Canada, Greenland, Mexico, etc - USA Tariffs / Trade War commencing March 2025 #5

[branmuffin]

"Indeed this weekend's broad range of exemptions are in and of themselves an astonishing U-turn ....

Just under a quarter of China's total exports are now exempt from the 125% tariff ....

The White House has gone from clearly suggesting that there would be no negotiation on the baseline 10% tariffs to offering exemptions to the very products causing the deficit that the entire policy was supposed to solve.

This is a lot more than a "row back". Some have called it the "Art of the Repeal".

The US is now negotiating with the bond markets, and itself."

Trump's iPhone olive branch is a significant trade war retreat

Exempting electronics from US tariffs is a stunning about-turn by the Trump administration after 10 days of chaos.

www.bbc.com

Ah, The Art of the Repeal! Where is that laugh emoji when you need it.

 

[Charlot123]

How Trump’s trade war with China will hurt the American farmers who voted him in​

[...]

To analyze which nation might blink first, CNN examined China’s largest imports from the United States — soybeans — to see if and how that demand could be met elsewhere, what US farmers stand to lose and more.

[...]

China buys mainly agricultural products from the US, including soybeans, oilseeds and grains. Soybean imports, mostly used for animal feed, already took a hit during Trump’s first term when the two countries sparred in an earlier trade war.

At the time, China sought to diversify the source of its imports and looked to other countries for agricultural products. It’s set to do that again after imposing a 125% tariff on all US imports – a move analysts expect could send China’s imports of American agricultural commodities like soybeans close to zero.

US soybean exports to China are now subject to a total tariff of 135%, resulting from the 10% tariff imposed on certain agricultural products in March plus the 125% levy announced on Friday.

During the first US-China trade war, Brazil — the world’s leading soybean exporter — emerged as a winner, with China’s imports of the legume surging over the years. Brazilian soybean exports to China have grown by more than 280% since 2010 while US exports have remained flat.

[...]

With production expected to rise — the Brazilian soybean crop is projected to reach record levels this year — China could increase its imports from Brazil and other South American countries like Argentina, which is currently the world’s third-largest soybean producer after Brazil and the US.

[...]

The US agricultural sector lost around $27 billion during the 2018 trade war, with 71% of the losses being soybean-related, according to the American Soybean Association.

And farmers, many of whom live in states that went for Trump in the 2024 election, are still struggling with the fallout. Only Illinois, the top soybean producer, and Minnesota, the third-largest soybean producing state, went for former Vice President Kamala Harris last November.

[...]

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/13/business/american-farmer-china-trade-trump-intl-hnk-dg/index.html

True. It would seem that the group who always voted conservatively, the “my favorite team” voters, are realizing that this vote was wrong.

Some live to the East of my state and make vine which gets sold to Canada. They have big acreage that depends on the wood from Canada.

I don’t know what needs to happen for the people to change.

 

[Charlot123]

I was buying Bombas socks. They are incredible but pretty expensive, start around twenty eight bucks for one quarter size pair. Anywhere from $81 to $105 for a four pack. They are famous for giving one pair of socks donating socks to organization who help the homeless people. One pair for charity for everyone pair bought. Imagine my surprise when I found out these socks are made in China. I guess I was just dumb enough to think a $28 pair of socks was manufactured in the US. No wonder they can afford to give away 150 million pairs of socks. They are great socks and I was willing to overlook their price but a couple of years ago they suspended shipping to Canada. Too costly. I wonder what their profit margin is. Now I buy Balega from Amazon, cheaper and free delivery. I'm sure they're made in China, too.

I don't think a lot of people are aware of how their lives have improved by being able to afford a lot of the things they want because they ARE made in China or in Southeast Asian countries like India and Vietnam. You can and complain all day long about the lack of manufacturing in western countries but if you get your wish about domestic manufacturing your lifestyle will be seriously impacted by products you take for granted now will be out of reach when the time comes to replace them.

To be honest, I’d love to support Alpaca producers from Peru but tariffs have hit them, too. ((

 

[branmuffin]

Canada has "nothing the US needs" but the US wants it to be the 51st State.... OK.

I'll believe that when I see it. O'Leary is just another sycophant who channels Trump's traits of bombastic rhetoric and bullying nature. He doesn't have the cash or the stones to fund something like that.

 

[branmuffin]

Made in Canada:

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www.fridaysocks.com

Thanks for the links! I like socks that have the band under the arch. They really affect your comfort in a positive way, when on your feet for a long time.

 

[Charlot123]

'Correct mistakes': China calls on US to 'completely cancel' reciprocal tariffs - The Times of India

China News: China urges the US to completely eliminate reciprocal tariffs imposed during the Trump administration, which have escalated to 145%. Describing the re

timesofindia.indiatimes.com

We urge the US to... take a big step to correct its mistakes ..

