“China’s reaction to Mr. Trump’s legitimate defence of the American homeland has been a Great Wall of denial – despite incontrovertible evidence of Beijing’s illicit and protectionist behaviour. Instead, China is attacking American farmers with the threat of retaliatory tariffs in the apparent hope of rattling a key component of the coalition that put Mr. Trump in office. There is a reason, however, that the president sits behind the Resolute desk in the Oval Office. And when he stands, Mr Trump stands up for the American people – and American farmers.” Peter Navarro writing in the FT.
President Xi used his “Davos East” gathering to stake out the other side of the turf. He was nuanced, calm, and very comfortable. I lost a little sleep but listened to the interpreter as Xi delivered his speech. According to the Wall St. Journal, after the speech the People’s Daily “declared the notion that China’s moves were in response to U.S. pressure was ‘fantasy without regard for facts’.”
Trump stands up for farmers, says the key US spokesperson. Fantasy without regards for facts, says the official China news organ.
Xi talked about autos and reducing China’s tariffs on them. “We will considerably reduce auto import tariffs,” he claimed. To the unsophisticated American viewer, this prospect might seem like a Trump victory. Maybe so. But Peter Boockvar noted that China’s 25% tax on US imported autos “mostly impacts German car makers like BMW and Mercedes.” Peter notes that “GM and Ford” already have factories in China.
One little historical note about trade wars, courtesy of the Economist, April 7–13 issue – in an article entitled “Blow for Blow,” the writer discusses Canada’s response to the American Smoot-Hawley tariff of 1930, when Canada raised the tariff on eggs in retaliation for America’s doing the same: “Douglas Irwin of Dartmouth College reports that the number of eggs Canada exported to America fell 40% between 1929 and 1932. But the number going the other way plunged 99%” (http://www.economist.com/news/finance-and-economics/21739975-two-countries-threaten-descend-sequence-tit-tat-retaliations). Tit-for-tat retaliation has its risks.
In Florida, some folks remember that the Europeans threatened a tariff on oranges from America during President George W. Bush’s first trade spat. I wonder what Senate-aspiring Florida Governor Rick Scott will say about trade and Trump when he is asked about that history.
Anyway, markets seem to have calmed down a little following Trump’s Timely if Truculent Trade Tirade (Alliteration, anyone?). Of course, calm is short-lived when missiles are flying in the Middle East.
We remained concerned about US policy and the volatility of tweeted diplomacy. That said, we also like the outlook for the forthcoming earnings reports, and we remain nearly fully invested. Our energy overweight position is starting to feel good.
Links to other websites or electronic media controlled or offered by Third-Parties (non-affiliates of Cumberland Advisors) are provided only as a reference and courtesy to our users. Cumberland Advisors has no control over such websites, does not recommend or endorse any opinions, ideas, products, information, or content of such sites, and makes no warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of their content. Cumberland Advisors hereby disclaims liability for any information, materials, products or services posted or offered at any of the Third-Party websites. The Third-Party may have a privacy and/or security policy different from that of Cumberland Advisors. Therefore, please refer to the specific privacy and security policies of the Third-Party when accessing their websites.
Sign up for our FREE Cumberland Market Commentaries
Cumberland Advisors Market Commentaries offer insights and analysis on upcoming, important economic issues that potentially impact global financial markets. Our team shares their thinking on global economic developments, market news and other factors that often influence investment opportunities and strategies.
