Dear Colleagues,

Just published a new blog post on Trump's extraordinary tariffs.

https://brutallyhonestmicrostock.com/2025/04/04/trumps-new-tariffs-just-made-your-camera-gear-way-more-expensive-even-if-you-dont-live-in-the-u-s/

Best regards,

Alex

Dear Colleagues,

Just published a new blog post on Trump's extraordinary tariffs.

https://brutallyhonestmicrostock.com/2025/04/04/trumps-new-tariffs-just-made-your-camera-gear-way-more-expensive-even-if-you-dont-live-in-the-u-s/

Best regards,

Alex

All your forecasts are deeply mistaken. Yes, China will now receive less profit, and perhaps even go bankrupt economically. But, China's place will be taken by Japan, Korea, the USA.
What kind of table have you made up there? Give links to real prices in stores, don't fantasize.

You should be happy as an EU citizen that Trump is hitting China.
In general, your opinion is the opinion of a typical EU citizen who does not even know that there is a world war III going on and that the EU is in great danger.

Quote from: Brasilnut on April 04, 2025, 11:45

Dear Colleagues,

Just published a new blog post on Trump's extraordinary tariffs.

https://brutallyhonestmicrostock.com/2025/04/04/trumps-new-tariffs-just-made-your-camera-gear-way-more-expensive-even-if-you-dont-live-in-the-u-s/

Best regards,

Alex

All your forecasts are deeply mistaken. Yes, China will now receive less profit, and perhaps even go bankrupt economically. But, China's place will be taken by Japan, Korea, the USA.
What kind of table have you made up there? Give links to real prices in stores, don't fantasize.

You should be happy as an EU citizen that Trump is hitting China.
In general, your opinion is the opinion of a typical EU citizen who does not even know that there is a world war III going on and that the EU is in great danger.

Your interpretation of what will happen is just as simple-minded and naive as Donald Trump's. You were just as naive a year ago when you promised yourself that Trump would save Ukraine.

You still have a lot to learn. The most important thing you have to learn, however, is that you shouldn't believe the propaganda of Trump and his henchmen. It is made of exactly the same stuff as the propaganda of Putin and his henchmen.

Maybe the day will come when even you understand that. However, I have serious doubts about that.

Quote from: PigsInSpace on April 04, 2025, 15:52

You�ve gotta read his post! It points out that most nice cameras aren�t made in China.

This means that these productions will be opened in the USA as well. Jobs will be created in the USA as well.
But his phrase that if the USA has high prices, then there will be high prices in other countries, is already idiotic.
For example, now 18 eggs in the USA cost 110 dollars. So what? Eggs in the EU also cost 100 dollars?

Stop with the eggs! This is an avian flu issue and has absolutely nothing to do with customs duties.

Do you realize that this tariff dispute makes all goods and products more expensive for everyone in the world, including Ukraine? Do you understand that, or do you need it explained to you?

We live in a world of globalized trade. And not in the luxurious seclusion of Mar a Lago, where it doesn't matter if something is more expensive.

But since you know everything, why is Ukraine now also being hit with punitive tariffs (and Russia is not)? Does Ukraine export more goods to the USA than vice versa? Is Ukraine not being "fair" to the USA? Will Ukraine have to produce in the USA in the future? And if so, what?
I look forward to your expert answer.

***** STOKER BS.   PLEASE IGNORE  ******

All your forecasts are deeply mistaken. Yes, China will now receive less profit, and perhaps even go bankrupt economically. But, China's place will be taken by Japan, Korea, the USA.
What kind of table have you made up there? Give links to real prices in stores, don't fantasize.

You should be happy as an EU citizen that Trump is hitting China.
In general, your opinion is the opinion of a typical EU citizen who does not even know that there is a world war III going on and that the EU is in great danger.

***** STOKER BS.   PLEASE IGNORE  ******

***** STOKER BS.   PLEASE IGNORE  ******

Stop with the eggs! This is an avian flu issue and has absolutely nothing to do with customs duties.

Do you realize that this tariff dispute makes all goods and products more expensive for everyone in the world, including Ukraine? Do you understand that, or do you need it explained to you?

We live in a world of globalized trade. And not in the luxurious seclusion of Mar a Lago, where it doesn't matter if something is more expensive.

But since you know everything, why is Ukraine now also being hit with punitive tariffs (and Russia is not)? Does Ukraine export more goods to the USA than vice versa? Is Ukraine not being "fair" to the USA? Will Ukraine have to produce in the USA in the future? And if so, what?
I look forward to your expert answer.  USA cost 110 dollars. So what? Eggs in the EU also cost 100 dollars?

***** STOKER BS.   PLEASE IGNORE  ******

For those of you in countries other than the USA, how many Chevys, Cadillacs, or Ford vehicles do you see on a daily basis?  Know why you don't see as many as Toyotas or BMWs? Because your county has had outrageous tariffs and/or crippling regulations on the USA for years, causing American-made vehicles, as an example, to be outrageously expensive compared to the Volkswagens, Hondas, or Audis.

OK, quick check, "top selling US cars in USA?"

You get Chevrolet Silverado at the very top of the list.

Lets pick a cheapest 2025 model...Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD 2025


Cheapest price in US ?  45.300 USD

https://www.chevrolet.com/trucks/silverado/2500hd-3500hd


Cheapest price in EU ? 41,952 EU or 45.600 USD

https://www.ccarprice.com/eu/chevrolet-silverado-3500hd-2025-price-in-europe-24088


You might rarely see Silverado in EU for various reasons but outrageous tariffs and outrageously expensive are not one of them.


On the other hand, EU best selling car is Dacia Sandero, which is pretty much the cheapest car in the class and its not even available in US because the market demand is completely different.

On best selling 15 cars list in EU there are 10 extremely small cars that US production doesn't even focus on, EU has old cities with narrow roads and extremely small parking spaces that are mostly impossible to find, people focus on low-consuming cars cause 1L in EU is like 2$ per liter while its 0.82 per liter in US.


Simply, just looking at best selling cars, EU has products for US market while US doesn't focus on what Europeans buy at most .












 

Quote from: Stockhome Syndrome on April 04, 2025, 18:53

For those of you in countries other than the USA, how many Chevys, Cadillacs, or Ford vehicles do you see on a daily basis?  Know why you don't see as many as Toyotas or BMWs? Because your county has had outrageous tariffs and/or crippling regulations on the USA for years, causing American-made vehicles, as an example, to be outrageously expensive compared to the Volkswagens, Hondas, or Audis.

OK, quick check, "top selling US cars in USA?"

You get Chevrolet Silverado at the very top of the list.

Lets pick a cheapest 2025 model...Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD 2025


Cheapest price in US ?  45.300 USD

https://www.chevrolet.com/trucks/silverado/2500hd-3500hd


Cheapest price in EU ? 41,952 EU or 45.600 USD

https://www.ccarprice.com/eu/chevrolet-silverado-3500hd-2025-price-in-europe-24088


You might rarely see Silverado in EU for various reasons but outrageous tariffs and outrageously expensive are not one of them.


On the other hand, EU best selling car is Dacia Sandero, which is pretty much the cheapest car in the class and its not even available in US because the market demand is completely different.

On best selling 15 cars list in EU there are 10 extremely small cars that US production doesn't even focus on, EU has old cities with narrow roads and extremely small parking spaces that are mostly impossible to find, people focus on low-consuming cars cause 1L in EU is like 2$ per liter while its 0.82 per liter in US.


Simply, just looking at best selling cars, EU has products for US market while US doesn't focus on what Europeans buy at most .

Correct!

For those of you in countries other than the USA, how many Chevys, Cadillacs, or Ford vehicles do you see on a daily basis?  Know why you don't see as many as Toyotas or BMWs? Because your county has had outrageous tariffs and/or crippling regulations on the USA for years, causing American-made vehicles, as an example, to be outrageously expensive compared to the Volkswagens, Hondas, or Audis.

Bro's never been to Europe. Majority of the US cars are simply too large for Europe's roads and cities. And they consume way too much gas - not a problem in the US with cheap gas, but a huge deal in Europe. Basically only Tesla is producing cars suitable for Europe - and surprise, they were happily selling cars in Europe, until Elon went into nazi mode a few months ago.

Coming back to cameras ... I bought a new camera and lens just last week. Nothing to do with tariffs and very much a planned purchase. But, if I got in before prices rise, then that's a nice bonus.

Coming back to cameras ... I bought a new camera and lens just last week. Nothing to do with tariffs and very much a planned purchase. But, if I got in before prices rise, then that's a nice bonus.

I hope the tariffs raise the value of my used gear. I'm downsizing and selling the 300mm Canon f/2.8



Don't miss the facts or let them get in the way of distorted news and views.

Sad that some people have so much hate for Trump, that anything he does is terrible, before it happens. Meanwhile they have been drinking the Left Cool-Aid for years and can't get past the lies and propaganda of that side.

Let me make my position clear, one more time, they are all a bunch of crooks, don't become a sheep and follow party politics, because you are loyal to one side or the other. Learn to think for yourself and recognize that both sides have good and bad policies and agendas.

Since I'm against the socialist states of America, of course I'm more right leaning. Tax and spend, cradle to grave control, government that invades every aspect of our being with nibbling away at freedom and our rights. Do we really need to take out the hydro-electric dams? Should we be forced to drive electric cars. Seems a contradiction. Why do liberals want to ban natural gas stoves, ICE lawnmowers, and charcoal barbecues. To name just a few of the stupid lefty regulations, that have already been started in California.

