Contemporary Republican Trade Policy

Several days ago the top Trump apologist on trade matters - Peter Navarro -  wrote this in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece:  Yet with each new tariff—on dishwashers, solar panels, aluminum, steel and more than $300 billion of Chinese imports—the economy remains robust, wages continue to rise, and inflation stays muted. 

He is correct.  If I replace my washer and dryer it will likely cost me an additional $400 - $600 in Republican taxes (tariffs).  If I replace my range and fridge the tariff cost (Republican tax increase) will cost me something on the order of $500 - $700.  Washer, dryer, range and fridge – let’s split the difference and calculate it at $1,250 of Republican-imposed taxes.   

We purchased a UTV last year – a new Kawasaki Mule.  The cost of the steel tariffs alone reflected in the price was $900 - $1,000, give or take. 

So, let’s agree that tariffs are taxes that the consumer pays.  China doesn’t pay them.  Tweeting lies about them simply makes you look silly. 

Moving-on, I happen to be in agreement with Mr. Navarro that the economy does remain robust.  By most any generally-accepted measures that is an indisputable fact.  Nevertheless, when you are an apologist or a sycophant (or possibly both) you can mistake correlation with causation at your own peril. 

In the absence of the tariff (the additional tax) the US economy might instead be roaring instead of only growing at low single digits.  So let’s furthermore agree that the economy remains strong despite the tariffs – not as a consequence of Republican tax increases. 

Poor Mr. Navarro is not allowed to cherry-pick which tax increases are noble tax increases and which are nefarious tax increases.  A tax increase is a tax increase and is therefore a confiscatory act transferring capital from the private sector to the public sector.  That makes it a redistribution of wealth, no?   Who knew the GOP could raise this to an art form?   

It sure ain’t your daddy’s GOP anymore.  Donald Trump is a transformational swamp-dweller.  And Ronald Reagan is likely spinning in his grave. 
 
But don’t take my word for it - read the op-ed yourself and draw your own conclusion. 
 
Great bathroom reading in case you’re wondering.