(04-02-2025 12:03 PM)Redwingtom Wrote:  

(04-02-2025 11:49 AM)TripleA Wrote:  

(04-02-2025 11:03 AM)Redwingtom Wrote:  

(04-02-2025 10:39 AM)TripleA Wrote:  

(04-02-2025 06:07 AM)Redwingtom Wrote:  Not if you have a clue how any of this works.

Refiners are scaling down production of winter blend gasoline and preparing for summer blend which usually begins around May 1st. Summer blend is more expensive. Additionally, the global price of oil increased $2.12 a barrel on Monday and is up $2.44/barrel the last month. This all adds up to the increases you're seeing...or will see shortly. Plus, increased demand for travel as the weather improves.

Or...you could blame trump.

Gee, another thing you are an expert on.

A jump from $2.56 to $3.15 is a bit out of line from increases elsewhere.

Sorry that went over your head.

It didn't go over my head, you just don't know how to convey your thoughts apparently.

If you wanted to avoid confusion, you should have said "$.59 seems out of line."

Maybe your comprehension skills suck. Nobody else apparently had an issue.

Let's review. Dude said his price went up from $2.56 to $3.15. I then immediately said my price went up a nickel, right before I said $3.15 (from his stated price of $2.56) seems a bit out of line. AS AN INCREASE from $2.56, which is the crux of what we were discussing.

Rather than assuming your incorrect translation that I was the dumb***, you could have asked what I meant.

Why, there was NO need. You cited your price of $2.79...and then in the very next sentence say that $3.15 seems out of line. There was no assumption. That's what you typed. So I merely commented that no, $3.15 is not out of line.

And I have zero issue admitting that I often struggle with reading comprehension...has always been an issue with me ever since I was in school. But I didn't miss a thing here, you just didn't convey your meaning properly. That's on you. And again, I am guilty of doing that here all the time...it's what usually gets me into trouble.

Did it occur to you that you were the only one who had an issue with it?

But Canada says they will fight tooth and nail to defeat the big bad orange man....lol. I think this is exactly what Trump is aiming for.

(04-02-2025 09:36 AM)mlb Wrote:  

(04-02-2025 08:58 AM)Eagleaidaholic Wrote:  When the foreigners stop buying our debt, we are done. It is that simple, and you aren't going to hear that from whom you get your "news". You Lefties don't even know that's how it works.

You are right.

Part of the reason they have been buying our debt is because they wanted to keep their tariffs down. If they stop buying the debt now we'll be in a world of hurt.

Are you drunk on ignorance?

That is is one of the insane arguments I’ve ever heard.


Lets keep giving the addicts fresh needles ideology

(04-02-2025 09:24 AM)Eldonabe Wrote:  Not too far back I had a go around with tubby where he insinuated that I had no grasp of the bigger picture regarding the effects of these tariffs (among other things).

Part of that was my stating/acknowledging that there will absolutely be short term pains, AND down the road prices may still be a little higher but the money would stay here in our country... tubby stuck to the higher price thing.

A few posts above all but drops the mic on this, we are paying up for other countries to use what amounts to slave labor to way too much of the stuff we buy.

I don't know about most of you here but I am willing to bet that you (like me) are willing to pay a higher cost KNOWING you are supporting American labor and products....

THAT IS THE BIGGER PICTURE!

I started paying ever-increasing higher prices on lumber and other items beginning in 2020. We bought a house significantly under market value because it needed a LOT of repair/remodel work.

We do the work ourselves so it takes a bit of time as we move from one project ot another. First, gutted a bathroom/makeup/closet area to make a much bigger master bath with closet. That involved gutting the space, framing out new walls, electrical & plumbing work, tile, etc.

I made frequent trips to Lowe's and Home Depot and watched prices increase weekly. And I mean ridiculous increases.

Not to mention the LED bulb for my wife's car was a little over $20 from AutoZone 5 years ago. Now it's over $120.


