30% would help in clothing industry, but the basic issue is reciprocity. We charge them what they charge us. If 50%, the we charge 50%. If they drop to 0%, then we drop to 0%.
German car manufacturers are pushing for a zero tariff on U.S. vehicles imported into the Europe in exchange for a zero tariff for foreign cars imported into the U.S. I assume you would be in favor of that?
The problem with that being that for U.S. auto manufacturers the most profitable business lines are small trucks, vans, and SUVs. Ford and GM are talking about ending some car lines because the profit margin in cars is so low. They make the bulk of their profits off pickups, vans, Escapes and the like. Of course, one of the reasons why they're so profitable is the 25% tariff on imported small trucks and SUVs. Take that away and the Big 3 profits take a major hit. How do you think they'll react to that?
I hate the thought of a flat tariff. Reciprocal trade like Trump is attempting is the way to go. I’m all for free trade like the Adam smith free traders want as long as it is truly free trade. Telling me we have a NAFTA free trade deal that’s just wonderful only to find out that Mexico and Canada charges US business high tariffs and we charge nothing is a mockery of free trade. Still proponents of this lie will tell us what a great deal we got. They either drank the kool aid or like being made fools.
Free and fair, reciprocal trade is the future. No tariffs and true competition.