Originally Posted by Rob B.
Why do Americans buy European cars?

Because she wanted to. I have a Ford F150 because that is what I wanted.
But what she bought is not at issue. One-sided trade tariffs are at issue.



Originally Posted by Rob B.
In the age of free trade I find negotiating trade deficits a bit crazy. .

BINGO ROB!

This is NOT actually "THE AGE OF FREE TRADE."
If there is a one-sided arrangement in the trading relationships between 2 countries, characterized by one country having all sorts of tariffs on goods that the other doesn't, THERE IS NOT FREE TRADE.

In defense of that, the country without the tariffs calls it out. If nothing happens to even things out, then, that country installs RECIPROCAL TARIFFS as defensive measure, and then the trade war starts.

If you truly believe in FREE TRADE, then talk to your Euro-German allegiances about those tariffs coming off.
Maybe you can save Trump the trouble.

If there are no uneven tariffs and Trump is just making noise, we'll find out.
But I doubt that.

Marty