OK US didn’t expect it either. Think of the federal workers that got fired. Many of them - I bet - voted for GOP.

On the other hand, and I am saying it many times, there is a tendency to switch ideology and economy. We hear too many things during any elections that are purely ideological and tbh, should be left at home. While in fact, we should hear about economy and ask the runners about it, too.

Maybe it is the same everywhere. But out Dems have to change as well. Maybe stop being that “who is not with us, is against us” type? It is new. It is as if the whole country is watching TV news all day long, just different channels.

In my state progressiveness periodically results in strange situations. A swastika drawn at school causes havoc: is it a Nazi sign or maybe one of the Indian students did it and we may hurt someone’s feelings? We discuss it for two days during which the thing stays on the school wall. I got drawn into “how to tell” discussion because it was local, but to think of, a graffiti on the school wall is vandalism no matter who did it. So it seems that we lose the purpose behind meaning well, if you understand.

 

[Herat]

I would always vote for a moderate candidate. The kind of "Do No Harm" type.

Unfortunately, there are fewer of them around these days.

 

[indicolite22]

I would always vote for a moderate candidate. The kind of "Do No Harm" type.

Unfortunately, there are fewer of them around these days.

I'm positive that Kamala wouldn't have crashed the economy on purpose or otherwise.

 

[Charlot123]

I would always vote for a moderate candidate. The kind of "Do No Harm" type.

Unfortunately, there are fewer of them around these days.

Well, I don’t understand several things:
- why are there no age limits on the age of the politicians and justices. It is not ageism; rather, the feeling that after a certain age, people tend to live on the prior experience, and the world is changing super fast. The judicial branch is even more affected.
- moderate means, “can weigh in both positions”, but still can have leadership qualities. I think Obama was like it.
- it all still comes to “who takes Pennsylvanian vote?” Sorry to say. I would like to be in the situation when my vote counts. I think popular vote is enough for any country. Maybe then the voters turnover would be higher.

 

[sds71]

China has suspended exports of a wide range of critical minerals and magnets, threatening to choke off supplies of components central to automakers, aerospace manufacturers, semiconductor companies and military contractors around the world.

Shipments of the magnets, essential for assembling everything from cars and drones to robots and missiles, have been halted at many Chinese ports while the Chinese government drafts a new regulatory system. Once in place, the new system could permanently prevent supplies from reaching certain companies, including American military contractors...

The so-called heavy rare earth metals covered by the export suspension are used in magnets essential for many kinds of electric motors. These motors are crucial components of electric cars, drones, robots, missiles and spacecraft. Gasoline-powered cars also use electric motors with rare earth magnets for critical tasks like steering.

The metals also go into the chemicals for manufacturing jet engines, lasers, car headlights and certain spark plugs. And these rare metals are vital ingredients in capacitors, which are electrical components of the computer chips that power artificial intelligence servers and smartphones.

China Halts Critical Exports as Trade War Intensifies

Beijing has suspended exports of certain rare earth minerals and magnets that are crucial for the world’s car, semiconductor and aerospace industries.

www.nytimes.com

 

[Cedars]

Well, I don’t understand several things:
- why are there no age limits on the age of the politicians and justices. It is not ageism; rather, the feeling that after a certain age, people tend to live on the prior experience, and the world is changing super fast. The judicial branch is even more affected.
- moderate means, “can weigh in both positions”, but still can have leadership qualities. I think Obama was like it.
- it all still comes to “who takes Pennsylvanian vote?” Sorry to say. I would like to be in the situation when my vote counts. I think popular vote is enough for any country. Maybe then the voters turnover would be higher.

I don't know much about the US but it seems to me in general it's showing up the bad aspects of political parties (there are good aspects). IMO, it starts with people who want to 'own' a political party., and then they want their party to 'own' government.

Political parties stop being about what's best for the country, and start becoming a way for "us" to win at any cost, all the time. So party loyalists kow-tow to those in party power, and can't say anything to question them.

However, I see no alternative, because otherwise everything, I mean everything, becomes a power struggle.

My little volunteer fire department has been imbroiled in factions, dramatic elections involving attempted take-overs, rowdy public meetings, vicious private criticism of all appointees including the fire chief, for years...fortunately, when there is an actual fire they do respond quite diligently.

JMO

 

[Herat]

I don't know much about the US but it seems to me in general it's showing up the bad aspects of political parties (there are good aspects). IMO, it starts with people who want to 'own' a political party., and then they want their party to 'own' government.

Political parties stop being about what's best for the country, and start becoming a way for "us" to win at any cost, all the time. So party loyalists kow-tow to those in party power, and can't say anything to question them.

However, I see no alternative, because otherwise everything, I mean everything, becomes a power struggle.

My little volunteer fire department has been imbroiled in factions, dramatic elections involving attempted take-overs, rowdy public meetings, vicious private criticism of all appointees including the fire chief, for years...fortunately, when there is an actual fire they do respond quite diligently.

JMO

Homeowner Associations are also notorious for exactly these kinds of behaviours.

 

[Herat]

So now DJT will be examining "the whole electronic supply chain".

What a massive self-created mess.

More Uncertainty. More financial stress. More degradation of the savings, the retirment funds, the jobs, the sense of financial security for the 99% of the US population that do not dabble in the stock market for fun.

 

[otto]

China has suspended exports of a wide range of critical minerals and magnets, threatening to choke off supplies of components central to automakers, aerospace manufacturers, semiconductor companies and military contractors around the world.

Shipments of the magnets, essential for assembling everything from cars and drones to robots and missiles, have been halted at many Chinese ports while the Chinese government drafts a new regulatory system. Once in place, the new system could permanently prevent supplies from reaching certain companies, including American military contractors...

The so-called heavy rare earth metals covered by the export suspension are used in magnets essential for many kinds of electric motors. These motors are crucial components of electric cars, drones, robots, missiles and spacecraft. Gasoline-powered cars also use electric motors with rare earth magnets for critical tasks like steering.

The metals also go into the chemicals for manufacturing jet engines, lasers, car headlights and certain spark plugs. And these rare metals are vital ingredients in capacitors, which are electrical components of the computer chips that power artificial intelligence servers and smartphones.

China Halts Critical Exports as Trade War Intensifies

Beijing has suspended exports of certain rare earth minerals and magnets that are crucial for the world’s car, semiconductor and aerospace industries.

www.nytimes.com

Thank you for sharing this article!
Trump knew this was a possible consequence of his randomly assigned tariffs because he was forewarned in 2019. How could he make such a big mistake? No other country is in a position to replace what China produces.

"Xi Jinping, China’s top leader, made a special inspection visit to JL Mag’s factory in Ganzhou in 2019, during heightened trade tensions in Mr. Trump’s first term. The trip was interpreted as a hint that China was ready to use its control over the materials to disrupt American supply chains, a step it did not take then but is doing now.
...

The new export controls are expected to cause immediate supply disruptions and could signal a decrease in Chinese rare earth supplies to Western military buyers."

 

[otto]

This article was published yesterday ... describing tariff problems for plane engines. The USA government either wants to destroy global manufacturing, or they have no idea about the consequences of actions. It's one big mistake after the other.

"Cars, consumer goods and industrial equipment have been delayed at ports, stuck on rail cars and languished in warehouses at times over the last few months due to the White House's on-again, off-again tariff policy.

Planes and their engines are usually ordered by U.S. buyers years in advance, and tariff confusion risks delaying shipments of both, even if the industry has not been directly targeted for duties, sources told Reuters. The frequent changes and added costs are stressing a supply chain that has wrestled with shortages of parts and labour.

Outside Montreal, workers at Airbus's Canadian plant assembled a single-aisle A220 jet over the last several months, even as the shifting tariff policy made it unclear whether the plane would go to its intended customer, Delta Air Lines, with or without a 25 per cent duty."

https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/trump-tariff-aircraft-airbus-bombardier-1.7507709

 

[SouthAussie]

I would like to be in the situation when my vote counts. I think popular vote is enough for any country. Maybe then the voters turnover would be higher.

Also, mandatory voting is not a bad thing. It makes many people stop and think about what policies they are voting for, not about what person they are voting for. It helps them own their vote and have a say in how a country is run. If your choice doesn't go through this time, it might go through next time. But you know you are in a true minority or majority this time, where voting is mandatory.

In a democracy, that is.

I sometimes wonder if voting was mandatory in the US, if the people would have chosen - as a majority - what they are being put through now. Tariffs, broken relationships with their allies, etc etc ......

imo

 

[Lyanna]

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/13/politics/johnson-battle-lines-trump-agenda/index.html

Republican party beginning to divide maybe?
Not great when Donald's own party has issues with him.

Moo

 

[otto]

The blame nonsense from the USA government is tiresome. For several years, the USA has engaged in a type of civil war between Democrats and Republicans, where each blamed the other to further their own agenda. Most recently, Biden is responsible for the price of eggs (nothing to do with bird flu), according to Trump. The entire USA population seems to be groomed to blame someone else for everything. They have forgotten how to analyze and solve a problem.

