Author Archives: jfrankel

An Economic Platform for the Democrats

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May 27, 2018 — Democrats are gearing up for the November mid-term elections, in which they hope to take back the US House of Representatives.  Candidates are finding that the voters are not necessarily paying close attention to foreign affairs or even Trump scandals, and are more concerned about “pocketbook issues.”   The conventional wisdom still stands:  underlying the shock election of Mr Trump was the worry by the median household that it has been left behind by globalization and technological change and that the gains have been going to the rich instead. read more

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Seven reasons China won’t yield in Trump’s trade war

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April 20, 2018 — President Trump enacted steel and aluminum tariffs in March, citing national security.  China is the intended target, as most other major suppliers were eventually exempted. On April 2, China retaliated by imposing tariffs on 128 American products (representing about $3 billion of trade), ranging from 15% on fruits to 25% on pork.  Trump on April 3 announced 25% tariffs on another 1300 Chinese products representing some $50 billion of trade, citing forced transfer of US technology and IPR. China on April 4 responded with plans for retaliatory 25% tariffs on 106 US exports — including soybeans, autos, and airplanes — to go into effect when the US tariffs do.  On April 5, the White House announced it was considering $100 billion of additional tariffs on China. read more

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Trump’s Steel Tariffs

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March 26, 2018 — Caijing Magazine asked me the following questions about US steel tariffs on 3/14.

  1. Do you see trade wars coming or they are already here? Will it be easy for the US to win trade wars as President Trump said?

Answer: I see trade wars lurking around the corner.  They are not yet here for sure.  But recent developments are very worrying.

Of course it will not be easy for the US to win a trade war.  This is one of the most foolish things Trump has said

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