medications are produced in China.

I was not aware so of course I got on the computer when I got home and found this:

China ranks third among countries that export drugs and biologics to the United States. China also ranks first among countries that import devices to the U.S.

China Office

The China Office mission is to strengthen the safety, quality, and effectiveness of food and medical products produced in China for export to the United States.

www.fda.gov

 

[Herat]

I had a doctor appt today and expressed my concern about pharmaceutical tariffs. My doctor said he hopes they are careful because a large number of our medications are produced in China.

I was not aware so of course I got on the computer when I got home and found this:

China ranks third among countries that export drugs and biologics to the United States. China also ranks first among countries that import devices to the U.S.

China Office

The China Office mission is to strengthen the safety, quality, and effectiveness of food and medical products produced in China for export to the United States.

www.fda.gov

This is an interesting piece on Big Pharma and imported pharmaceuticals.

It is even more complex than the auto industry. It involves India, Ireland, Switzerland, the EU, as well as Canada.

https://www.reuters.com/breakingviews/big-pharma-has-partial-immunity-trump-tariffs-2025-04-09/#:~:text=While%20the%20U.S.%20is%20the,the%20total%2010%20years%20earlier.

 

[HmmMysterious]

Markets plunge again as US confirms China tariff even higher

US markets plunge again as optimism over President Donald Trump's tariffs "pause" is overshadowed by his escalating trade war with China, which the White House says will now be hit with a 145 per cent tariff.

www.abc.net.au

Analysts warn a financial 'horror' story still possible as US provokes China

With China's economy still being threatened, consumer confidence already falling and business facing extraordinary levels of uncertainty, the risk for Australia is that the economy could falter.

www.abc.net.au

In Trump's America, toasters will be astronomically expensive. Here's why

Of all Trump's miscalculations this week, his biggest miscalculation of all may be assuming that China would not hit back, using the economic power that the Chinese Communist Party has been amassing for decades, but until recently, has not fully deployed.

www.abc.net.au

Yes, the DOW dropped 1,000 points, but that's okay because "China took the bait"

https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-trump-tariffs-trade-war-04-10-25

 

[MontanaMan]

I just finished writing my third letter to the Rep for my area in Minnesota, who unfortunately, is a Republican. Basically, I let her and Trump have it. It has been somewhat fulfilling writing her daily, and expressing my whole community's concern for what is happening in DC and the WH. I live in what could be considered a small village in Minnesota. People here, are so sick and tired of the negativity every day from Trump and Republicans. I see that we are not alone! It really is time that we try to heal this polarisation in the US, but that probably can't happen until Trump and Republicans are gone, or have been deposed.

It's interesting, because I have found that Republicans are totally unable to take criticism or critique. They simply flip out or freak out, every time. Then afterwards, they start with their 2nd grade name calling and continual lies. I think I have been called every name in the book by rabid Republicans. It's like a thing with them, and I assume that it assuages their hurt feelings. Sigh.....It is hard to imagine another few years or more of this constant hate and negativity from Trump and Republicans.

 

[iamshadow21]

The Ivory Coast isn't meekly bowing down, either. Good on them. They have the distinct advantage that cocoa cannot be domestically grown in the USA. They have a position they can negotiate from.

Trump tariffs updates: China hit with 145% duties as Wall Street slides

These are the updates for Thursday, April 10, 2025 as Donald Trump held a cabinet meeting to discuss tariffs and more.

aje.io

MOO

 

[SouthAussie]

The Ivory Coast isn't meekly bowing down, either. Good on them. They have the distinct advantage that cocoa cannot be domestically grown in the USA. They have a position they can negotiate from.

Trump tariffs updates: China hit with 145% duties as Wall Street slides

These are the updates for Thursday, April 10, 2025 as Donald Trump held a cabinet meeting to discuss tariffs and more.

aje.io

MOO

The EU is going to do well from Trump's tariffs. Everyone wants to deal with the EU instead of the US.

Kouassi added that the country is seeking stronger ties with the EU in light of the tariffs.

(from your link)

 

[BayouBelle_LA]

It's interesting, because I have found that Republicans are totally unable to take criticism or critique. They simply flip out or freak out, every time. Then afterwards, they start with their 2nd grade name calling and continual lies. I think I have been called every name in the book by rabid Republicans. It's like a thing with them, and I assume that it assuages their hurt feelings. Sigh.....It is hard to imagine another few years or more of this constant hate and negativity from Trump and Republicans.

. There is no controlling this clown that masquerades as a president and leader.

Trump's little minion, Elon Musk, thought he could control Trump <modsnip: Name calling>. Musk found out very quickly, that he was also wrong. Now, Elon finds himself as one of the two, most hated human beings on this planet <modsnip: Name calling is not allowed>. Musk has also lost a large portion of his wealth through Slump's stupid tariff games. Of course, we real Americans were also responsible for diminishing Musk's wealth. The Tesla Takedown worked and will likely keep working. It is true though, that those 'clever people' are now watching their own wealth go down the drain and/or shrink significantly.

Personally, I don't know how people like Trump <modsnip: Name calling> and Musk live with themselves. I think this whole country is going to erupt in protest, very soon. And we should. Enough is really quite enough.

rsbm

That’s fascinating. I have a different opinion.

 

[BayouBelle_LA]

"China has made an offer to Australia in a bid to boost trade and growth between the two nations as the tit-for-tat tariff war continues with Donald Trump hitting Beijing with 125 per cent levies.

Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian said Beijing and Canberra must maintain their "open and cooperative" trade relationship amid the unpredictability of the US.

Under the circumstances, China stands ready to join hands with Australia and the international community to jointly respond to the changes of the world," Mr Xiao said.

“In the meantime, China is also committed to working with Australia to implement the strategic consensus reached by the leaders of our two countries.”

In an opinion piece to the Sydney Morning Herald Mr Xiao also hit out at the US, saying "there is no winner in a trade or tariff war and protectionism leads nowhere". "

China wants to work with Australia to 'respond to the changes of the world' as Trump slaps Beijing with 125 per cent tariffs

Australia has rejected China’s offer to “join hands” and fight back against Donald Trump’s tariffs.
(…)
However, Defence Minister Richard Marles was quick to reject the offer, saying Australia – which was hit with 10 per cent tariffs on goods imported to the US – would focus on diversifying its trade.

“We’re not about to make common cause with China, that’s not what’s going to happen here,” Mr Marles told 9News.

https://www.news.com.au/world/north-america/us-politics/wont-be-holding-chinas-hand-aus-rejects-huge-china-offer-amid-trade-war-with-us/news-story/ce5412e09511cd464c3da19c48825ffd

 

[otto]

Markets plunge again as US confirms China tariff even higher

US markets plunge again as optimism over President Donald Trump's tariffs "pause" is overshadowed by his escalating trade war with China, which the White House says will now be hit with a 145 per cent tariff.

www.abc.net.au

Analysts warn a financial 'horror' story still possible as US provokes China

With China's economy still being threatened, consumer confidence already falling and business facing extraordinary levels of uncertainty, the risk for Australia is that the economy could falter.

www.abc.net.au

In Trump's America, toasters will be astronomically expensive. Here's why

Of all Trump's miscalculations this week, his biggest miscalculation of all may be assuming that China would not hit back, using the economic power that the Chinese Communist Party has been amassing for decades, but until recently, has not fully deployed.

www.abc.net.au

"One of history's greatest acts of self-harm " ... echoes Chrystia Freeland calling Trump tariffs on Canada "self-mutilation" 3 months ago.