Trump and Lutnick will keep 20% tariffs on tech products from China due to USA fentanyl use. I expect Republicans and Democrats to align and nod in agreement - 20% is reasonable since China is responsible for drug addiction in the USA. Groomed to blame, it doesn't matter whether the culprit is an internal or external foe, they need a foe so they can ignore the problem.

USA citizens are responsible for fentanyl imports. USA citizens, when deprived of other drugs like heroin, chose to import fentanyl. The USA government, knowing full well that fentanyl imports are due to USA citizens looking for more potent, easier to transport illegal drugs, does nothing to treat addiction - as that requires analyzing and solving a difficult, local problem.

"For the Chinese imports, the exclusion of the tech products applies only to Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs, which reached 125 per cent this week. Trump's prior 20 per cent duties on all Chinese imports that he said were related to the fentanyl crisis remain in place."​

https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/trump-tariffs-exempted-electronics-1.7509266

"The only appropriate response to the opioid epidemic is treatment of addiction. But for this to be possible, the government must adopt policies that facilitate treatment and reduce the harms from addiction—most importantly deaths. To develop these policies, policymakers need to ignore the calls to blame foreigners for our problems."​

Commission Datafiles

IntroductionThis page provides users with access to the Commission's annual and other special datafiles that support the Commission's research agenda. These datafiles exclude identifiers and provide fiscal year data for researchers interested in studying federal sentencing practices through...

www.ussc.gov

https://www.cato.org/blog/fentanyl-smuggled-us-citizens-us-citizens-not-asylum-seekers

"Alcohol prohibition, while well-intentioned, was undertaken without sufficient consideration of potential unintended consequences, with disastrous results. Under the Iron Law of Prohibition, the current approach to illicit opioids is likewise doomed to failure. Without serious, sustained efforts to address the direct and root causes of non-medical opioid use, intensive supply suppression efforts that brought us fentanyl will continue to push the market towards deadlier alternatives."​

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0955395917301548#!

 

[Herat]

The blame nonsense from the USA government is tiresome. For several years, the USA has engaged in a type of civil war between Democrats and Republicans, where each blamed the other to further their own agenda. Most recently, Biden is responsible for the price of eggs (nothing to do with bird flu), according to Trump. The entire USA population seems to be groomed to blame someone else for everything. They have forgotten how to analyze and solve a problem.

Trump and Lutnick will keep 20% tariffs on tech products from China due to USA fentanyl use. I expect Republicans and Democrats to align and nod in agreement - 20% is reasonable since China is responsible for drug addiction in the USA. Groomed to blame, it doesn't matter whether the culprit is an internal or external foe, they need a foe so they can ignore the problem.

USA citizens are responsible for fentanyl imports. USA citizens, when deprived of other drugs like heroin, chose to import fentanyl. The USA government, knowing full well that fentanyl imports are due to USA citizens looking for more potent, easier to transport illegal drugs, does nothing to treat addiction - as that requires analyzing and solving a difficult, local problem.

"For the Chinese imports, the exclusion of the tech products applies only to Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs, which reached 125 per cent this week. Trump's prior 20 per cent duties on all Chinese imports that he said were related to the fentanyl crisis remain in place."​

https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/trump-tariffs-exempted-electronics-1.7509266

"The only appropriate response to the opioid epidemic is treatment of addiction. But for this to be possible, the government must adopt policies that facilitate treatment and reduce the harms from addiction—most importantly deaths. To develop these policies, policymakers need to ignore the calls to blame foreigners for our problems."​

View attachment 578791

Commission Datafiles

IntroductionThis page provides users with access to the Commission's annual and other special datafiles that support the Commission's research agenda. These datafiles exclude identifiers and provide fiscal year data for researchers interested in studying federal sentencing practices through...

www.ussc.gov

https://www.cato.org/blog/fentanyl-smuggled-us-citizens-us-citizens-not-asylum-seekers

"Alcohol prohibition, while well-intentioned, was undertaken without sufficient consideration of potential unintended consequences, with disastrous results. Under the Iron Law of Prohibition, the current approach to illicit opioids is likewise doomed to failure. Without serious, sustained efforts to address the direct and root causes of non-medical opioid use, intensive supply suppression efforts that brought us fentanyl will continue to push the market towards deadlier alternatives."​

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0955395917301548#!

Finally, some rational comments on this really important subject.

All the deportations aren't going to make any difference until someone sits down and directly addresses the reason so very many people in the US are addicted to opiates, alcohol, ketamine, cocaine, and continue to abuse other drugs.

 

[Herat]

Looks like the Canadian snowbird boycott of US vacations and travel is really beginning to make at least one vacation community very worried:

https://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/california-city-pleads-to-canadian-tourists-20267683.php