So, yeah, I don't mind paying higher prices to support policies I want. After all, I paid higher prices FOR FOUR YEARS TO SUPPORT POLICIES I ABHORRED.

(04-02-2025 12:35 PM)BlueDragon Wrote:  

(04-02-2025 09:36 AM)mlb Wrote:  

(04-02-2025 08:58 AM)Eagleaidaholic Wrote:  When the foreigners stop buying our debt, we are done. It is that simple, and you aren't going to hear that from whom you get your "news". You Lefties don't even know that's how it works.

You are right.

Part of the reason they have been buying our debt is because they wanted to keep their tariffs down. If they stop buying the debt now we'll be in a world of hurt.

Are you drunk on ignorance?

That is is one of the insane arguments I’ve ever heard.


Lets keep giving the addicts fresh needles ideology

That is not what I said... I fully agree that we need to balance the budget and start paying off our debt. The issue is that if foreign purchases of our debt stop we're screwed, and likely to have a major financial crisis. We aren't going to pay off the $36T before the current tbills mature, so we have to resell some tbills until it is completely paid off. That doesn't mean that we're not paying down the debt, it just means we may have $500B in the bank but $1T coming due. You can pay off the $500B but you still have to reissue $500B in tbills.

(04-02-2025 01:14 PM)mlb Wrote:  

(04-02-2025 12:35 PM)BlueDragon Wrote:  

(04-02-2025 09:36 AM)mlb Wrote:  

(04-02-2025 08:58 AM)Eagleaidaholic Wrote:  When the foreigners stop buying our debt, we are done. It is that simple, and you aren't going to hear that from whom you get your "news". You Lefties don't even know that's how it works.

You are right.

Part of the reason they have been buying our debt is because they wanted to keep their tariffs down. If they stop buying the debt now we'll be in a world of hurt.

Are you drunk on ignorance?

That is is one of the insane arguments I’ve ever heard.


Lets keep giving the addicts fresh needles ideology

That is not what I said... I fully agree that we need to balance the budget and start paying off our debt. The issue is that if foreign purchases of our debt stop we're screwed, and likely to have a major financial crisis. We aren't going to pay off the $36T before the current tbills mature, so we have to resell some tbills until it is completely paid off. That doesn't mean that we're not paying down the debt, it just means we may have $500B in the bank but $1T coming due. You can pay off the $500B but you still have to reissue $500B in tbills.

Your argument doesn’t hold water.

No politician especially Democrats who can’t put a price on their social agenda will pay down any debt.

The only other alternative is to tell countries like China and India we are banning all of their products.

Iow, force manufacturing to start back up here. But in the meantime shortages and inflation will abound

Trump apparently read the same books by economists on how to right the ship from bankruptcy

There are several great books by leading American Economists that spell out how America can avoid bankruptcy

Selling more debt means paying more debt interest . I need to go charge on my credit card to delay paying it off?

Last time I checked we are paying almost $100 Billion in interest alone

Do have any idea the commitment it would take for Americans to pay this back? All the while still accumulating debt and subsidizing the same countries because we don’t won’t to offend our blood sucking leech allies.

Give me a break

These countries have been subsidized by us for the better part of 60 years maybe longer.

No, the way to fast track this is tariffs plain and simple. If Americans prefer foreign let those Americans pay extra taxes. The sad part of all of this is we have allowed the sleazy snakes aka Politicians to completely wipe out huge segments of those manufacturing essentials.

So, because Americans were lazeeeee and allowed their elected criminals to do this we must all suffer at some level


The Alternative is have you life savings become worthless

More of the same and by 2035 we will be either floating along closing in on $100 Trillion debt or the ink on our currency will be worth more than the said value of the currency

This really IS NOT A DEBATE TOPIC

Fools never heed the Warning Signs

WINNING: Trump’s “Reciprocal Tariffs” Trigger Global Response — Multiple Nations Slash Import Duties on U.S. Goods

Quote:​Several countries have announced plans to reduce or eliminate tariffs on U.S. imports in response to President Donald Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs” policy, set to take effect on April 2, 2025.

