I can think of two examples of American protectionist policies against China.
President Bush imposed tariffs on Chinese manufactured steel during his first term in office. His motivations were largely political.
Steel manufacturing is a major industry in Pennsylvania and Bush wanted to win Pennsylvania for his second term in office. The first time he ran for President, he lost Pennsylvania, so he wanted to do something he thought Pennsylvanian voters would appreciate.
It didn’t work. Bush lost in Pennsylvania even though he protected the state against Chinese steel imports. China wasn’t happy with Bush either. A trade war almost took place over the matter.
Obama imposed tariffs on Chinese tires last year. The claim was that “cheap Chinese tires” were harming American manufacturers. This move will hurt Chinese producers, perhaps with the loss of Chinese jobs.
When Bush and Obama put tariffs on Chinese goods, it hurt Americans too. They have to pay more money to support an American industry. Some Americans may want a “cheap” Chinese tire instead of an expensive American one.
Tariffs always benefit the producer, but harm the consumer. And during tough economic times, people want to save money.
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