Someone the other day mentioned that people are buying more to beat the implementation of tariffs. Sounds like it could be a reasoned explanation for the larger trade imbalance figures.
The tariffs will have the desired effect.
Can’t expect the figures to be accurate before the tariffs go into effect.
Anyone criticizing right now is scared the tariffs will work.
It IS the reason. I see it daily in my work. Companies are becoming aware they need to set up new supply lines, but that simply can not happen overnight. In the meantime, they are pushing forward shipments from China to avoid the 10% duty already in place, and the 25% duty coming at year end.