This policy aims to match the tariffs that other nations impose on U.S. products.

The White House released a detailed chart showing how badly many countries have been ripping off American workers, charging high tariffs on U.S. goods while benefiting from America’s generosity in return.

The White House fact sheet released today clarified that Canada is exempt from the reciprocal tariff announcement.

This exemption comes after a series of trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada. In February 2025, the U.S. imposed a 10% tariff on Canadian energy imports and a 25% tariff on other Canadian goods, prompting Canada to respond with its own tariffs on American imports. Subsequent negotiations led to temporary suspensions and adjustments of these tariffs.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford proposed that Canada eliminate tariffs on U.S. imports if President Trump reciprocates. Ford emphasized that mutual tariff removal would benefit both economies and urged cooperation for greater prosperity and safety.

However, according to the New York Post, Ford lacks the federal authority to enact such policy changes.

Israel: On Tuesday, Israel announced the cancellation of all remaining tariffs on imports from the United States. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that this move is intended to strengthen economic ties with the U.S. and lower living costs in Israel.

Vietnam: Vietnam has outlined plans to reduce tariffs on several U.S. products, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), automobiles, and ethanol. The tariff on American LNG will decrease from 5% to 2%, on cars from a range of 45%-64% to 32%, and on ethanol from 10% to 5%. These measures aim to lower Vietnam’s trade surplus with the U.S. and avoid potential U.S. tariffs.

India: India is considering cutting tariffs on over half of U.S. imports, valued at $23 billion, to protect its $66 billion in exports from impending U.S. reciprocal tariffs. Negotiations are underway, with India indicating a willingness to significantly lower or entirely remove tariffs on many U.S. goods, contingent on the U.S. providing relief from the reciprocal tariffs.

Switzerland: Swiss Economic Affairs Minister Guy Parmelin emphasized that Switzerland has eliminated industrial tariffs, allowing almost 99% of U.S. goods to enter the country duty-free. This move is part of Switzerland’s efforts to avoid tariffs imposed by the U.S. under the new policy.

U.S. is no longer playing defense on trade. These countries can’t afford to lose U.S. market access.

Per AI inquiry:

Key Examples of Tariffs Charged on U.S. Exports
China
Cars: 25% (compared to the U.S. charging 2.5% on Chinese cars).

Agricultural Goods: Average of 15% (U.S. charges 5% on Chinese agricultural imports).

General Average: Posts on X and some analyses suggest China’s tariffs on U.S. goods average around 20-25%, with specific retaliatory tariffs (e.g., from the 2018 trade war) reaching up to 67% on certain products like motorcycles or whiskey.

European Union (EU)
Cars: 10% (U.S. charges 2.5% on EU cars).

Agricultural Goods: Average of 11% (U.S. charges 5%).

Motorcycles: Around 6%, though retaliatory tariffs from Trump’s first term raised rates on U.S. motorcycles (e.g., Harley-Davidson) to 31% temporarily.

General Average: The EU’s trade-weighted average tariff on U.S. goods is often cited around 5-10%, but specific sectors face higher rates.

Canada
Agricultural Goods: Average of 15% (U.S. charges 5%).

Dairy Products: Up to 270% on milk, 245% on cheese, 298% on butter (highly protected sectors).

Cars: 25% (pre-USMCA, now largely 0% under the agreement, though retaliatory tariffs of 25% were imposed in 2025 on $20.7 billion of U.S. goods like orange juice and coffee in response to U.S. actions).

General Note: Before recent escalations, most goods were tariff-free under USMCA, but historical and retaliatory rates are higher.

Mexico
Agricultural Goods: Average of 14% (U.S. charges 5%).

General Average: Mexico’s tariffs on U.S. goods were minimal under USMCA until recent U.S. tariffs prompted threats of retaliation (details pending as of April 2, 2025).

India
Agricultural Goods: Average of 39% (U.S. charges 5%).

