Part I: Watch the following two videos on tariffs—one from an economic perspective and the other from a political perspective.
Part II: Check the respective tariff rate for the following products by copying and pasting the HS code into the search box
- Product 1 (men’s and boys’ overcoat, cotton): HS code 6101.20.00
- Product 2 (cotton): HS code 5201.00.05
- Product 3 (smartphone): HS code 8517.13.00
Discussion question: Based on the videos and your findings, how would you explain the differences in tariff rates for these products? Do you think tariffs are still necessary in the 21st century?
Additional readings (RT≠ endorsement):
- What are tariffs (Council on Foreign Relations)
- Donald Trump’s former trade chief makes the case for more tariffs (The Economist)
- How tariffs on clothing discriminate against women (Axios)