Libertarian political versatility is not really matched, though it could behoove the Greens to support limits to trade for sake of the environment. Policies that may go against the rule of economists, who typically oppose barriers to cross-border exchanges, when nations have reckless disregard to natural habitats, might make sense. However, it is mostly Republicans who support the tariff in 2020.
You may observe among economists an underlying sentiment that we need to work toward an international society that lacks national boundaries, a globalized place in which goods exchange and people migrate without resistance. In such an end-state, all we can really do is try to better understand the laws of economics. You may disagree.
Reality is, and will continue to be, that people value language and culture and heritage and perhaps religion. Persons and groups who seek power and then to solidify or consolidate it tend to recognize these things. It is not only true of authoritarian or autocratic states, such as China, Hungary, Russia, Saudi Arabia or North Korea. The Republican Party in the United States is rushing through the nomination and confirmation of a conservative judge for a Supreme Court vacancy, intent on completing the process before a national election.
Those who are liberal with regard to the above may support democracy, which actually assumes different forms. In a representative democracy politicians can exploit issues in order to gain votes–there is ongoing perversion of the term “Grass roots” in association with highly effective, small-donor fundraising. In an ideal or pure democracy, government is by the people, who have input into the political process. Any claims that we have a pure democracy have not been very popular.
On the other hand, if wine sellers are to pass on savings attributable to the ongoing Situation in Argentina, it may only be noticeable toward products bottled in 2018 and after. Incidentally, the French grow malbec also, and varietal grapes that have been cultivated by Argentine vitners for over a century originated in France. Despite what seems a thoroughly economic story involving duties on Europe and also a struggling South American economy, there is little commentary to be found about malbec in particular or isolated effects in the wine industry.
It could be that Chateau Haut-Bailly’s price is artificially lower now to account for the tariff, but it does not appear to be. The 2018, apparently of high quality that is consistent, can be ordered through a future at a price of close to $118. Pre-payment for the 2019 costs about $95 and requires waiting an additional year for shipment.
Suppose an agreement is reached to eliminate the tariff in 2023? If the trade dispute is resolved, other things being equal, some of the savings for purchasing years ahead of time would probably be lost. A bottle of the 2015, aged and ready to drink, and perhaps scarce due to consumption, is for sale at $135. A consumer would have the 2019 in 2022 at a cost of about $120.
Most recent news about the aircraft dispute is that Europe has won the right to impose additional import taxes of $4 billion on US merchandise. Neither side appears to be backing away. However, indications thus far are that the Democratic Party, as championed by Joe Biden, does not support tariffs.
The economists referenced at the outset would probably call for a de-escalation. According to them, and China’s Xi Jinping, no one wins a trade war. Economists are not known to win seats in elected office though. Michigan’s Representative Justin Amash, a Libertarian, is probably their ally on such matters, however he is reportedly not seeking reelection.
If you would support a tariff imposed on nations that burn their forestry, evidently there is no party to join. Under a different president, trade relations may liberalize, starting in 2021. Consumers of Chateau Haut-Bailly, who have not bought a future(s) on it, might hope so. Current policy appears to tilt the marketplace in favor of Argentine malbec as compared to French versions.
12/31/20 there is further escalation