[nathanbedford]

To my knowledge it's not, but if you like perhaps we can elevate the agency to cabinet status and double the tax.

Why the reflex for a tariff?

A tax by any other name is a tariff, by its nature it imposes hardship on consumers and when it is on a substance that is used in virtually every bit of construction, its ripple effect through the economy could be devastating. At a time when another Republican congressman is touting $1 trillion worth of infrastructure, presumably in keeping with Donald Trump's vision to restore American infrastructure, the ripple effect would be magnified.

We need neither a tariff on cement or a tax on cement, much less a federal agency. We are likely to tariff ourselves into a massive trade war and depression.

[central_va]

We are likely to tariff ourselves into a massive trade war and depression.

Message to Gen. Forrest: WE ARE IN A MASSIVE TRADE WAR AND DEPRESSION. Start fighting back!

[InterceptPoint]

A tax by any other name is a tariff ...

Wise words, nathanbedford. But likely to be disputed here at good old FR. Most here believe it will be the Chinese paying those tariffs.

Keep the messaging up. You are good at it.

[JesusIsLord]

We are likely to tariff ourselves into a massive trade war and depression.

Our first President would disagree with you. If a trade war means we no longer buy foreign things that we can make ourselves, bring it on. It sounds like you believe in and support globalism. Many conservatives, like myself, do not. Bring on long overdue tariffs that support the American worker!

[RFEngineer]

“We need neither a tariff on cement or a tax on cement, much less a federal agency. We are likely to tariff ourselves into a massive trade war and depression.”

I generally agree with you, at least in concept. However, when it comes to China, to a lesser extent Mexico you have to be prepared to close entire industries in the US. The cement industry is one such area. China can likely and would likely supply all the cement we could possibly use at a cost less than manufacturing cement in the United States. How do you deal with this and maintain “free, no-tariff trade”?

The answer for this industry and many, many others is that you do not.

Those who pontificate on the altar of “Free Trade” (and I’m sometimes one of them) will have their hearts extracted on the same altar when the scope and impact of Chinese overcapacity in industries like steel, cement are considered.

“Buy American” clauses, and “quality” specifications for commodities, as well as strict inspections and testing requirements are tariffs by a different name.

Free Trade is free trade. If that is what you want, you will find specific areas where you get your heart ripped out, and deservedly so when you fully understand what China is to many commodity markets and the actual impact to US manufacturers.