Overview
- A CounterPunch analysis says the reciprocal tariffs announced on April 2, 2025 have coincided with higher import prices, indicating costs were passed to U.S. buyers.
- The article reports roughly 60,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost since April, factory construction has fallen by at least 5 percent, and headline inflation has reached about 3.0 percent.
- Tariffs on intermediate inputs such as steel and aluminum are described as raising production costs for U.S. manufacturers and weakening competitiveness.
- Citing ADP payroll data through November, the piece notes small firms shed jobs for three straight months while large companies continued hiring.
- The author argues tariff actions appear arbitrary in cases involving India and Brazil, which he says heightens uncertainty and favors large firms with access to tariff relief.