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

[Sunrises Sunsets]

I think that many will. And now the reduction in what we used as "soft diplomacy" will leave another vacuum that they will fill.

It makes me wonder about countries I felt were our partners and would surely do the right thing about the unfair trade practices currently used. But if the USA isn't giving concessions and benefits to countries, those countries will move on rather deal with the inequities.

 

[maryjane04]

Other countries will move their trade to China rather than negotiate fair terms with USA? WOW.

Have you not read the dialog coming out of some countries?

Negotiating means there's a two way dialogue. I don't know when and where we were consulted in any of this. It's a blanket rule for everyone so I'm not sure how the US could have had "negotiations" with every country on the list.

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

Negotiating means there's a two way dialogue. I don't know when and where we were consulted in any of this. It's a blanket rule for everyone so I'm not sure how the US could have had "negotiations" with every country on the list.

The tariffs that have started were announced ahead of the start date and there was time to talk with our country prior to that date.

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

Unilaterally announcing and placing tariffs with made up parameters and then trying to negotiate is doing things backward. That can look like extortion if you're feeling uncharitable.
Our gov't has chosen this path, other countries are free to choose another deal with another country if that is more beneficial to them.
Tomorrow and the coming weeks will make clear what the ramifications will begin to be.
We all make choices. This may not have been a wise one.

 

[Roselina]

The tariffs that have started were announced ahead of the start date and there was time to talk with our country prior to that date.

Sorry, but this simply isn't true. Take Switzerland, for example — until now, a reliable and fair trading partner to the US. Suddenly and without warning, it's being hit with a tariff of 31 or 32% (they couldn’t even settle on a consistent number), calculated on a completely mysterious basis. It’s a joke, it’s dangerous, and it benefits no one — least of all the Americans. It’s pure provocation and an unfair way of exerting pressure on other states.

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

Sorry, but this simply isn't true. Take Switzerland, for example — until now, a reliable and fair trading partner to the US. Suddenly and without warning, it's being hit with a tariff of 31 or 32% (they couldn’t even settle on a consistent number), calculated on a completely mysterious basis. It’s a joke, it’s dangerous, and it benefits no one — least of all the Americans. It’s pure provocation and an unfair way of exerting pressure on other states.

Yes, it's true.

AI:

Yes, Switzerland does impose high tariffs on agricultural products, particularly those that compete with Swiss products, and also has significant non-tariff barriers to protect domestic farmers and maintain stable prices.

Imports of nearly all agricultural products, particularly those that compete with Swiss products, are subject to seasonal import duties, quotas, and import licensing. Agricultural products that are not produced in Switzerland, such as tropical fruit and nuts, tend to have lower tariffs.

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

Unilaterally announcing and placing tariffs with made up parameters and then trying to negotiate is doing things backward. That can look like extortion if you're feeling uncharitable.
Our gov't has chosen this path, other countries are free to choose another deal with another country if that is more beneficial to them.
Tomorrow and the coming weeks will make clear what the ramifications will begin to be.
We all make choices. This may not have been a wise one.

Unilaterally announcing and placing tariffs with made up parameters and then trying to negotiate is doing things backward. That can look like extortion if you're feeling uncharitable.
Our gov't has chosen this path, other countries are free to choose another deal with another country if that is more beneficial to them.
Tomorrow and the coming weeks will make clear what the ramifications will begin to be.
We all make choices. This may not have been a wise one.

An approach to be sure no one country is being singled out seems much wiser. You are right and I agree the coming days and weeks may help unwind the uncertainty of the results.

 

[Roselina]

Yes, it's true.

AI:

Yes, Switzerland does impose high tariffs on agricultural products, particularly those that compete with Swiss products, and also has significant non-tariff barriers to protect domestic farmers and maintain stable prices.

Imports of nearly all agricultural products, particularly those that compete with Swiss products, are subject to seasonal import duties, quotas, and import licensing. Agricultural products that are not produced in Switzerland, such as tropical fruit and nuts, tend to have lower tariffs.

Missing the bigger context here.

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

Missing the bigger context here.

How so?

 

[Texas Leaguer]

As we look at continued selloff, this trade war has already erased something like $6 trillion in market value. One of the worst periods for the market since WWII, and entirely elective. This should be a signal to any responsible person that a serious error was made. The discouraging thing is that the people running this show pride themselves in never admitting a mistake, so course-correction is unlikely. In fact, it is more likely they double down on their obvious error. And they do not care who they hurt, as was vividly stated in regards to significant price hikes predicted for automobiles due 25% tariffs - "I could't care less" was literally the response.

 

[WillyDiamond]

I think we have beat this topic to death.
Is this a diamond website?

 

[Rockdiamond]

I think we have beat this topic to death.
Is this a diamond website?

Indeed it is...yet it's a lot more than that to many of us.
It's a community.
Bryan and I have gone toe to toe on many issues....and I think of him as a worthy adversary in diamond debates.
He's also a competitor of ours. More than worthy in that regard.
But I know we both respect each other, and share a love of diamonds and jewelry- and this community.

