Political pundit Sabrina Meadow and economist Mike Moffatt delve into the complexities of tariffs, particularly in the context of the impending policies under the new Donald Trump's administration. They explore what tariffs are, their implications for the middle class in both the US and Canada, and the public's understanding of these taxes. The conversation highlights the anxiety surrounding trade deficits and the potential economic fallout for consumers and businesses alike. Mike and Sabrina discuss how tariffs act as hidden taxes for consumers, the potential retaliatory measures Canada could take, and the political motivations behind the trade tensions. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:00 Understanding tariffs 

03:07 Public perception and the impact of a tariff threat

05:19 Does Canada really need the US more than it needs us?

07:00 The American middle class will be hurt by tariffs

08:03 Why are Canadian businesses so worried?

10:18 The effects on the Canadian middle class

11:06 Retaliation strategies and economic consequences

13:01 Nobody wins a trade war

15:19 Political theater vs. real economic threats

18:24 The role of citizens in trade wars

Links

Missing Middle Initiative

Fiscal, Macroeconomic, and Price Estimates of Tariffs Under Both Non-Retaliation and Retaliation Scenarios

Trump's Team of Economic Yes-Men

Americans stocking up on foreign goods before Trump tariffs: ‘a sense of urgency’

Tariffs and trade: Experts pick the big charts to watch for 2025

Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux

Produced by Meredith Martin

This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.