Tariffs and Monopolies

a year ago

Tariffs and monopolies are deeply intertwined in the US economy, with orthodox economists often opposing tariffs without considering context.
Neoliberal economics relies on untested assumptions, such as the idea that sellers can't afford to absorb tariff costs, which ignores market realities.
Trump's tariff policies are based on flawed logic, claiming foreign entities will pay, but in reality, costs are passed to US consumers.
Market concentration in sectors like athletic shoes (Nike, Adidas/Reebok) and beverages (Coke, Pepsi) leads to tacit collusion and inflated prices.
During COVID-19, companies like Pepsi and fossil fuel giants exploited pricing power to raise prices beyond inflation, without regulatory pushback.
Neoliberal economics dismisses power dynamics, leading to absurd conclusions like justifying voluntary kidney sales as 'efficient markets.'
The finance sector prioritizes shareholder returns over workers and consumers, reinforcing income inequality and opposing unions or regulations.
Trump's tariffs, combined with weak antitrust enforcement, benefit monopolies like Nike, which can navigate loopholes while stifling smaller competitors.
The New Civil Liberties Alliance, backed by Leonard Leo, is challenging Trump's tariffs, revealing fractures in conservative coalitions.
Project 2025's contradictions highlight the instability of Trump's policies, with tariffs becoming a major point of conflict.

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