Tariffs are a rudimentary version of value - added tax. Both share the common characteristic of being indirect taxes, with low tax pain perception. On one hand, Trump explicitly cuts taxes for voters, but on the other hand, he uses tariffs to recoup the money, which can be considered quite shrewd.
Tariffs are a relatively inefficient form of taxation. Take the countless overseas packages of Pinduoduo (PDD) as an example. If no one takes the initiative to file tax returns, these tariffs cannot be effectively collected.
If Trump doesn't ban Temu, then tariffs would be a huge boon for Temu. Because Walmart and Costco can't avoid paying tariffs, while Temu can.
If one wants to improve the efficiency of tariffs, the Qing Dynasty provides Trump with some experience. That is, only open one or two ports, establish Thirteen Factories to monopolize imports and exports, and prohibit any other ships from going to sea!
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