Tariff Charges

As I mentioned earlier I've thought about this issue for decades, ever since the Japanese auto companies began to flood Canada with their cheap autos back in the 1970's.  Same thing happened with our free trade agreement with Mexico.  Their auto manufacturing industry has risen over the last 20 or so years due to the FTA.  We in turn benefitted with cheaper vehicles etc. and inflation remained low for decades thanks to free trade.  Overall I believe people are better off because of free trade.  I think of where we are today compared to where we were back in 1970.  People are living longer and better.  Free trade was part of the reason for that.

The people who bought Japanese cars got a good car for a low price.
The people who lost their good Ford, GM, Chrysler job were hurt and not able to replace the good job they lost (In usa and Canada)
Usa manufacturing was strong in the 1970's, today it is weak.
I have been thinking about this for fifty years same as you.
I choose the 70's over today, much better times.
ps - Z1's are great bikes, so are CB750's

Thanks for the correction HRM. I guess in summary I have had a lot to say on this thread and in reality given that I don't work in an industry reliant on foreign export the impact to me personally is minimal. However to coin a phrase from the North of England what "really boils my piss" is when salesmen (which is what politicians are) try and convince you they are "acting in your best interest" or "doing you a favour" whilst they are raping your wallet !!
I have seen countless examples in the automotive dealership world where a salesman guides a customer away from a "good" car to a "howler" that has been in stock for months because the "howler" carries a "spot bonus" to incentivise the sales team to "get it gone"
In my simple mind that is exactly what is happening to you guys in the US right now.

China purchased $13+ billion worth of US soybeans in 2024, comprising >50% of all US soybean sales. China purchased $0 this year.

Any guesses why?  Many US farmers are in big trouble now...

China is in trouble too. 

Is when salesmen (which is what politicians are) try and convince you they are "acting in your best interest"

I have seen countless examples in the automotive dealership world where a salesman guides a customer away from a "good" car to a "howler" that has been in stock for months because the "howler" carries a "spot bonus" to incentivise the sales team to "get it gone"

Gee whiz, it sounds like the salesmen are doing what is best for them.
The new salesman is the most entertaining I have seen.
This thread is entertaining too.

It's getting bad.

 

SWest wrote:

China is in trouble too. 

I'm sure that news will be a huge comfort to US farmers when they receive a "foreclosure notice" on their great grandfathers legacy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

I'm currently on driving trip through our grain farming area.  I saw field after field of canola that was destined for China, but they slapped a tariff on our canola in retribution for Canadian tariff on Chinese cars.  What I would ask of this group is to switch from olive oil to canola oil to help the farmers.  (Said in jest)

hardrockminer wrote:

I'm currently on driving trip through our grain farming area.  I saw field after field of canola that was destined for China, but they slapped a tariff on our canola in retribution for Canadian tariff on Chinese cars.  What I would ask of this group is to switch from olive oil to canola oil to help the farmers.  (Said in jest)

Is it available in 20w-50?

AHAHAHAHA!!!  Great idea!

This thread is very entertaining. You certainly can tell which news stations the different members get their info from.  I run a seamless gutter company.  Aluminum prices have gone up 48% since 2020 without tariffs so something has to give. I'm willing to give it a chance. If it doesn't work the people will make them pay next election which isn't very far away.  

Yeah, this one really took off, didn't it?