Buyer Beware... If you're non-American, think twice before purchasing from the US

[Rockdiamond]

I guess it’s fair to say that many of us are extremely concerned about these policies while many others feel hopeful.
Strange times.
Seems to me if Canada is concerned about any foreign country invading it would be their southern neighbor.
For sure there’s a very strong “buy Canadian” sentiment in Canada. Understandably so. Trade policies can be inflammatory.
Maybe they’ve been that way and this is a correction?
Doesn’t feel like that from my perspective

 

[autumngems]

I remember back in the day (pre-internet) people used to Shop Diamond District @ NYC and have the goods mailed home get around NY Sales taxes. Whether they declared purchase to their home state.. i'm not sure

I want so much to go to NY and peruse the diamond district!

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

I guess it’s fair to say that many of us are extremely concerned about these policies while many others feel hopeful.
Strange times.
Seems to me if Canada is concerned about any foreign country invading it would be their southern neighbor.
For sure there’s a very strong “buy Canadian” sentiment in Canada. Understandably so. Trade policies can be inflammatory.
Maybe they’ve been that way and this is a correction?
Doesn’t feel like that from my perspective

I think it is incendiary to suggest we would invade Canada and doesn't add to the conversation.

The Canadian trade policy is already in effect if one examines the statistics provided and it has proved to be inflammatory for the USA. Trying to dismantle the advantages established by other countries in trade with the USA is making it fair for all.

I think so many Americans are clueless when this country's debt is mentioned. We are on the deep side of the cliff financially and if things don't change and change quickly, it could be all over for this country. It is predicted that in 17-18 years at the rate our debt is going, the dollar will be worthless. If America goes under, the world is done, IMHO. One of our debt owners, China would love to see that.

The big picture is we are overextended as a country and the more dollars we print to cover our debt, the more inflation we'll see and the more worthless the dollar becomes. No one will be worrying or thinking about diamonds at that point.

 

[Rockdiamond]

I’m not the one suggesting we take over other countries…….
From what I see, people in Greenland and Canada are feeling threatened. Maybe we read different news sources.
The issues of debt and trade balance are complex.
Starting a trade war doesn’t seem to be an effective solution.
I’m not an expert. Maybe another member is…..
But a lot of us are far past worrying about diamonds right now.

ETA- maybe you have not heard the statements being made publicly about “the 51st state”?
But the statements are out there and being repeated often

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

I’m not the one suggesting we take over other countries…….
From what I see, people in Greenland and Canada are feeling threatened. Maybe we read different news sources.
The issues of debt and trade balance are complex.
Starting a trade war doesn’t seem to be an effective solution.
I’m not an expert. Maybe another member is….

I doubt that there is a government expert on this sight to provide their opinion on debt and trade but an online search might help you.

Debt and trade balance isn't that complex. Countries that want their goods sold and not ours institute the loss for the USA, it's really quite simple. No one is trying to start a trade war, rather they are trying to have other countries adjust their policies which they will not do without any type of pressure.

What is being promoted is joining other countries, not invading them. Looking for strength against threatening eastern countries and Russian plus China may be excellent foresight. Canada has a limited military capability if it is attacked and the same for Greenland which is under scrutiny by Russia and China since they have stepped up their artic presence.

In recent years, Beijing has sought to buy ports, other infrastructure, and mining rights on Greenland though it has not been successful up to this point. But, of course, they may decide to attack and takeover of Greenland. Should the USA stand idly by if that would happen to Greenland or Canada? And being the 51st state is not an invasion by any stretch of the imagination.

This country isn't perfect but we try hard and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else in the world.

 

[Texas Leaguer]

To put a little context on why people everywhere are experiencing whiplash and are deeply unsure of the motivations behind this sudden trade war between North American neighbors, the USMCA agreement was signed in January 2020. It was a reworking of the earlier agreement called NAFTA.

At the signing, this was a sample of the narative we heard:

"For the first time in American history, we have replaced a disastrous trade deal that rewarded outsourcing with a truly fair and reciprocal trade deal that will keep jobs, wealth, and growth right here in America. And, in a true sense, it’s also a partnership with Mexico and Canada and ourselves against the world. It’s really a trade partnership, if you look at it that way. And it’s a day of great celebration in all three countries."

So what has changed since 2020?

 

[Rockdiamond]

No one is trying to start a trade war, rather they are trying to have other countries adjust their policies which they will not do without any type of pressure.

And it's working wonderfully! Canada is adjusting it's policies!
They are boycotting American goods and seeking other, more reliable trade partners. Yes, these actions are effective at changing the behavior of other countries.
I read that airlines are reporting 70% fewer trips to the USA from Canada.
It's working.
Removing all US brands from the shelves.
China will definitely step into this vacuum.
US has lost the respect and trust of our most important allies.
It's all done!

