One word keeps coming up in Trump's tariffs — and it should frighten American workers and businesses

pulse

April 29, 2018 2:36 PM

Trump's tariffs list focuses on "parts," which should be a huge warning sign for US businesses and workers according to economists. "Putting tariffs on intermediate products is shooting oneself in the foot," said economists David Dollar and Ahi Wang.

President Donald Trump's new tariffs on Chinese goods focus on "parts" — intermediary goods used by US companies.
The focus on "parts" could leave US businesses at a disadvantage to foreign competitors — the opposite of Trump's stated goal.
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During his announcement of new tariffs on Chinese goods, President Donald Trump argued they were necessary to protect American jobs and strengthen the economy.

But economists say one word keeps popping up on the list of goods subject to the tariffs that could undermine Trump's promise.

Chad Bown, an economist at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, said the focus of Trump's tariffs on "parts" represents a danger to US businesses and workers.