By trying to weaponize the US tariffs on America's big trade partners against China, President Trump is basing bad economics on worse geopolitics. It could prove a costly prelude to a global downturn.
ON Feb. 1, President Trump imposed 25 percent tariffs and 10 percent duties on energy products on Canada and Mexico and 10 percent tariffs on China. The three countries are America's greatest trade partners, and the United States has a trade deficit with each.