Maybe some of our citizens don't view it as a trade war, bit our trading partners certainly do.
ETA- can't find a link that doesn't mention the names.....search Canadian boycot US goods and you'll find plenty

The US has been working with Greenland for decades. We have a military base there.
What's to join?
There is repeated and completely open discussion about taking over Greenland.
It's widely reported. And if you watch the news, it's not reporters saying this - it's the people in charge.
I know if I lived in Greenland or Canada, I'd be taking these threats seriously.
Our Canadian members can attest to this.....

 

[Rockdiamond]

but an online search might help you.

https://thoughtleadership.rbc.com/what-is-the-impact-of-tariffs-on-the-us-economy/

This seems a balanced article.

Here's an important point. Rich folks don't really care ( or it won't affect their buying habits) if basic necessities get more expensive. But lower and middle income folks will suffer. We can probably agree that all politicians are in the group that can afford the higher prices. Especially billionaire cabinet members.

6. How will tariffs impact U.S. consumers?​

Tariffs will impact all U.S. consumers, but the burden will be heavier for low-and-middle-income earners, who devote a greater share of their take-home pay to purchasing essentials. In the aftermath of the pandemic when inflation surged, the 25% uptick in energy prices felt more like 30% for America’s lower-and-middle income households. Tariff-driven price increases will add to the pressure these households are still contending with and will erode consumer confidence further.

Another important point:

8. How easy or difficult is it to substitute away from tariffed imports?​

Many of the imported goods are not easily substituted in the U.S. economy. For example, Canada, Mexico, and China account for 60% of aluminum, lumber, and energy product imports. Energy infrastructure takes years to develop, and the U.S. is highly dependent on Canada for electricity imports (specifically in the Northeast) in addition to crude oil due to geographic proximity. Moreover, nearly one-third of fruits and vegetables consumed in by Americans are imported from Canada, Mexico, and China. Agricultural production is constrained by environmental factors, and the U.S. would need to import from other regions. Distance adds to logistical challenges, which would likely add to shipping costs.

As I pointed out earlier- these tariffs are not going to cause other countries to buy more US products- just the opposite.

 

[Bianca201]

@Sunrises Sunsets

Thank you for your comments, they have actually been helpful for me to understand why some think it's a good idea. Your input gave a logical reasonable answer that I can understand and appreciate.

If I thought that this was for those reasons, then I would also be on board with current actions.

So thank you for sharing, it does give me something to consider, another viewpoint. I can't quite get there - but it did make me pause in a good way.

 

[Begonia]

And it's working wonderfully! Canada is adjusting it's policies!
They are boycotting American goods and seeking other, more reliable trade partners. Yes, these actions are effective at changing the behavior of other countries.
I read that airlines are reporting 70% fewer trips to the USA from Canada.
It's working.
Removing all US brands from the shelves.
China will definitely step into this vacuum.
US has lost the respect and trust of our most important allies.
It's all done!

Maybe some of our citizens don't view it as a trade war, bit our trading partners certainly do.
ETA- can't find a link that doesn't mention the names.....search Canadian boycot US goods and you'll find plenty

The US has been working with Greenland for decades. We have a military base there.
What's to join?
There is repeated and completely open discussion about taking over Greenland.
It's widely reported. And if you watch the news, it's not reporters saying this - it's the people in charge.
I know if I lived in Greenland or Canada, I'd be taking these threats seriously.
Our Canadian members can attest to this.....

Indeed we can.

The trust has been lost, there's no going back. Fool me once...

 

[Texas Leaguer]

6. How will tariffs impact U.S. consumers?
Tariffs will impact all U.S. consumers, but the burden will be heavier for low-and-middle-income earners, who devote a greater share of their take-home pay to purchasing essentials. In the aftermath of the pandemic when inflation surged, the 25% uptick in energy prices felt more like 30% for America’s lower-and-middle income households. Tariff-driven price increases will add to the pressure these households are still contending with and will erode consumer confidence further.

I think the line here about consumer confidence is highly significant. Consumer spending is the driver of the US economy. It accounts for a whopping 2/3 of all economic activity.

 

[Rockdiamond]

I opened Rock Diamond Corp/Diamonds by Lauren in 1998.
Always tell the truth. Even if it's inconvenient.
It's worked for over 25 years. Check our reviews......
We all make mistakes - if you own up to it, and make it right people will generally forgive.
But break people's trust- even once...and you can't recover it.
That's where we have been forced, as a country.