I apologize to anyone who is put off by these discussions.
It's definitely counter productive in terms of business- in absolute terms.
I think Bryan and I share a commitment to running a business that's about a lot more than simple profit.
I want to "do good"
In any event, the times are more turbulent than I can ever remember and these discussions have beena sort of salve for some of us.
Carry on!

 

[WillyDiamond]

Indeed it is...yet it's a lot more than that to many of us.
It's a community.
Bryan and I have gone toe to toe on many issues....and I think of him as a worthy adversary in diamond debates.
He's also a competitor of ours. More than worthy in that regard.
But I know we both respect each other, and share a love of diamonds and jewelry- and this community.

I apologize to anyone who is put off by these discussions.
It's definitely counter productive in terms of business- in absolute terms.
I think Bryan and I share a commitment to running a business that's about a lot more than simple profit.
I want to "do good"
In any event, the times are more turbulent than I can ever remember and these discussions have beena sort of salve for some of us.
Carry on!

David
I was trying to give a gentle nudge here. Some of the posts are getting angry.
I guess Admin can do whatever.

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

As we look at continued selloff, this trade war has already erased something like $6 trillion in market value. One of the worst periods for the market since WWII, and entirely elective. This should be a signal to any responsible person that a serious error was made. The discouraging thing is that the people running this show pride themselves in never admitting a mistake, so course-correction is unlikely. In fact, it is more likely they double down on their obvious error. And they do not care who they hurt, as was vividly stated in regards to significant price hikes predicted for automobiles due 25% tariffs - "I could't care less" was literally the response.

I am seeing this all comes down to the oversold, overvalued stock market losses which in itself is a pyramid scheme, IMHO.

Maybe it's time for more and more companies to buy back their stock and go private so we don't have to base important decisions on the stock market.

People were already in a teetering market prior to the tariffs being put in place.

How overvalued is the stock market today, AI:

Based on multiple valuation indicators, the stock market appears to be overvalued, with some indicators suggesting a range of overvaluation between 96% to 160% or even higher, depending on the specific metric used.

 

[Rockdiamond]

I am seeing this all comes down to the oversold, overvalued stock market losses which in itself is a pyramid scheme, IMHO.

The stock market is the “Canary in a coal mine”. It’s an indicator of the general economy.
The thing is- part of your statement is valid. Things need to change. Many people have been shut out of the benefits of the stock market.
But calling the market a “pyramid scheme “ overlooks the importance of the stock market to our overall economy.
The inequities in our society have led us to this abyss.
Many of us find the tariff policies to be forcing us to jump off the cliff - into the unknown.
As inequitable the system is- it’s worked incredibly well for a large percentage of us. The system put in place by the USA after WW2 saw a period of unimaginable growth and wealth- and stability based on common benefits to all our economies. This economic on also prevented war and instability.
It’s worked for my lifetime.
All that’s gone now. In a few short months. For what?

 

[Rockdiamond]

topic at hand...again...

Hello,



As our premium LARGE INDIAN DIAMOND COMPANY ( company name omitted) customer, we are informing you of an important update in regards to recent tariff changes that may impact your business.



As of April 5, 2025, a universal tariff on imports into the U.S. has taken effect, with additional customized tariffs beginning

on April 9, 2025. Both tariffs total to 27% on diamonds and 32-34% on jewelry.



These changes will reflect our pricing on cut & polished diamonds and jewelry.



Due to a substantial increase in tariffs on loose natural and lab-grown diamonds and jewelry, immediate action is required on all outstanding memos.

I know how I feel about existing inventory......as my old friend Sam Spade used to say "Sell and be sorry"
The larger companies probably can't take that stand- so they will raise all existing goods to account for the prices of diamonds they already own.Woo hoo. Tariffs in action!!

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

The stock market is the “Canary in a coal mine”. It’s an indicator of the general economy.
The thing is- part of your statement is valid. Things need to change. Many people have been shut out of the benefits of the stock market.
But calling the market a “pyramid scheme “ overlooks the importance of the stock market to our overall economy.
The inequities in our society have led us to this abyss.
Many of us find the tariff policies to be forcing us to jump off the cliff - into the unknown.
As inequitable the system is- it’s worked incredibly well for a large percentage of us. The system put in place by the USA after WW2 saw a period of unimaginable growth and wealth- and stability based on common benefits to all our economies. This economic on also prevented war and instability.
It’s worked for my lifetime.
All that’s gone now. In a few short months. For what?

The first tariff agreement has been reached with Israel this afternoon, thankfully.

 

[Rockdiamond]

With regard to tariffs and diamonds:
Unlike raw gold, diamonds are not fungible.
IOW- if you have 25 ounces of gold and the price of gold goes up or down, the absolute cash value of your gold follows suit.
But diamonds are not liquid in the same manner.
When it comes specifically to lab diamonds- I think the tariffs will have a minor impact. Growers will eat a percentage of it
Naturals more than labs- but still less than Cars- and many other things we buy.
Woo hoo! If there's a general economic slowdown, then this is pretty much a moot point in the overall scheme of things.

 

[Ella]

No politicians or political parties please, discuss the policies not the people.

 

[WillyDiamond]

Sure thing………..current administration has not come to agreement with Israel.

