Consumer preference for higher-quality, American-made goods, exemplified by a hypothetical choice between a potentially unsafe Chinese doll and a safer, better-constructed American doll on Amazon, is highlighted. However, the argument rests on a contradiction: lowering regulations and production costs, while simultaneously promoting superior American quality, suggests a potential trade-off between safety and affordability. This apparent paradox underscores a key point in the argument for the economic benefits of reduced regulations.
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Companies will use tariffs as an excuse for price gouging, a strategy that has already been employed during past economic upheavals. This isn’t merely speculation; history demonstrates a pattern where increased costs, regardless of origin, are frequently passed on to consumers with little to no reduction when the initial cost increase subsides. The simple fact is that prices rarely decrease, even when the underlying justification for the increase disappears. Profitability remains the driving force, and companies will almost always seize any opportunity to maximize their margins.
This behavior isn’t limited to specific industries; it’s a broad trend across the economy. The cost of everyday goods, from groceries to household items, is often increased and rarely decreases even after the initial justification—like tariffs or supply chain disruptions—is no longer relevant.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood