Buckle Up for Tariffs: Glory Days or Chasing a Mirage

Saint Louis In Tune

Tariffs, subsidies, and free markets—oh my! We dive headfirst into the complex world of tariffs and their impact on our daily lives. John Horn, an economics professor from Washington University, helps peel back the layers on what tariffs really are and how they work. John breaks down the nitty-gritty details, explaining how these tariffs can ripple through the economy, affecting everything from consumer prices to local job markets.

We touch on the ups and downs of tariffs—like how they can protect budding industries but also risk igniting trade wars that leave everyone scrambling for cover. John makes it clear that while tariffs might seem like a good idea on paper, they can lead to unintended consequences that could leave American consumers holding the bag.

Switching gears, we tackle the broader implications of tariffs on a global scale, diving into the historical context and current events. John shares insights on how tariffs have shaped the industrial landscape of the U.S., and how they might impact our future. Are we ready to return to manufacturing glory days, or are we chasing a mirage?

[00:00] Introduction to Tariffs and Free Markets

[00:26] Meet the Hosts and Sponsor

[01:12] Return to Civility: Elevator Etiquette

[02:06] Introducing John Horn: Expert on Tariffs

[04:12] Understanding Tariffs: Basics and Implications

[09:20] Macro Benefits and Drawbacks of Tariffs

[12:25] Historical Use of Tariffs in the US

[18:12] Global Economy and Tariffs

[24:37] Trade and Economic Growth

[28:05] Political Decisions in Economics

[30:15] Introduction to War Games

[32:03] Business War Games Explained

[35:22] Uncertainty in Trade Objectives

[40:32] Historical Context of Tariffs

[42:23] Debating the Effectiveness of Tariffs

[48:11] Reagan's Perspective on Free Trade

[53:21] Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

Takeaways:

• Tariffs are essentially a tax on imported goods, impacting consumers differently based on their choices.
• Understanding tariffs is crucial as they can significantly affect both local industries and global trade dynamics.
• The macroeconomic effects of tariffs can lead to higher prices, which might hurt consumers while attempting to protect domestic industries.
• Free trade is often viewed as beneficial, but tariffs can lead to trade wars that disrupt economic stability.
• The discussion around tariffs raises questions about their long-term benefits versus the immediate protection they may offer to certain industries.
• John Horn emphasizes the importance of clarity in trade objectives to avoid confusion and unintended consequences in economic policies.

• Home | John Horn | Washington University in St. Louis
• Econ on the Go | John Horn | Washington University in St. Louis
• From Professor John Horn: A book to help business leaders think like their competitors | WashU Olin Business School
• John Horn - Linkedin

This is Season 8! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#tariffs #freemarkets #macroeconomics #microeconomics #protectionism #subsidies