If Canada cuts off electricity to the NE..... some will say...oh those are blue states who cares.....that's how low we've sunk......

 

[Rockdiamond]

Another effect....US Treasury bonds...used to be the standard for the world.
Now countries are dumping them in favor of gold (notice how gold is at historic highs) or other financial tools....the days of the US dollar being the benchmark? May be done.
It's great for China though....Russia benefits as well.

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

And it's working wonderfully! Canada is adjusting it's policies!
They are boycotting American goods and seeking other, more reliable trade partners. Yes, these actions are effective at changing the behavior of other countries.
I read that airlines are reporting 70% fewer trips to the USA from Canada.
It's working.
Removing all US brands from the shelves.
China will definitely step into this vacuum.
US has lost the respect and trust of our most important allies.
It's all done!

Maybe some of our citizens don't view it as a trade war, bit our trading partners certainly do.
ETA- can't find a link that doesn't mention the names.....search Canadian boycot US goods and you'll find plenty

The US has been working with Greenland for decades. We have a military base there.
What's to join?
There is repeated and completely open discussion about taking over Greenland.
It's widely reported. And if you watch the news, it's not reporters saying this - it's the people in charge.
I know if I lived in Greenland or Canada, I'd be taking these threats seriously.
Our Canadian members can attest to this.....

Yes, aren't we wonderful to provide all that defense to these countries and no payments, support or guarantees in return. Let's keep handing out all of the extra money we don't have, look where it has us now. What if Americans stop trusting Canadians? That door can swing both ways but that is what enemy foreign interference would like.. sow hate between our nations.

Everyone wants the beautiful cake but don't break any eggs for heavens sake. If we were facing WWII now I think we'd have a difficult time winning. No one wants to sacrifice or work hard for anything.

If one has kept up to date on world affairs, they would know about BRICS and the efforts to collapse the dollar which was largely ignored and with the current state of American debt, people may want to get used to sacrifice.

Our trading partners are definitely fanning the flames and pointing out the USA as the bad guy. They don't want anything to change so they just have to get gullible Americans and their citizens to believe this country is the bad guy. There is so much foreign intelligence working against us and indoctrinating the tone in this country that eventually they will probably win. People are sheeple.

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

I think the line here about consumer confidence is highly significant. Consumer spending is the driver of the US economy. It accounts for a whopping 2/3 of all economic activity.

And if production and factories are returned to the USA the US economy will thrive vs China's economy. We wouldn't have to worry about about critical medication and supplies being withheld by a foreign oppressor. This won't happen quickly or easily and maybe not at all due to the influence of our detractors.

I think we've come to a serious turning point in the USA. Good luck to all of us.

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

Indeed we can.

The trust has been lost, there's no going back. Fool me once...

This is a door that can swing both ways.. Americans may not trust Canadians after witnessing the advantage Canada was taking of the USA in trades. Is that what we really want or do we want the playing field to be leveled by Canada for American products and our good relationship to once again flourish. That is my sincere hope.

 

[Ibrakeforpossums]

Dumb question: how much more debt did we incur with PPE payments during Covid? Local businesses here, esp big ones, got huge money, spending like I've never seen. I kept wondering, where is this money coming from and how is it going to be paid back?

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

Dumb question: how much more debt did we incur with PPE payments during Covid? Local businesses here, esp big ones, got huge money, spending like I've never seen. I kept wondering, where is this money coming from and how is it going to be paid back?

Great question! Another great question is how was covid propagated and spread.

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

Every action America has taken is not only beneficial to, but protectionist of America. Until now.
Now? We'll quickly isolate and weaken under incompetent leadership that understands little and less about the ramifications of losing soft power. The intangible, tangible.
Most of our 'deals' are of this nature. We always find the advantage. Treaty or otherwise.
We've never done anything without some appreciable outsized benefit to ourselves. We've never been taken advantage of.
Ever.
Blanket tariffs will do nothing to benefit America as a whole, but it will benefit the rich.
This is exactly what was put in place to usher in the Gilded Age and Great Depression that followed. The great transfer of collective wealth to the few. The great consolidation is at hand. Pump and dump on a exponential scale.
We know it doesn't work. We know it's catastrophic.
We've done this already.

Dumb question: how much more debt did we incur with PPE payments during Covid? Local businesses here, esp big ones, got huge money, spending like I've never seen. I kept wondering, where is this money coming from and how is it going to be paid back?

I think you refer to PPP loans and it was somewhere around 800 billion.
75% went to the rich, business owners and shareholders.
It was yet another wealth transfer.