Yes, I'm for women's choice and the right to control ones own body. But men aren't women, just because they have internal mental issues and conflicts. Who would fight for Men in women's sports, if they have any sense of fairness and protection for real born women's rights? But the left hangs their hat on that illogical defense. The alphabet people have every right to be what they want to be and live as they wish, in freedom. But they have no right to demand that I believe in, accept or support their fantasy. I have freedom of choice too.

Someone who argues that tariffs are always passed on to consumers has a limited understanding of basic economics.

Indeed, that's just one possible scenario among many.

For instance, foreign suppliers can reduce their selling prices and effectively "absorb" the tariffs. This is precisely what the CEO of Walmart is advocating for at the moment.

Another possibility is that retailers may choose to absorb the tariffs by accepting reduced profit margins to avoid raising consumer prices.

Additionally, it's crucial to consider the role of the appreciation of the U.S. dollar. This factor has historically influenced the impact of tariffs. When tariffs are imposed, the demand for foreign imports�and thus foreign currencies�often decreases, leading to an increased demand for the U.S. dollar. For example, a 10% tariff could be entirely offset by a 10% appreciation of the dollar.

In reality, the situation will likely be a combination of these factors. Assuming that all costs will be passed on to consumers is overly simplistic. For instance, the tariffs imposed on China in 2016 by Trump did not result in increased prices for consumers.

a) Lol, I'd say I have a much better understanding of economics than most. From what experience would you arrogantly conclude that to state tarrifs are passed onto the consumer is a 'limited understanding'? It's actually quite simple really.
b) Whether foreign suppliers "absorb" tariffs, a consumer 'absorbs' tariffs, et,c etc - the fact is - ultimately - the consumer is indeed paying for it in terms of "tax". Their "purchasing power" has decreased - aka, some of their wealth stolen. It is literally a worldwide collusion disguised as a "tariff illusion" (aka "tariff wars") to in essence raise "income tax" unilaterally.
c) "Inflation" is "taxation", and is quite simply caused by massive money printing. That's it. That's why the govts LOVE fiat currency (and are trying to push for digital currencies which are even more controllable/etc). If you have a money supply of $1 trillion (as an example) - and you print money to double that - and keep $1 trillion for yourself, you've essentially stolen 50% of wealth from the citizens without having had to break into their bank accounts.
d) Tariffs, taxation, inflation, etc - all theft based instruments - steal wealth from citizens.

Look @ history.
1950's - man worked, woman raised children. Could "buy" (not mortgage)  a house, buy a car.
1960's - "female empowerment" designed to get more people in the workplace (aka a bonus 200% tax base, women weren't 'taxed' for doing household chores like cooking, cleaning, child rearing, etc - but if you 'outsource' that to cleaning services, restuarants, childcare, etc - now you can "tax" that).
1970's/1980's - cars/houses/etc started becoming more expensive. "Credit" became more popular. Now you started to "finance" a car, and get a "mortgage" for a house.
1990's - mortgages/financing, "no money down"/etc continued, latchkey kids because both parents working/etc.
2000's - progressively more & more expensive.
2025 - current day - most people "rent", don't "own" (& 25-30 mortgages aka "deathpledges" (from french - mort + gage) are essentially long term rentals because of property tax + various other licenses/fees/etc), "lease" a car (never own one)... many ppl work 2-3 jobs just trying to "get by", no life, etc...

The "purchasing power" of people has significantly diminished - and this theatric performance of a "tarrif war" between countries like canada + the usa, are nothing more than a show to get citizens absorbed in the theatrics instead of realizing they are having their money pickpocketed from them and getting angry and doing something about it.

�Lol, I'd say I have a much better understanding of economics than most. From what experience would you arrogantly conclude that to state tarrifs are passed onto the consumer is a 'limited understanding'�

Appreciate the passionate reply, though I think we may be talking past each other a bit.

My original point wasn�t that consumers never bear any of the cost of tariffs�but rather that it�s economically inaccurate to assume they always bear 100% of the burden. That�s a simplification, and the real-world impact depends on multiple variables: elasticity of demand, exchange rate adjustments, supplier pricing strategies, and retailer behavior.

The idea that all tariffs are automatically passed to consumers ignores empirical data. For example, several studies (e.g. Amiti, Redding, and Weinstein, 2019) show that in Trump�s 2018�2019 tariffs on China, Chinese exporters lowered their prices, meaning they absorbed part of the tariff. Likewise, a strong U.S. dollar can offset tariff costs by making imports cheaper.

As for the broader claims about inflation, taxation, and wealth erosion: there�s some truth in noting that inflation affects purchasing power and that fiat currency systems create room for abuse. But labeling all tariffs, taxes, and inflation as �theft-based instruments� isn�t a serious economic framework�it�s a political worldview.

I prefer to ground this discussion in evidence and economics rather than ideology. If the goal is to discuss real economic consequences, we should be willing to look at data, acknowledge complexity, and avoid reducing everything to a single narrative.