Why do people act like Trumps tariffs are unprecedented, when its been a common policy that all nations practice?

[FrodoSkywalker007]

Updates

4 d

It's crazy how quickly every reply here collapsed.
You are all proving the orange man right 🤷‍♂️
Makes you wonder why this narrative even exists. 🤔

Updates

4 d

What I have learned from the responses is this..
The US isn't allowed to do it, but other nations can do it to the US.
Trump is especially not allowed to do it because Trump.
Got it 🤷‍♂️ makes sense.

[strateguy632]

they have blind hate. facts dont matter. trump did it anything! so they oppose it. meanwhile same year as your example dairy foods, in 2012 The EU threatened to levy "massive punitive tariffs averaging 47.6%" on Chinese solar panels imports. so trump is same! not 'bigger scale'-

also trump tarrif to PROTECT our farmers and businesses. and to negotiate that they- lower tarrif. if Canada lowered trump WOULD LOWER. instead carnage carney made "RETALIATION" tarrif. crazy!

[shish_kebab]

Great point! I swear, some people think Trump invented tariffs. Trump haters hated when he imposed tariffs on other countries, and then they hated it when he changed his mind. Let's face it, they just hate Trump and they don't mind looking stupid in the process.

[shish_kebab]

Thanks for the mho.

[Tamera952]

Because they are. They are used widely —but, sporadically, strategically, and for usually particular economic reasons. His, however are baseless, not economically driven, and solely based on his whim and his gut feeling. And used in a retaliatory way, and illegal for him to impose.
Also, blanket tariffs, across the board, on a majority of countries is counter productive, has multiple negative consequences, doesn’t make any sense, and also demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of why, and how tariffs are used in the first place—combined with the fact that he outright LIES about who pays them, and LIES about money received from them—AND is unmoved and unmotivated to reevaluate when presented with facts and information to the contrary, especially when it shows your own people being negatively affected by them. In particular, he has shown an erroneous and rudimentary understanding about trade imbalances, with a childish ‘zero sum’ attitude toward those imbalances. He cannot be told otherwise.
Anyone who has more brain cells than Trump, which is everyone, but those in the economic know, clearly can show that the negatives far outweigh any positives.

[FrodoSkywalker007]

So did you support the nearly 800%. Canadian tariffs on the US dairy industry in 2012?
wits.worldbank.org/.../Summarytext

[Anonymous]

What is more unusual about Trump's recent tariff policy is the scale, breadth, and frequency of the changes, rather than the basic idea of using tariffs. The Congressional Budget Office says the U. S. effective tariff rate was around 2% in 2024 and reached about 15% by November 2025. CBO also noted that increases of this size are rare in recent history.

So I wouldn't say, “Trump invented tariffs,” because obviously he didn't. 😂 The more accurate argument is that the underlying tool is old, while the magnitude and way it has recently been deployed are unusual for the modern U. S. economy.

And there's another part worth separating from the politics: tariffs aren't literally paid by foreign governments. U. S. importers generally pay the tariff to the U. S. government, although some of the economic burden can eventually be shared through changes in prices, wages, profits, and exchange rates. CBO's current assessment is that U. S. businesses and consumers have borne most of the cost of the recent tariffs.

So there are really two different questions: “Are tariffs normal?” Yes. “Are these particular tariff increases unusual in modern U. S. history?” Also yes. Both statements can be true at the same time.

[FrodoSkywalker007]

And Canada had a nearly 800% tariff on US dairy in 2012? Just a random one I found 🤷‍♂️

[FrodoSkywalker007]

wits.worldbank.org/.../Summarytext

[Chazmatazz269]

Foreign countries, including many that claim to be allies, took advantage of the US ridiculously low tariffs while imposing much higher tariffs on US exports. The question OP is getting at is as follows. Why do people act like Drumpf balancing tariffs is some kind of crime?
You artfully dodged answering the question, but you still felt the need to post anonymously. It’s fairly obvious why you made that choice.