 

[Rockdiamond]

Peace my people.
No one is going to change anyone's mind.
The difference in perspectives is quite stunning.
I've lived an amazing life here in the US, never once felt "taken advantage" of by other countries.
Paid a lot of taxes, and glad to have been able to do so.
It has been far from perfect, but all in all, the best country in the history of the world, from my perspective. We protected freedom for the fact it was what we stood for, not for profit.
The fact America is a complete melting pot- cultures and peoples from all over the world... we were great because of our diversity. Ooops that's a dirty word now.

Absolutely...we need to address spending, the debt, immigration.....but it's been a darn good run for the USA
We're about to see what happens when we rearrange things that have been so fundamental to our country for so long.

But as I said up top- no ones' changing their minds- and the people who like what's going on...they are totally in control.
Don't make a gumshoe difference how much I love Canada as a neighbor and friend. But I do love Canada and Europe. I've been proud of the partnerships. How they came to our defense after 9/11.
Just hold on for the ride. All we can do.

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

Peace my people.
No one is going to change anyone's mind.
The difference in perspectives is quite stunning.
I've lived an amazing life here in the US, never once felt "taken advantage" of by other countries.
Paid a lot of taxes, and glad to have been able to do so.
It has been far from perfect, but all in all, the best country in the history of the world, from my perspective. We protected freedom for the fact it was what we stood for, not for profit.
The fact America is a complete melting pot- cultures and peoples from all over the world... we were great because of our diversity. Ooops that's a dirty word now.

Absolutely...we need to address spending, the debt, immigration.....but it's been a darn good run for the USA
We're about to see what happens when we rearrange things that have been so fundamental to our country for so long.

But as I said up top- no ones' changing their minds- and the people who like what's going on...they are totally in control.
Don't make a gumshoe difference how much I love Canada as a neighbor and friend. But I do love Canada and Europe. I've been proud of the partnerships. How they came to our defense after 9/11.
Just hold on for the ride. All we can do.

I am not trying to antagonize here but other than sympathy how did other countries help us clean up the debris, rebuild NY city and fund the huge costs we incurred?

How is diversity a dirty word now? Please advise me of that premise unless you are speaking about the college students attacks and intimidations of Jewish students. That I totally understand and it disgusts me. We have much diversity and life choices within our extended family. We have more diversity in this country than ever and it makes me very proud.

You're right in that many minds may be closed but I hope not too many. We are on a tightwire at this point and cannot continue as we were. And I hope all are aware of factions within this country working for our enemies that want to take it down. Good luck to all of us.

 

[Rockdiamond]

I am not trying to antagonize here but other than sympathy how did other countries help us clean up the debris, rebuild NY city and fund the huge costs we incurred?

NATOs article 5 states that if any member of the alliance is attacked, we are all under attack.
The only time this was invoked was 9/11.
NATO forces were right there with us in Iraq and Afghanistan
Britain and Canada both lost many soldiers.
The EU has ships in the Red Sea protecting shipping right now.

There’s orders in place to remove all references to diversity- you might know it as DEI.
The military- many large corporations are abandoning diversity programs. Because some people want it that way. And they are exerting pressure.
Like I said. It’s been working so well for so long. But let’s break everything to see what happens.
I honestly don’t understand why we were in such a bad situation last year.
Or even 5 years ago. 10 years ago. Things were really good overall.
Maybe the long term was bleak. In 17 years we go broke. Maybe that was true. But now it’s going to happen much sooner.

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

NATOs article 5 states that if any member of the alliance is attacked, we are all under attack.
The only time this was invoked was 9/11.
NATO forces were right there with us in Iraq and Afghanistan
Britain and Canada both lost many soldiers.
The EU has ships in the Red Sea protecting shipping right now.

There’s orders in place to remove all references to diversity- you might know it as DEI.
The military- many large corporations are abandoning diversity programs. Because some people want it that way. And they are exerting pressure.
Like I said. It’s been working so well for so long. But let’s break everything to see what happens.
I honestly don’t understand why we were in such a bad situation last year.
Or even 5 years ago. 10 years ago. Things were really good overall.
Maybe the long term was bleak. In 17 years we go broke. Maybe that was true. But now it’s going to happen much sooner.

The Iraq war..
The United Kingdom agreed with the U.S. actions, while France and Germany were critical of plans to invade Iraq, arguing instead for continued diplomacy and weapons inspections and did not aid the U. S. actions.

Following a failed attempt to appeal to the United Nations for a mandate to invade Iraq, the United States, along with forces from Australia, Denmark, Netherlands, Poland, and Great Britain launched Operation Iraqi Freedom on March 19, 2003.

