Brian Schatz says the US “absolutely rolled” by China-Canada trade deal, and it’s hard to disagree. The situation, as he lays it out, is a foreign policy fumble with real economic consequences, plain and simple. It’s a classic case of a country shooting itself in the foot, driven by a lack of understanding about the basic rules of international relations. The core principle, as Schatz points out, is loyalty to friends. And the US, by many accounts, wasn’t just disloyal; it was actively hostile. And now, here we are.
For anyone paying attention, this feels like a predictable outcome. The US, with its often erratic and self-serving trade policies, has alienated its allies, creating an environment where Canada, understandably, sought alternative options.… Continue reading
Since returning to the White House, President Trump’s implementation of double-digit tariffs on imports has significantly altered U.S. trade policy. These tariffs, aimed at reducing the trade deficit and boosting domestic manufacturing, have increased the effective tariff rate to its highest level since 1935, reaching nearly 17% by November. While the tariffs have generated substantial revenue for the U.S. Treasury and contributed to a narrowing trade deficit, the disruption to global supply chains has impacted trade with major partners like China, and led to significant market volatility.
Read More
US delays announcement of China chip tariffs until 2027 – well, that’s certainly a development, isn’t it? It seems we’re in for another round of political maneuvering, with the potential for these tariffs to vanish entirely, like a poorly-cooked taco on a Tuesday. The core of this story is the postponement of the tariffs on Chinese chips, a decision that speaks volumes about the current state of affairs and the political calculations at play.
This delay, until 2027, suggests a strategic move, likely influenced by the upcoming political landscape. The reasoning being, potentially, using the issue as a weapon against the opposing party, accusing them of being soft on China.… Continue reading
According to a new analysis by the Joint Economic Committee (JEC), the average US household has paid $1,200 in tariff costs over the past 10 months due to President Trump’s trade policies. This amount is derived from official US Treasury Department data on tariff revenue, and is expected to continue to rise. Democrats, including Senator Maggie Hassan, have criticized the tariffs, arguing they contradict Trump’s promise to lower costs for families. Furthermore, the JEC projects that if current tariff levels remain, families will pay $2,100 annually, compounding the financial strain felt by many Americans.
Read More
During a speech in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, Donald Trump defended his tariff policies, despite growing concerns about rising costs of living. He reiterated his support for tariffs, claiming they generate revenue, while also acknowledging the impact on prices. However, evidence suggests a measurable upward pressure on consumer prices due to these tariffs, according to a Federal Reserve report. Despite this, Trump has rolled back certain tariffs, though consumer sentiment remains low, and some Democrats are criticizing his trade policies ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
Read More
Costco sues Trump administration for ‘full refund’ of tariffs, a move that’s sparking a lot of conversation, and for good reason. It’s a complex situation with a lot of moving parts, and it has the potential to impact both the company and, potentially, the consumers who shop there. The core of the matter is that Costco is seeking to recoup money it paid in tariffs imposed during the Trump administration.
Digging deeper into the details, it becomes clear that this isn’t just a simple case of a company wanting its money back. The tariffs in question were levied on imported goods, and the lawsuit argues that they were, in essence, an unfair tax.… Continue reading
Eight months after President Trump touted tariffs as a means of reshoring manufacturing jobs, the sector has actually contracted, with a loss of 6,000 manufacturing jobs reported in the latest jobs report, adding to the previous 59,000 lost since April. Experts attribute this decline, in part, to the uncertainty tariffs have created, which disincentivizes companies from growing their workforce by increasing production costs. Despite the shrinking industry, job postings in manufacturing remain resilient, suggesting a mismatch between available jobs and the skills of the workforce, and the value of trade schools.
Read More
The Trump administration is reportedly planning to lower tariffs on specific imported goods, including coffee, beef, and fruit, as part of new trade deals with Central and South American countries. This move comes in response to rising grocery prices and political pressure, particularly concerning the cost of coffee. President Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have hinted at these reductions, acknowledging the impact of tariffs on consumer costs. While this action could offer some relief, it is a limited measure, as most imports will still face higher tariffs, though it does represent a small step towards correcting the effects of the administration’s tariff policies.
Read More
The U.S. Senate did vote in late October 2025 to end President Trump’s tariffs on Canadian and Brazilian imports, as well as global tariffs he had imposed. These actions were part of a broader effort to repeal Trump’s trade policies. The votes saw four Republican senators joining Democrats on each resolution. Although the Senate passed the three joint resolutions, they were unlikely to be brought to a vote in the House of Representatives at that time.
Read More
Bank of America analysts assert that President Trump’s tariffs have undeniably increased consumer inflation. They estimate tariffs account for 30 to 50 basis points of the core personal consumption expenditure inflation rate. Furthermore, the analysts suggest that consumers have absorbed approximately 50 to 70% of the overall tariff costs. This indicates that tariffs could continue to drive inflation upward in the coming months.
Read More
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker