[caltaxed]

Taxing raw materials is a horrible idea. It places every manufacturing operation at a disadvantage in the US. How could a businessman get this so wrong?

Tax finished goods to benefit US business. Finished goods are where the bulk of the trade deficit lies.

[LIConFem]

Generally speaking, I’m not a huge fan of the word “tax” in any context. But in this case, if we’re unable to maintain our own raw materials industries due to dumping, what happens if/when we end up in a war with one of our “suppliers”? Raw materials — especially steel and aluminum — are indispensable commodities, not just for consumer products but also for defense.

[Sequoyah101]

Your explanation is s a good one. What he proposes, unless it is retaliatory and focused, is a bad plan.