What are the Best Tariffs for the U.S.? Economists Say: From 14% to 60%

What is the difference between an undergraduate international trade economics class and a graduate-level class? The difference is that in an undergraduate economics class they teach you that the ideal level of tariffs for any country is zero. Free trade rules! But in a graduate-level class, they teach you that tariffs can help a nation…

Model Shows that Universal 10% Tariff Would Improve Incomes, Output and Jobs (Updated)

Note: This version is updated with results for additional tax revenue and a retaliation scenario. Key Points CPA modeled former President Trump’s recent proposal regarding a 10% universal tariff. Our simulation finds that the tariff change would increase economic growth and create opportunity for Americans through increasing incomes and job creation. Under the proposal, real…

Industrial Policies Gain Support in the Academy

Last month, the Wall Street Journal published an attack on Joe Biden’s industrial policies arguing that Bidenomics “needs more…economic theory or research.” This theme has been picked up by numerous other media publications. Economist and former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers appeared on a Peterson Institute video to argue that restrictions on free trade, such as…