Trump Adviser Says Mexico Would Pay For New Tariffs. He's Wrong. You Would. | The 11th Hour | MSNBC In a recent segment from MSNBC's "The 11th Hour," the discussion revolved around President Trump's unexpected threat to impose tariffs on Mexican goods, which he stated would start at 5% and escalate to as high as 25% if Mexico did not take action to curb the influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. This announcement shocked both financial markets and political circles, leading to a significant drop in the stock market shortly after, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeting over 350 points .
Key Takeaways
Economic Impact of Tariffs: Economists and experts, including MSNBC's Ali Velshi, emphasized that tariffs aren't absorbed by foreign governments but are primarily paid by U.S. consumers. The expectation is that importers will pass on the higher costs to buyers, resulting in increased prices for goods coming from Mexico .
Internal Dissent in the Administration: The segment highlighted internal disagreements within the Trump administration regarding these tariff strategies. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer reportedly opposed the imposition of tariffs, indicating a divide between economic advisors and the rhetoric being pushed by the White House .
Trade Relations Nuances: The interconnected nature of U.S.-Mexico trade was discussed, particularly regarding manufacturing. The segment pointed out that many products are manufactured across borders, complicating the direct impact of tariffs. A car, for example, may have parts that flow between the U.S. and Mexico, and imposing tariffs could disrupt this supply chain, impacting both the economy and border issues .
Political Ramifications: The conversation also touched on the political aspects of using tariffs as a tool to influence immigration policies. Analysts speculated that rather than solving the immigration problem, such economic pressure might exacerbate it, thus continuing the cycle of policy challenges regarding border security .
Community Engagement
What do you think about the effects of tariffs on consumers? Have you noticed price changes on everyday products linked to trade policies? Let us know your thoughts and experiences below! For further discussions related to tariffs and trade policies, consider checking out similar threads discussing economic impacts during different presidential administrations or how trade agreements shape local economies.