By Melanie Collette | MoneyTalk with Melanie
"It’s time the mainstream media stopped feeding panicked misinformation to the public, and let the negotiator do what he does he does best."
The US has threatened tariffs on up to $450 billion of Chinese imports, the first $34 billion of which is set to go into effect next month. China has threatened to retaliate with their tariffs on the US targeted at agriculture – and the mainstream media has freaked out.
The left has been on a perpetual freak out about a trade war with China — but everyone needs to calm down.
There are numerous ways that America benefits from a trade war with China:
#1 – We have already won several skirmishes. For example, back in April of last China prepared to raise investment ceilings, end the ban on beef imports, and agreed to the 100-day plan on trade talks.
China ultimately backed down.
#2 – For all the bluster between President Xi and President Trump, the fact is that China’s economy relies on the US far more than the US relies on China.
#3 – One of the most significant benefits the US gained from the trade war thus far has been concessions on North Korea. China significantly declined its imports from North Korea as well as its exports to North Korea, going above and beyond UN sanctions.
Trade with China is crucial to North Korea’s economy and is no doubt a significant factor in what lead to the historic US-North Korean Summit in Singapore earlier this month. Further pressure will get America even greater concessions.
#4 — The US economy is far more significant than China’s and is growing faster than China’s. That means we’re negotiating from a much stronger position.
#5 — China’s debt to GDP ratio is about 400% to the US 105%. They can’t afford a big economic set-back, but America can.
Experts all know this. So why panic?
It’s time the mainstream media stopped feeding panicked misinformation to the public, and let the negotiator do what he does he does best.
If they do, this will be another win for President Donald Trump and the United States consumer.
Melanie Collette uses her 20 years as a business technology educator to help individuals, small businesses, and political campaigns use technology to operate at peak efficiency. Her business technology specialties include Microsoft Office Solutions, Social Media, Data Management, Automated Campaign Outreach, and On-Site or Remote Business Technology Training.