[FrodoSkywalker007]

@Chazmatazz269 exactly my point.

[Opinion Owner]

@chazmatazz269 I don't think I dodged the question. My point was that tariffs themselves aren't some unprecedented or criminal policy. Countries have used them for a very long time, including against the U. S.

What I was pointing out is that there’s a difference between saying “tariffs are normal” and saying every tariff policy is automatically good or bad. The actual rates, countries targeted, economic effects and goals are what should be debated.

And the “anonymous” comment doesn't really change the substance of the argument... If we're going to discuss tariffs, I'd rather stick to the policy than make it personal. 🙂

[jshm2]

Because it isn't "common policy" you numbskull.

Hence why the courts shut down Trumps tarrifs, and he had to spin a new con out of cloth.

You see "common policy" on tariffs is that they are legal and central government approved, and that they have some basis in business. Trump was just stealing money claiming it was "tariffs" .

[FrodoSkywalker007]

Must be why Canada put nearly 800% tariffs on US Dairy in 2012 🤷‍♂️
wits.worldbank.org/.../Summarytext

[NathanDavis]

tariffs are common, yes...

stupid tariffs switching, back and forth... also known as TACO

that's not common... that's just stupidity from a senile toddler that news a new diaper, changed

[FrodoSkywalker007]

And Canada had a nearly 800% tariff on US dairy in 2012. Where's the outrage?

[FrodoSkywalker007]

wits.worldbank.org/.../Summarytext

[NathanDavis]

where were you in 2012... outraging over milk?

[FrodoSkywalker007]

So it's perfectly acceptable for Canada to do it in 2012 (a random year and product I picked out of many examples), but orange man bad?

Seems you prove Trump right 🤷‍♂️

[NathanDavis]

one time in the last 20 years...

versus 20 times in the last week

if you seriously want to compare that... then what else is there to say...

[FrodoSkywalker007]

It's literally just a random one I picked.
Tariffs on US products have been a norm.
Nations use them for strategic reasons.
The Canada US relationship is full of them
Yet, we act as if Trumps actions are unprecedented, in a particular area the US has often been the victim

Why Canada has a terrible "U. S. Problem" / Hindsight
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uH8_IBrx6BM

[NathanDavis]

yeah, you have spammed the same video before...

[FrodoSkywalker007]

My point is that this is a normal aspect of trade relations and the US has often been subject to high tariffs. The entire European industry (auto for example), is built off it 🤷‍♂️

[NathanDavis]

you don't have any points... just propaganda to push

and to spam

[FrodoSkywalker007]

If you call facts spam and propaganda, Sure. 🤷‍♂️

[NathanDavis]

I do.

[FrodoSkywalker007]

Nice argument 😂

[NathanDavis]

thanks

[katiesmuff]

That is what MAGA does and thank goodness most have figured it out just ignore the ignorance that comes out of their mouths!

[FrodoSkywalker007]

@katiesmuff never voted for Trump. 🤷‍♂️
Nice try.

[FrodoSkywalker007]

@katiesmuff furthermore, you should probably check your own party (assuming you are a Democrat). They have record low approval ratings for a reason. Far lower than Trump
https://poll.qu.edu/poll-release?releaseid=3943
🤷‍♂️

[NathanDavis]

@katiesmuff right... and the funnier part

"I didn't vote for Trump"

[FrodoSkywalker007]

Glad my know my voting history.

[NathanDavis]

you spam it all the time, yes...

[FrodoSkywalker007]

Right.
I forgot.
Calling out leftist lunacy like Bill Maher, makes me MAGA
My bad 🤷‍♂️

[NathanDavis]

MAGA or not...

what you do here... is of a propaganda tool

as a person, I don't really know you... maybe you are serious about it, maybe you just enjoy trolling, I don't know... but all this repetitive nonsense is definitely a fixation, and an act of propaganda as well, lol

[FrodoSkywalker007]

So, talking politics you disagree with on a questions based website is trolling or a propaganda tool. 🤦‍♂️
Maybe the issue is im unaligned and recognize the destruction of partisan politics? Perhaps I see the issues arising from especially leftists in places like my workplace and see it as a major security concern?

