The Demise of Free Trade: The U.S.-China Trade War Explained

by Michelle Klieger

The United States was the global leader in promoting free trade until two years ago. President Donald J. Trump calls himself "Tariffs Man" and uses tariffs as leverage in all types of international negotiations. No country has been impacted more than China. The U.S.-China trade war started one year ago, roughly on July 6, 2018, with tariffs and counter-tariffs being imposed on billions of dollars of goods. The situation continues to escalate. Four days later, Trump announced tariffs on $200 billion of additional goods coming from China. One year later, Trump is considering tariffs on the final $300 billion of Chinese goods imported from China.

For most people, the trade war and tariffs are a mystery. This book explains how tariffs work and their impact on the economy in plain English with easy-to-follow examples. It includes a summary of the tariff and non-tariff actions taken by both sides up until now and it analyzes cultural, economic, and political reasons why the two have not reached an agreement yet. Finally, the appendix includes a case study that brings all of these ideas together showing the complexity and danger of the current situation.

76 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2019

Reviews

[Michael Powers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really puts things in perspective of what is going on in the world of trade and the huge role that China plays in it.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

Whether you’re familiar with US trade war and politics or not, the author makes a complicated topic and situation digestible in this engaging read.