Projection time.
BTW, since it sent you into shock the last time it was posted:
Of the $387 billion in goods the U.S. imported in 1986, more than 20% was protected by special tariffs, quotas, or other types of restraints, according to Gary C. Hufbauer, a Georgetown University professor. When Reagan took office, the figure was 12%.
Mojave,
You’re missing a pretty fundamental point; you can increase the number of items with tariffs (the number of Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes), but decrease the rate of all existing tariffs such that the total tariffs paid are lower.
Essentially, if I double the number of tariffs but cut all the tariff rates by a factor of four, I cut the total tariff revenue in half.
So I’ve satisfied those who demand “we need tariffs!” by adding tariffs, and I satisfy those who demand “we should eliminate tariffs!” by reducing the total tariff taxation.
I wonder if you might be answering a question I didn't ask? And not answering the one I did ask?