Motorcycles: 100% historically, reduced to 30-40% in 2018 (U.S. charges 2.4%).

Whiskey: 150%, lowered to 100% in February 2025 after U.S. pressure.

General Average: India’s tariffs on U.S. goods are among the highest, often cited around 26-39% trade-weighted.

Japan
General Average: Around 24% reciprocal rate suggested in 2025 U.S. policy, implying Japan’s tariffs on U.S. goods are roughly double that (48% estimated by U.S. calculations).

Agricultural Goods: Historically high on specific items (e.g., rice at 778%), though most industrial goods face lower rates under trade agreements.

Honestly, I was not aware of the extent of the inequity of tariffs placed by other countries. They bend us over and have their way - at least until now.

SCOTT BESSENT: “The equity market selloff is a Mag7 [big seven tech stocks] problem, not a MAGA problem”

The USA accounts for 34% of the worlds household consumption. We are the largest consumer globally.
It is impossible for Europe/China/Japan to find anyone to buy their goods to the level the USA does.

Reciprocal.

Curious, how much are the tariffs the penguins on that uninhabited island are charging us?

Just one more word that they...and the OP...don't know the meaning of. Or how to spell.

(04-02-2025 12:18 AM)BlueDragon Wrote:  

(04-01-2025 12:45 PM)Redwingtom Wrote:  And Israeli farmers rejoice!!! Well.....

Quote:The Israel Farmers’ Federation lambasts the Finance Ministry’s decision to immediately scrap remaining tariffs on US goods, mainly in agriculture, against the backdrop of US President donald trump’s plans to slap trade partners with tit for tat duties.

Amit Yifrach, who chairs the federation and serves as Secretary General of the Moshav Movement, and Uri Dorman, the federation’s secretary general, say in a joint statement, “This is a step that will bring disaster to local agriculture.”

They add, “There is no doubt that trade relations with the US are important and appropriate, but we must ensure that we do not throw the baby out with the bathwater, harming food security and national security.”

Israeli farmers lambast Finance Ministry for scrapping duties on US imports to avoid trump’s tariffs

And meanwhile....

Quote:China, South Korea and Japan agreed Sunday to strengthen free trade in the face of a raft of new tariffs imposed by US President donald trump.

The agreement came at a meeting of top trade officials – the first at that level in five years – days ahead of the start of tariffs on a huge range of US imports, including cars, trucks, and auto parts.

South Korea and Japan are major auto exporters, while China has also been hit hard by the US tariffs.

The meeting was attended by South Korea's industry minister Ahn Duk-geun, his Japanese counterpart Yoji Muto, and China's Wang Wentao.

The three countries called for their negotiations for a comprehensive trilateral free-trade agreement to be speeded up, and agreed to create "a predictable trade and investment environment", a statement said.

China, South Korea and Japan agree to strengthen trade ties in response to trump tariffs

Tommy I say this with all honesty and conviction

When I started my business in 1991, 98% of everything I sold was American made.

Today 0% of everything I sell is American made.

Trust me I’m not an anomaly. My business is a microcosm of American Industry or lack there of.

I’ve watched American workers and factories shutter while politicians enriched themselves at average worker’s expense. Companies I personally sourced products btw quality products from had to close their doors because politicians allowed cheap garbage to be dumped by the shiploads with little if any tariffs. The same countries have not and never will allow us the same rights.

Go look up tariffs of the countries we trade with. If you cannot see or understand the imbalance you are beyond help.

1929 eating out dumpsters won’t help you

Something has to give before we collapse economically

Do you have any clue how the Russian Ruble collapsed?

A Russian had saved his whole life. Enough money to fill up the bed of a pickup truck and it became worthless overnight .

I believe our politicians have already stolen all the gold in Ft Knox. They have wasted our wealth for kickbacks and bribes.

If Trump or someone else doesn’t do the MOST UNPOPULAR move to save our economy we won’t last to see 2035.