Your inability to debate me isn't my problem 🤷‍♂️

[NathanDavis]

talking politics is fine... if, they are an actual discussion/conversation going somewhere

but that's not what you do... what you do is, to spam videos and copy/paste "arguments" over and over... then fixate on "everyone is dumb but me"

that's just hilarious

[NathanDavis]

and the funniest of all... you even think you're in a debate, lmao

[FrodoSkywalker007]

Never called you dumb.
Perhaps if you don't want discussion, you shouldn't post answers on questions from someone you label a troll or propagandist?
That would make more sense.
The truth is you get cornered and say "what! This isn't a debate! You troll"

Looks great 😉

[NathanDavis]

yes, I am aware of such fantasy in your head... lol

[katiesmuff]

Apparently you misunderstood what I was saying! It's that all the MAGA ignorant fucks lie every time their lips move. Actually I did vote for trump once in 2016, by 2018 I realized what a mistake that was. In 2024 I was so disgusted with the choices I just voted for my father and he didn't win.

[katiesmuff]

It's the only way the MAGA pukes know how to do anything, just mouthfuls of completely false or undocumented information only seen on Fox or the Truth social bs. In three months we will hear no more from them.

[Agape93]

Normal tarrifs are fine. Trumps are excessive, target allies or even places that dont have a population, and are often found to be illegal.

[FrodoSkywalker007]

@Agape93 illegal how?
These nations had tariffs on the US to begin with 🤷‍♂️

[FrodoSkywalker007]

wits.worldbank.org/.../Summarytext

In 2012, Canada had a nearly 800% tariff on US dairy goods 🤷‍♂️. Is that excessive?
Just one random example I found.

[Agape93]

Considering his own judges keep making him stop them because they are illegal, yeah. I'm correct.

[FrodoSkywalker007]

So 800% is legal?

[Agape93]

Apparently so. My point still stands.

[FrodoSkywalker007]

So, illegal for the US, not for others?
You proved Trump right 🤷‍♂️

[Agape93]

Yeah its imbalanced. Tough shit, my point stands.

[FrodoSkywalker007]

Then you proved the Orange man right 🤷‍♂️

[Agape93]

OK. Im still correct.

[MrChinaski]

It's not that common. US tariffs are the highest they have been since the Smoot-Hawley Tariffs contributed to the 1930s Great Depression.

[MrChinaski]

Or if you prefer a comparison across countries, chart 7: www.elibrary.imf.org/.../article-A001-en.xml

To sum up: When the US has had high tariffs in the past they have made the US poorer. Looking across countries today, poorer countries tend to have higher tariffs.

If someone came on here and put the opinion that brain surgery should be conducted with a chainsaw then you'd be suspicious. But economics... sure, everyone's an expert.

[MrChinaski]

Or to make it even freakin' clearer. Bob sells pizza for $11 and Jim for $10. You would rather save the buck and buy Jim's pizza. Now the government imposes a 20% sales tax on Jim raising his price to $12. So you buy from Bob, pay $1 more than you used to and get pizza you don't like as much. Congrats.

[MrChinaski]

It's honestly that simple.

[FrodoSkywalker007]

Must be why Canada put nearly 800% tariffs on US Dairy in 2012 🤷‍♂️
wits.worldbank.org/.../Summarytext

[NathanDavis]

@MrChinaski you're expecting way too much from Americans

books are not a thing over here...