 

[Snowdrop13]

The first tariff agreement has been reached with Israel this afternoon, thankfully.

This is not true.

Where do you read your news?

 

[yssie]

This thread has been a fascinating read. I admit I didn't anticipate the stock market is a fraud.

This is not true.

Where do you read your news?

It's fascinating! But this is insight into how millions and millions of people are choosing to learn about and interpret current events.

Sunrises Sunsets thank you for joining this thread and sharing your perspective. It has been incredibly informative.

 

[missy]

Medications are exempt from the Tariffs..for now

There are still threats to potential big tariffs on meds

"
Major pharmaceutical companies are lobbying for exemptions, arguing that the tariffs would harm patients and discourage investment in research and development.

"


"
Many drugmakers have been taking steps to at least assess potential cost increases from tariffs. Companies have suggested they could rebalance their manufacturing networks, explore non-European API sources, pursue expansions in the U.S. and enlist contract manufacturers or other alternative production solutions, the T.D. Cowen team said in its report.
"

"
In late February, Eli Lilly said it would invest $27 billion to build four new production facilities in the U.S., while Johnson & Johnson said in March that it plans to spend $55 billion in the U.S. over the next four years.

These large-scale projects take time, so companies aren’t likely to downsize overseas plants anytime soon. But with the growing risk of changes to tariffs and the tax code, companies are taking reshoring seriously—especially for newer, high-margin products. The upshot is that profitability will be affected either way: Overseas goods may incur tariffs, while domestic manufacturing faces higher labor costs.

Elsewhere, Pfizer’s CEO, Albert Bourla, Ph.D., said early last month that his company’s manufacturing network is already well positioned in the U.S., though the New York drugmaker could bring additional production resources in from overseas if the situation demands.
"

Ok not exempt now
Partial inclusion
I can’t link it due to politicians being mentioned but you can search it

 

[LightBright]

Ok not exempt now
Partial inclusion
I can’t link it due to politicians being mentioned but you can search it

I didn’t see your first post (trying to stay off this thread) but thank you for posting about Pharmaceuticals. The overseas production of critical drugs has been a big issue- remember when they were asking doctors to restrict hydroxychloroquine use due to supply issues? Etc. So glad that meds are exempt from tariffs (wondering if that includes China and India) and hoping production comes back to USA on critical meds, as is “the plan” for other critical things.

 

[missy]

I didn’t see your first post (trying to stay off this thread) but thank you for posting about Pharmaceuticals. The overseas production of critical drugs has been a big issue- remember when they were asking doctors to restrict hydroxychloroquine use due to supply issues? Etc. So glad that meds are exempt from tariffs (wondering if that includes China and India) and hoping production comes back to USA on critical meds, as is “the plan” for other critical things.

Nothing is definite yet but it looks like there will be a partial tariff on pharmaceuticals unfortunately
But let’s see how this goes. Lots of uncertainty at the moment

I do wish we were less dependent on other countries for life saving meds and maybe in time but in the short term we might be in for a rocky ride

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

I interpret it to mean, “Sucking off the teet.”
Government “handouts, subsidies, etc.”

Make no mistake, these supposed “leveling the playing field” tariffs are nothing but big tax increases for US consumers and will not go towards paying down the deficit, as some seem to think (same for the DOGE cuts) This is how the tax cut for the 1% will be funded.
Inflation and a recession are the result., it’s basic economics.

Cutting government waste is a worthy objective, but not by the chainsaw slashing, willy-nilly approach.

meanwhile those stupid tarrifs are effecting the rest of us just trying to go about our bussiness

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

It makes me wonder about countries I felt were our partners and would surely do the right thing about the unfair trade practices currently used. But if the USA isn't giving concessions and benefits to countries, those countries will move on rather deal with the inequities.

Kiwi companies exported around $9b of products to the US last year. What will a 10% tariff mean for demand and are our exporters worried? Explainer Editor Lloyd Burr takes a look.

Lewis Road Creamery sells its premium New Zealand milk at 625 shops

Stuff

www.stuff.co.nz

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

i think the rest of us just need to get on with it and start tidying up and improving our trade deals with each other
if the US wants to go down the isolation route (which i think is disgusting) then let them, but dont you dear touch Canada or Greenland
this is the angriest thing i have ever said about the US in my entire life

 

[Tigerlilyrosepetal]

i think the rest of us just need to get on with it and start tidying up and improving our trade deals with each other
if the US wants to go down the isolation route (which i think is disgusting) then let them, but dont you dear touch Canada or Greenland
this is the angriest thing i have ever said about the US in my entire life

i think the rest of us just need to get on with it and start tidying up and improving our trade deals with each other
if the US wants to go down the isolation route (which i think is disgusting) then let them, but dont you dear touch Canada or Greenland
this is the angriest thing i have ever said about the US in my entire life

@Daisysandiamonds
This really sounds like USA-bashing and it’s shameful. You are offering Nothing productive but spewing hate. I had thought better of you and more highly.

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

I, as an American in turn, appreciate the candor of @Daisys and Diamonds.
It sounds like a reaction and response to action.

Actions have consequences.

The perspective opinions may differ here, but they are equally as valid.