David Frum

To understand the harm Donald Trump has done with his tariffs on Canada and Mexico, here are four things you need to know: First, every tax on imports is also a tax on exports. …Trump tariffs will be paid in the form of higher prices for imports and their substitutes, and lower profits and wages for everyone who works in export industries. Second, every product is also an input. …Big, sophisticated global companies can shift their input-sourcing but the shift is never easy. For smaller companies, it may prove altogether unfeasible. …Third, “illegal” is irrelevant; don’t expect relief from tariffs through lawsuits. The US has sabotaged the dispute-settlement mechanisms under the North American trade agreements. …Fourth, Americans may not remember their past actions, but others do. …Trump is single-handedly reneging on 80 years of American work to persuade others to trust and rely on the US. …“America First” means “America Alone.” [A subscription to the Economist is required to read the full story]

In Relate Opinion Coverage by:

• The National Post’s John Ivison: Canada is on the receiving end of a hostile act
• The Economist: America will never be as efficient at making cars as it is now
• Daniel Drache & Mark Froese in the Conversation: The brute power of an imperial presidency