Trump sticks with tariffs even as US voters turn against them before the midterms

NEW YORK (AP) — Maybe President Donald Trump really does believe that “tariff” is the most beautiful word in the dictionary. Despite higher prices, criticism from trade experts and displeasure among voters, Trump holds fast to his belief that imposing the highest import duties on U.S. trading partners since the Great Depression is a winner.

A recent poll suggests that is a big gamble with less than a month before the Nov. adults disapprove of his trade policies, with more than 64% saying he has gone too far with his latest tariffs, compared with 58% in January. A look at the political, legal and economic challenges to the Republican president’s approach to trade.

Where Trump’s ever-changing tariffs stand today The United States has set taxes on imports from most countries in the low double digits, although the rates have gone up and down because of legal setbacks as well as Trump’s habit of changing them seemingly on a whim. In the biggest round last year, Trump levied what he called “reciprocal” tariffs and other duties on dozens of countries. He cited a 1977 law that he said allowed him to act without congressional approval in an economic emergency.

After the Supreme Court struck that down in February, Trump turned to an array of other trade laws to accomplish his goals. The primary one he is using now, Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, allows him to impose tariffs on countries that he believes are engaging in unfair trade practices, such as not adequately enforcing a ban on forced labor. The new duties range from 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 economies, including big U.S.

trading partners such as the European Union, India, Japan, Canada and Mexico. Why trade experts think Trump is causing more damage than good Trump is taking a sledgehammer to a relatively open global trading system that many mainstream economists think has benefited the U.S. It has helped boost growth, keep prices low and make U.S.

businesses more competitive and often dominant in global industries. is the second-largest exporter in the world, after China. It exported $3.4 trillion in goods and services last year, far ahead of third place Germany’s $2.3 trillion.