New customs duties Against China, rising taxes on certain European products, negotiations with Canada and Mexico … to make its economic greatness to America, Donald Trump Account for paying your business partners to pay … but also using the tariff tool to impose its diplomatic choices. A method that is not new. In this series, we are interested in past trade wars, from which we could learn some lessons for today, with Sébastien Jean, professor of economics at the National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts.
Episode 2: The Nixon method that inspired Trump
On the map of the countries targeted by Donald Trump’s customs duties, no one seems to be spared. But there are that the American president decided to target stronger. 10 % customs duties for Made in China products, and especially 25 % for those imported from Canada and Mexico.
You may have noted that for the moment the taxes against his neighbors are on a break. In exchange, the two countries have promised to strengthen border surveillance, in particular with regard to drug trafficking.
It is therefore clear that Donald Trump intends to use trade war as a lever for negotiations on subjects that are not economic at all. A method already used in the 1970s by a certain Richard Nixon.
Before diving into this economic battle, you have to restore a little context and return in the middle of the Second World War. The period will be decisive for international trade, and in particular with the Bretton Woods conference.
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“The art of trade war” is an original series of the magnifying glass, the daily podcast of L’Express, written and presented by Charlotte Baris, mounted by Solène Alifat, produced by Quentin Bresson and Jules Krot.
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