Six years ago today, Trump announced tariffs of 25 percent for foreign-made steel and 10 percent for aluminum. The policy was an escalation of his harmful trade war which left lingering, dangerous effects on the American economy.
American companies paid the price for Trump’s trade war. Between 2018 – 2020, Trump’s tariffs cost American companies an estimated $46 billion. Trump’s tariffs forced American importers to drive up the price of major home appliances, furniture, auto parts, home-building, luggage, imported alcohol, and U.S. whiskey distillers to cover the cost of pricey imports.
As countries imposed retaliatory tariffs, U.S. exports fell by 23 percent and failed to recover even after the tariffs were lifted.
Trump’s trade policies cost the American economy approximately 75,000 manufacturing jobs and put the industry into a recession according to economic experts. By the end of Trump’s first term, the steel industry reportedly employed close to 2,000 fewer workers than it did when he was sworn into office.
“Trump’s trade war was a disaster for businesses, workers, and the U.S. economy as a whole. Trump’s tariff policies were about as successful as his failed casinos, failed hotels, and failed for-profit college. This guy tricked people into thinking he understood how to grow the economy, but instead, all he did was screw over companies and workers here at home. A Trump presidency remains a danger to American businesses as he floats new tariffs of 60 percent or higher in his second term. Trump will undo the economic comeback of the last four years,” said American Bridge 21st Century Presidential Campaign Communications Director, Brandon Weathersby.
Published: Mar 1, 2024 | Last Modified: Mar 4, 2024