[EQAndyBuzz]

There is something much bigger at play here. In a few weeks SCOTUS is going to vote on Janus v. Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. If Janus wins, (the vote was deadlocked at 4 to 4 because of the death of Scalia and now Gorsuch is seated) union workers will have the choice on whether to pay dues or not. A win here and for the most part unions will be financially decimated which will lead to right to work votes.

When this happens, the price of steel will come down, quality will go up which will lead to more foreign and domestic sales.

For 18 months Trump has implemented his agenda to the benefit of the American people. This move solidifies the rust belt as Republican.

[Zhang Fei]

This move solidifies the rust belt as Republican.

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That was my take on it as well. Reagan strengthened his hold on the Midwestern blue collar union vote with his “voluntary export restraints” on Japanese auto imports, as well as a raft of other protectionist moves involving far greater dollar amounts than Trump’s fairly token move. It’s pure politics aimed at blue collar workers to reassure them that he’s on their side. I expect more of this kind of thing, targeted at regions where the GOP needs an electoral boost. A quick way to make Carrier regret its move to Mexico (and get the executive who suggested it fired) would be to place 100% tariffs on Mexican-made A/C parts.

[fireman15]

For 18 months Trump has implemented his agenda to the benefit of the American people. This move solidifies the rust belt as Republican.

President Trump has good instincts. I trust him more than the WSJ. No action such as this takes place in a vacuum. This most likely is part of an overall negotiating strategy. The foreign governments and entities want the tariffs to go away... then they have to stop doing it to us.