The success of the washing machine tariffs shows that “tariff-jumping investment,” i.e. inducing domestic industry growth via tariffs is a viable strategy for the U.S. in industries that have suffered decline.
Washing machine tariffs were a success, as measured by over 2,000 new jobs, more competition, no sustained effect on washing machine prices and economic stimulus with the construction of new factories.
The Biden administration’s signature clean energy law, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), got its clock cleaned last week at a Senate Energy Committee hearing.