Tariffs on Chinese-made imports are a response to that nation’s unfair trade practices. But who’s footing the bill?

Welcome to the 500^th episode of The SupplyChainBrain Podcast!

Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 authorizes the President to impose tariffs and other retaliatory measures on foreign governments that are deemed to be engaging in unfair trading practices. And recent administrations, including Presidents Trump and Biden, haven’t been shy about wielding that weapon. But are those tariffs having their intended purpose? Blake Harden, vice president of international trade with the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), says no. The burden, she says, is falling on American businesses, especially retailers, who have had to pay out some $198 billion in additional duties on Chinese goods over the past five years. She calls the tariffs “a blunt tool” and an “ineffective trade policy” that has unintended victims — including the American consumer. So are the tariffs here to stay? And what’s a better way to address China’s unfair trade practices, without harming U.S. interests? Hosted by Bob Bowman, Editor-in-Chief of SupplyChainBrain. 

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