The coalition sent 160,000 troops into Iraq during the initial invasion phase, which lasted from 19 March to 1 May. About 73% or 130,000 soldiers were American, with about 45,000 British soldiers (25%), 2,000 Australian soldiers (1%), and ~200 Polish JW GROM commandos (0.1%).

A few Nato countries joined the U.S. in the Iraq incursion but I fail to see Canada on the list after some research.

DEI is a totally different subject than the one being discussed here and really had little to do with diversity. I'll leave it there.

 

[maryjane04]

The Iraq war..
The United Kingdom agreed with the U.S. actions, while France and Germany were critical of plans to invade Iraq, arguing instead for continued diplomacy and weapons inspections and did not aid the U. S. actions.

Following a failed attempt to appeal to the United Nations for a mandate to invade Iraq, the United States, along with forces from Australia, Denmark, Netherlands, Poland, and Great Britain launched Operation Iraqi Freedom on March 19, 2003.

The coalition sent 160,000 troops into Iraq during the initial invasion phase, which lasted from 19 March to 1 May. About 73% or 130,000 soldiers were American, with about 45,000 British soldiers (25%), 2,000 Australian soldiers (1%), and ~200 Polish JW GROM commandos (0.1%).

A few Nato countries joined the U.S. in the Iraq incursion but I fail to see Canada on the list after some research.

DEI is a totally different subject than the one being discussed here and really had little to do with diversity. I'll leave it there.

I just want to put this into perspective because the population of the UK and Australia are far less than of the USA. So while yes the troops were less it's not an overall representation of the contribution.

 

[Snowdrop13]

As a non American on the outside looking in, I can’t see how all these tariffs are going to improve any of the problems you seek to fix. Plus the sheer scattergun nature of the announcements makes me wonder if there’s an actual plan there or just a desire to disrupt. I expect the people who will suffer from this will be the non diamond buying average US citizen, who will see costs rising, not the billionaire elite who seem to be running the show.

And it’s not just Canadians who don’t want to visit the US or buy their stuff. It’s even a “thing” in my little backwater of the world.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

I just want to put this into perspective because the population of the UK and Australia are far less than of the USA. So while yes the troops were less it's not an overall representation of the contribution.

we helped too
not as much as i would have liked
we also lost troops

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

i wanna know if you get Greenland who is going to pay for their welfair state, Denmark picks up the tab right now

 

[Rockdiamond]

It’s like 1984. Do not believe your lying eyes.
We Americans need to learn to hate Canada because they’ve been leeching off us all these years.
And although all those other countries followed us into a war based on a lie ( weapons of mass destruction) we should just forget all that. We’re the suckers!!
Canada’s involvement detailed here.

Canada and the Iraq War - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

They’ve been a great ally. There was great resistance to the second Iraq invasion. With good cause. But screw those Canadians!!!
And based on these tariffs and behaviors at the top, we’re sending signals that the USA doesn’t want or need friends. Allies. Who needs’em???
And apparently a nice sized portion of US citizens are happy with this approach.
Convince people someone is robbing them. With ZERO evidence. Use misinformation.
It’s working. Ignore what you’re seeing. Listen to what I’m telling you.
The tariffs are part of a huge money grab by the billionaires destroying our government. Shift the burden from income based taxes to tariffs being paid by working class.
And play on peoples emotions to get working people to buy into it …. Brilliant. For the billionaires

 

[Mreader]

Every action America has taken is not only beneficial to, but protectionist of America. Until now.
Now? We'll quickly isolate and weaken under incompetent leadership that understands little and less about the ramifications of losing soft power. The intangible, tangible.
Most of our 'deals' are of this nature. We always find the advantage. Treaty or otherwise.
We've never done anything without some appreciable outsized benefit to ourselves. We've never been taken advantage of.
Ever.
Blanket tariffs will do nothing to benefit America as a whole, but it will benefit the rich.
This is exactly what was put in place to usher in the Gilded Age and Great Depression that followed. The great transfer of collective wealth to the few. The great consolidation is at hand. Pump and dump on a exponential scale.
We know it doesn't work. We know it's catastrophic.
We've done this already.


I think you refer to PPP loans and it was somewhere around 800 billion.
75% went to the rich, business owners and shareholders.
It was yet another wealth transfer.

THIS. The only people who aren’t going to be hurt by this is those who are already wealthy.

And yes - US was not just helping others out of the kindness of their heart lol (I am thinking of situations such as USAID). And now more nefarious nations will fill that role … we are just handing over power to China and Russia. They are licking their chops.

 

[Mreader]

I just want to put this into perspective because the population of the UK and Australia are far less than of the USA. So while yes the troops were less it's not an overall representation of the contribution.

Plus we never should have been there in the first place!!!