The Metro: A conservative Michigan economist’s take on tariffs
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A truck carrying a Hede (Hong Kong) International Shipping Co., Ltd., container moves along the Port of Los Angeles Wednesday, April 9, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Last weekend, the Trump administration reduced tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30%
James Hohman, director of fiscal policy at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, thinks tariffs are a bad idea because they make both trade partners worse off.
Metro Producer Sam Corey spoke with Hohman this week about tariffs and whether there are any instances in which they can be useful.
“Protectionist policies have proven to be ineffective time and time again,” Hohman said. “…the only way to ensure a mature, thriving and growing industry is by staying on the competitive edge, and protections pull you away from the competitive edge.”
Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.
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