Last week’s
CI CyberNews CyberPoll focused on President Obama’s decision to add tariffs for some Chinese tire imports over the next three years. Participants’ opinions were split evenly at 50% for and 50% against the idea.
People who think the tariffs are a good idea said:
“Trade needs regulated.”
“As mfg base declines, we have to do something to keep jobs here. I am in more favor of reducing taxes to attract investment.”
“China seems to be overloading the U.S. marketplace.”
Respondents who do not think the tariffs are a good idea were a bit more vocal. Their comments included:
“They will slap a tariff on imports to USA and costs will rise.”
“Just will start trade war.”
“Increases prices.”
“Just kicks off a trade war. Do it through quality checks, or by prohibiting products made with dirty processes. At least then if they retaliate in kind, we all win by getting a cleaner planet.”
“Ask Smoot-Hauley.”
“He should stay out of the private sector economics without input via a dedicated public panel to examine what effects this action would have.”
“Tariffs impede free trade and can lead to retaliation. Why single out tires? Just about everything available at major stores in the U.S. and in many parts of the world are made in China.”
“This only encourages protectionism and retaliation.”
“I think it is only payback for union support, not a real trade violation.”
“Trade protectionism will reduce U.S. exports more than reduce imports. Net loss of jobs and higher prices on average to consumers.”
“This is a payback to the labor unions and could trigger a trade war that will cost jobs.”
“In the long run we have more to lose. Our tire industry needs to find ways to innovate and compete. This seems to be the same situation that our auto industry is in; may have something to do with labor rates and efficiencies inflated by labor union pressures.”
“Do not impede free trade.”
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By: Susan
Posted: September 29, 2009 7:16 AM
It is time to shift the trade balance the other way. The dire warnings about protectionism are overstated. What good things have come out of NAFTA and China's admission to the WTO, aside from marginally cheaper products, frequently of dubious quality. How can we compare this benefit with the loss of millions of jobs in manufacturing?