South County Mail

Missouri and the World

tariffs

Why Trump’s meeting with Xi matters to American jobs, prices and manufacturing

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The meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping last week was dominated by familiar geopolitical flashpoints – trade, technology, Iran and Taiwan – but the broader significance for ordinary Americans may lie much closer to home.

While headlines focused on tensions over Taiwan and military posturing in the Asia-Pacific region, economists and manufacturers will be watching for something more practical: whether Washington and Beijing can stabilize a relationship that remains deeply intertwined with the American economy.

Even after years of tariffs, reshoring initiatives and political hostility between the world’s two largest economies, the United States still relies heavily on China for manufacturing, industrial supply chains, electronics, consumer goods and critical materials. [Read more…] about Why Trump’s meeting with Xi matters to American jobs, prices and manufacturing

‘Friendshoring’ could become the next phase of globalization

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As tensions between the United States and China continue reshaping the global economy, economists and policymakers are increasingly focusing on a new concept that could define the next era of international trade: “friendshoring”.

Rather than bringing manufacturing fully back home, countries and multinational corporations may instead shift production and investment toward politically friendly nations.

A new analysis published by The Conversation argues that friendshoring may allow globalization to continue in a different form, even as trade between the world’s two largest economies becomes more strained. [Read more…] about ‘Friendshoring’ could become the next phase of globalization

Missouri at risk: How Trump’s tariffs could hit farming, manufacturing, and logistics

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By South County Mail Staff Writer

As global markets continue to tumble in the wake of former President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs, industries across Missouri – from soybean fields to factory floors – are bracing for impact.

The tariffs, which have triggered retaliation from key trading partners like China and the European Union, are expected to hit especially hard in states like Missouri that rely heavily on exports, manufacturing supply chains, and freight logistics. [Read more…] about Missouri at risk: How Trump’s tariffs could hit farming, manufacturing, and logistics

What are tariffs? A quick explainer for Missouri readers

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Tariffs are taxes placed on goods that are imported from other countries. When the US government imposes tariffs, it’s essentially making those foreign goods more expensive. The idea is to encourage Americans to buy more products made in the US.

Why use tariffs?

Governments typically use tariffs to:

  • Protect domestic industries from cheaper foreign competition
  • Punish or pressure other countries during trade disputes
  • Generate revenue

What’s the downside?

While tariffs might protect certain American industries in the short term, they often lead to:

  • Higher prices for consumers
  • Retaliation from other countries, which can hurt US exports
  • Supply chain disruptions, especially for manufacturers

Risk and reward

Tariffs can be helpful in some cases, but they also carry serious risks – especially when they’re used on a large scale or without coordination with allies.

Trump’s new tariffs send markets into freefall: What it means for Missouri and the nation

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Wall Street reels as global sell-off intensifies; economists warn of recession ahead

By South County Mail Staff Writer

Global markets took a nosedive late last week after former President Donald Trump announced a sweeping new set of tariffs – and the financial shockwaves are being felt from New York to Missouri.

The US stock market saw its worst losses in years on Friday, with the S&P 500 dropping 6 percent, the Dow Jones falling 5.5 percent, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq losing nearly 6 percent. As markets open this Monday morning, April 7, investors across the country – including here in South County – are bracing for more potential losses. [Read more…] about Trump’s new tariffs send markets into freefall: What it means for Missouri and the nation

More than 50 nations ask for trade negotiations over sweeping tariffs imposed by Trump

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​In response to the recently imposed tariffs by President Donald Trump, over 50 nations have approached the US administration to initiate trade negotiations. These tariffs, which include a 10 percent levy on most US imports and higher rates for approximately 60 countries, have led to significant market volatility and raised concerns about a potential global recession.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that addressing unfair trade practices is a complex process that cannot be resolved quickly. He stated that the US must evaluate the offers from these countries to determine their credibility.

The administration’s stance has elicited mixed reactions. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick asserted that the tariffs are non-negotiable and will be implemented as planned, highlighting the necessity of these measures to rectify unfair global trade practices and bolster domestic manufacturing.  [Read more…] about More than 50 nations ask for trade negotiations over sweeping tariffs imposed by Trump

Senator Hawley backs Trump’s new tariff plan, calls it ‘a win for Missouri workers’

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Missouri Senator Josh Hawley has voiced strong support for former President Donald Trump’s newly announced trade policy, which includes sweeping tariffs aimed at addressing what Trump describes as an “economic emergency”.

On Thursday, Trump unveiled a broad proposal that would impose elevated tariffs on dozens of countries with significant trade surpluses with the United States.

The plan includes a blanket 10 percent tax on all imports, as well as targeted increases such as a 34 percent tariff on Chinese goods and a 20 percent tariff on imports from the European Union, according to the Associated Press. [Read more…] about Senator Hawley backs Trump’s new tariff plan, calls it ‘a win for Missouri workers’

Consensus seems to support the view that tariffs will negatively affect the United States

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On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a series of sweeping tariffs during what he termed the “Liberation Day” speech.

These measures include a universal 10 percent tariff on all imports, with additional, higher tariffs targeting specific countries based on trade imbalances.

For instance, China faces a 34 percent tariff, the European Union 20 percent, and Japan 24 percent. The administration asserts that these tariffs aim to bolster domestic manufacturing and rectify longstanding trade deficits. [Read more…] about Consensus seems to support the view that tariffs will negatively affect the United States