All the cuts to government bureaucrats won’t help if you depend on other nations to produce everything even your fruits and vegetables

Several great economist have already written books about our day of reckoning saying no politician will try to tackle it.

So, we have a one term President who at the very least is making an attempt but if spoiled Americans don’t want the inconvenience now they can pay with absolute misery later.

And, I was always told growing up It’s later than you think.

Remember back when WalMart slapped itself on the back because they only sold American made products?

(04-02-2025 11:03 AM)Redwingtom Wrote:  

(04-02-2025 10:39 AM)TripleA Wrote:  

(04-02-2025 06:07 AM)Redwingtom Wrote:  

(04-01-2025 10:18 PM)TripleA Wrote:  

(04-01-2025 10:12 PM)PirateJP Wrote:  Gas jumped from $2.56 to $3.15/gal today. The panic is absolutely insane.

Ours went up a nickel to $2.79. Fifteen cents over the price on inauguration day. No panic here yet.

$3.15 seems a bit out of line.

Not if you have a clue how any of this works.

Refiners are scaling down production of winter blend gasoline and preparing for summer blend which usually begins around May 1st. Summer blend is more expensive. Additionally, the global price of oil increased $2.12 a barrel on Monday and is up $2.44/barrel the last month. This all adds up to the increases you're seeing...or will see shortly. Plus, increased demand for travel as the weather improves.

Or...you could blame trump.

Gee, another thing you are an expert on.

A jump from $2.56 to $3.15 is a bit out of line from increases elsewhere.

Sorry that went over your head.

It didn't go over my head, you just don't know how to convey your thoughts apparently.

If you wanted to avoid confusion, you should have said "$.59 seems out of line."

Just about everyone here understood him just fine except you. What does that say about you?

(04-03-2025 07:02 AM)TigerBlue4Ever Wrote:  Remember back when WalMart slapped itself on the back because they only sold American made products?

Yeah...that never happened...not a thing. They never claimed to only sell American made products. They used to highlight those items that WERE American made in their stores and advertising, but they dropped that in like 2015 because people were finding items that weren't only American made.

I think Sam Walton had intended this when he started it, but that never materialized for obvious reasons.

(04-02-2025 12:08 PM)TripleA Wrote:  

(04-02-2025 12:03 PM)Redwingtom Wrote:  

(04-02-2025 11:49 AM)TripleA Wrote:  

(04-02-2025 11:03 AM)Redwingtom Wrote:  

(04-02-2025 10:39 AM)TripleA Wrote:  Gee, another thing you are an expert on.

A jump from $2.56 to $3.15 is a bit out of line from increases elsewhere.

Sorry that went over your head.

It didn't go over my head, you just don't know how to convey your thoughts apparently.

If you wanted to avoid confusion, you should have said "$.59 seems out of line."

Maybe your comprehension skills suck. Nobody else apparently had an issue.

Let's review. Dude said his price went up from $2.56 to $3.15. I then immediately said my price went up a nickel, right before I said $3.15 (from his stated price of $2.56) seems a bit out of line. AS AN INCREASE from $2.56, which is the crux of what we were discussing.

Rather than assuming your incorrect translation that I was the dumb***, you could have asked what I meant.

Why, there was NO need. You cited your price of $2.79...and then in the very next sentence say that $3.15 seems out of line. There was no assumption. That's what you typed. So I merely commented that no, $3.15 is not out of line.

And I have zero issue admitting that I often struggle with reading comprehension...has always been an issue with me ever since I was in school. But I didn't miss a thing here, you just didn't convey your meaning properly. That's on you. And again, I am guilty of doing that here all the time...it's what usually gets me into trouble.

Did it occur to you that you were the only one who had an issue with it?

No, he isn't capable of that kind of awareness, and don't fall for his self-effacing act.

I have no issue charging other nations what they are charging us. Only seems fair to me.

(04-03-2025 07:17 AM)VA49er Wrote:  I have no issue charging other nations what they are charging us. Only seems fair to me.

Unless you're a democrat marxist.