Economics is a social science, helping to understand personal and societal relations. It has been described as the pursuit of how to best utilize our scarce resources. Of course it is not the same thing as political science, which is likened to identifying means that allow us to live with each other. Economists aim at prosperity, while political science can focus on power.
Though there are differing opinions among economists on a variety of topics, there is little dissent pertaining to the notion that free trade is beneficial. Yet there are active initiatives to impose tariffs on the steel and aluminum of foreign producers. Among the probable reasons, one could be that such new taxes appeal to some voters where metal industries have presence.
Obviously there are strong forces at play. Some pundits, who can be repeatedly featured by the media, now probably need to make adjustments. Further, from a detached perspective, perhaps a most interesting topic is not necessarily what products the USA is forming barriers against but the targets specified in response. The European Union includes motorcycles and whiskey.
Historically, tariffs used to be of greater importance to societal funding. The United States federal income tax emerged early in the 20th century. Prior to it, the administration of William McKinley implemented the Dingley Tariff, which put duties on imports at rates that are as high as they have even been in the United States by some measures. Incidentally, it coincided with the end of a depression and remained in effect for over a decade after the economy recovered.
Subsequently, in mid-20th century, they could be invoked through a political process of protecting business of corporate interests, protectionism. Motorcycles have been discussed by our Republican leadership on multiple occasions, in association with past protection under the Reagan administration during the 1980s, when Harley-Davidson was struggling amidst competition with the Japanese. There have been countless books and articles by social scientists on globalization, or the removal of boundaries and growing interconnection of the world. Referencing the indices of the most cited books, there is little mention of the domestic motorcycle industry and its linchpin company, despite the political spotlight (though questionable efficacy of past tariffs, and other issues, have been detailed).
Currently, it seems that there will be confusion that permeates the media. Those who turn to knowing economists about favored systems of lowering boundaries to trade may have difficulty explaining how and why motorcycles are being targeted. Further, some political experts, who reporters quote or interview, can lack depth.
Given what has been discussed above, it probably is not appropriate to cite the numerous pieces that refer to jobs held in states that are important to the president and his party, though Harley-Davidson, which has been lackluster for several years now, is based in Wisconsin. The confusion is only a preamble of sorts, though. If we know what is going on better than others, there is a viable chance to capitalize.
Metals are not the only products that should have rising prices because of tariffs. There has also been a 20% duty imposed against Canadian lumber. Thinking about these things can lead one to question the prospects of home improvement stores. Though some are important, constituents of the S&P 500 with rising sales, what do they sell that is not made of metal or wood? A resultant rise in expenses can easily weigh on profits.
An investigation into publicly-traded companies such as Home Depot and Lowe’s, for the purpose of opportunistically betting against them, could be worthwhile.
Though there are differing opinions among economists on a variety of topics, there is little dissent pertaining to the notion that free trade is beneficial. Yet there are active initiatives to impose tariffs on the steel and aluminum of foreign producers. Among the probable reasons, one could be that such new taxes appeal to some voters where metal industries have presence.
Obviously there are strong forces at play. Some pundits, who can be repeatedly featured by the media, now probably need to make adjustments. Further, from a detached perspective, perhaps a most interesting topic is not necessarily what products the USA is forming barriers against but the targets specified in response. The European Union includes motorcycles and whiskey.
Historically, tariffs used to be of greater importance to societal funding. The United States federal income tax emerged early in the 20th century. Prior to it, the administration of William McKinley implemented the Dingley Tariff, which put duties on imports at rates that are as high as they have even been in the United States by some measures. Incidentally, it coincided with the end of a depression and remained in effect for over a decade after the economy recovered.
 |
| McKinley, Roosevelt Re-election campaign |
Subsequently, in mid-20th century, they could be invoked through a political process of protecting business of corporate interests, protectionism. Motorcycles have been discussed by our Republican leadership on multiple occasions, in association with past protection under the Reagan administration during the 1980s, when Harley-Davidson was struggling amidst competition with the Japanese. There have been countless books and articles by social scientists on globalization, or the removal of boundaries and growing interconnection of the world. Referencing the indices of the most cited books, there is little mention of the domestic motorcycle industry and its linchpin company, despite the political spotlight (though questionable efficacy of past tariffs, and other issues, have been detailed).
Currently, it seems that there will be confusion that permeates the media. Those who turn to knowing economists about favored systems of lowering boundaries to trade may have difficulty explaining how and why motorcycles are being targeted. Further, some political experts, who reporters quote or interview, can lack depth.
Given what has been discussed above, it probably is not appropriate to cite the numerous pieces that refer to jobs held in states that are important to the president and his party, though Harley-Davidson, which has been lackluster for several years now, is based in Wisconsin. The confusion is only a preamble of sorts, though. If we know what is going on better than others, there is a viable chance to capitalize.
Metals are not the only products that should have rising prices because of tariffs. There has also been a 20% duty imposed against Canadian lumber. Thinking about these things can lead one to question the prospects of home improvement stores. Though some are important, constituents of the S&P 500 with rising sales, what do they sell that is not made of metal or wood? A resultant rise in expenses can easily weigh on profits.
An investigation into publicly-traded companies such as Home Depot and Lowe’s, for the purpose of opportunistically betting against them, could be worthwhile.