[FrodoSkywalker007]

@NathanDavis the irony here is how our friend has proven my point.
My position has never been on if it's good or bad, it's the treatment if the policy as unprecedented (which is in the direct question).
He clearly lists times when such policies were enforced (for better or worse).
This is a common trend, and often enacted against the US as well.
The concern is partisan politics that treats any action of the other side as completely wrong, when the other party will do the same

[NathanDavis]

you don't have a point... you have a fixation with Trump, lol

[FrodoSkywalker007]

@NathanDavis I'd suggest you look into my questions, and see how often I discuss Trump.
Compare that to Melanie31 sex questions.
Then you will learn what a fixation is 🤷‍♂️

[NathanDavis]

well, I don't need to look... I remember them

and you will probably go to your sexual fixations right after you're done with your Trump fixation

but oh well, that's you... and you do you

I won't be judging on that

[FrodoSkywalker007]

@NathanDavis like always, you give a perfect example of western partisan politics.
Us vs them.
It's why organizations like CNN lost power to figures like Joe Rogan. Things that were unimaginable only a decade ago. 🤷‍♂️

[NathanDavis]

you forget about Reagan

oh wait, you're too young for that

[FrodoSkywalker007]

@NathanDavis Reagan was extremely popular. He won 2 landslide elections and even had Democrat supporters 🤷‍♂️

[NathanDavis]

and also, a tool... much like Trump and Joe Rogan

[MrChinaski]

@FrodoSkywalker007 Play whatever lingusitic games you enjoy. The cold hard truth is that the global system the USA built with half a million dead soldiers and trillions upon trillions of dollars, designed explicitly to serve its interests and make it reach, have been given away for the sake of a press conference and a couple of tweets. China is now the most powerful country in the world. The rest of us are dealing with that just fine. Fuck knows what America can salvage from the burning ruin it has turned itself into. Nobody else cares.

[MrChinaski]

*Rich

[FrodoSkywalker007]

Seems a dream world you live.
Thanks for proving my point though 🤷‍♂️

[MrChinaski]

@FrodoSkywalker007 You are unhealthy.

[FrodoSkywalker007]

Thanks!

[exitseven]

democrats try to make it seem like they are a bad thing becuse they hate it when Trump wins. They have been unhappy a lot lately.
Now that the tariffs have been re-installed America has collected over 200 billion dollars.

[itss_lily]

its not common policy at all to do it to rhe degree that he is doing it at and it hurts us as well. tariffs themselves aren't inherently bad but placing tariffs on everyone and people for "revenge" is childish and fucking stupid

[FrodoSkywalker007]

Must be why Canada put nearly 800% tariffs on US Dairy in 2012 🤷‍♂️
wits.worldbank.org/.../Summarytext

[Anonymous]

You give an example of one product. He does it to a wide range that if you actually read, has far reaching implications to American workers.

i hope you are enjoying the high prices because of the stupidity.

[FrodoSkywalker007]

So it's okay for Canada to out 800% tariffs on US dairy in 2012?
wits.worldbank.org/.../Summarytext

[lightbulb27]

It's just he's swung it in a loud way that is different, like everything he does.

He isn't democratic in his method, it's all him making "deals" or so it seems.

[darkcloud1945]

Because the name Trump is attached to it, it's got to be baaaad!.. But if the AMERICA LAST people propose it, that is just what we need. Just another case of TDS!

[DryGermanGuy]

It's his unpredictability and unreliability behind everything. His plans are generally idiotic.

[Anonymous]

Trump is just continuing American foreign policy from the previous administration as Biden did as Trump did as Obama did as Bush Jr did as Clinton did as Bush Sr did etc. Plans are made 10 or 20 or 40 years in advance.

[Tamera952]

No, actually he’s not. Where did you come up with that?

[Opinion Owner]

@Tamera952 yes he is. Anything begun when Biden was president continued after his presidency and likewise with Biden

[Anonymous]

They hate everything he does! If he comes up with a cure for cancer they will still hate him.

[Tamera952]

He deserves to be hated. He actions dictate it. He deserves much more hatred than is directed to him already. He is the nastiest, most miserable, evil, loud mouth asshole, piece of shit stain loser— that has no business running the country.

[NaultD]

It's an outdated regressive tax.

[Chazmatazz269]

TDS, mostly