Trump’s tough talk on Tariffs and sanctions are a very blunt instrument of negotiation, that will naturally appeal to his elector base.
Trump tweet: “When you are the “Piggy Bank” Nation that foreign countries have been robbing and deceiving for years, the word TARIFF is a beautiful word indeed! Others must treat the United States fairly and with respect – We are no longer the “fools” of the past!”
China
Trump tweet: “The U.S. is charging 25% against 250 Billion Dollars of goods shipped from China, not 200 BD. Also, China is paying a heavy cost in that they will subsidize goods to keep them coming, devalue their currency, yet companies are moving to U.S. in order to avoid paying the 25% Tariff.”
Donald Trump added Huawei to the US government’s Entity List last month over concerns that the company’s close relationship to the Chinese government could mean that its telecoms equipment is used for espionage. Huawei has reportedly stopped production on several of its smartphone models following strict sanctions introduced by the US government last month.
Mexico
Trump tweet: “On June 10th, the United States will impose a 5% Tariff on all goods coming into our Country from Mexico, until such time as illegal migrants coming through Mexico, and into our Country, STOP. The Tariff will gradually increase until the Illegal Immigration problem is remedied at which time the Tariffs will be removed.”
“Like Mexican companies will move back to the United States once the Tariff reaches the higher levels. They took many of our companies & jobs, the foolish Pols let it happen, and now they will come back unless Mexico stops the travesty that is taking place in allowing millions of people to easily meander through their country and INVADE the U.S., not to mention the Drugs & Human Trafficking pouring in through Mexico. Are the Drug Lords, Cartels & Coyotes really running Mexico? We will soon find out! “
“In order not to pay Tariffs, if they start rising, companies will leave Mexico, which has taken 30% of our Auto Industry, and come back home to the USA. Mexico must take back their country from the drug lords and cartels. The Tariff is about stopping drugs as well as illegals!”
India & Turkey
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer announced that India and Turkey will within 60 days no longer qualify for a zero-tariffs status that is given to some poor countries to help them grow. The decision came at U.S. President Donald Trump’s direction.
Trump Proclamation:
- 1. In Executive Order 11888 of November 24, 1975, the President designated India as a beneficiary developing country for purposes of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) (19 U.S.C. 2461 et seq.).
- 4. Consistent with section 502(d)(1) of the 1974 Act and having considered the factors set forth in sections 501 and 502(c), I have determined that India has not assured the United States that India will provide equitable and reasonable access to its markets. Accordingly, it is appropriate to terminate India’s designation as a beneficiary developing country effective June 5, 2019.
Under the decades-old program – known as the Generalized System of Preferences – Indian companies were able to avoid some $5.7 billion in duties back in 2017.
Oil imports and Iran conflict
New Delhi and Washington are also at odds over Iranian oil imports. In April, the US announced it would not extend sanction exemptions to countries importing oil from Iran when they expired in early May. It meant countries and companies trading with Iran without Washington’s consent would risk US sanctions and getting cut off from the American financial system. U.S. government officials have warned China and specifically Hong Kong, to avoid violating sanctions against Iran, according to news reports.
India is one of the countries likely to be the hardest hit by the US decision. India is the world’s third-biggest oil consumer, but its energy needs are primarily met through imports.
Japan
Trump tweet: “Great progress being made in our Trade Negotiations with Japan. Agriculture and beef heavily in play. Much will wait until after their July elections where I anticipate big numbers!”
Trump re-tweet: “The president is working hard to strengthen our relationship with Japan, and that includes negotiating a new, fairer trade deal.” Obviously, if a deal can’t be reached you would expect beautiful Tariffs to be imposed.
With Trump set to formally announce his 2020 re-election campaign on June 18, you would expect Trump to continue to appeal to his base, with little likelihood of any back down on tough trade talk, imposing tariffs and sanctions, building a wall, and stopping illegal immigration.