Do tariffs raise inflation?
Usually. But the bigger problem is that they harm economic growth and innovation
Mountain-naming turned out to be a curiously high priority for Donald Trump. Mere hours after his inauguration, the president signed an executive order to change the name of America’s highest peak from Denali, of indigenous Alaskan origin, back to Mount McKinley, as it was officially known until Barack Obama intervened in 2015. The rechristening reflects more than just the usual culture-war ping-pong. Like Mr Trump, William McKinley was a “tariff man”. As a congressman and later president, he swung America toward protectionism in the late 19th century. “President McKinley made our country very rich through tariffs and through talent,” said Mr Trump in his inaugural address.
Explore more
This article appeared in the Finance & economics section of the print edition under the headline “Do tariffs raise inflation?”
Finance & economics January 25th 2025
- The Arctic: climate change’s great economic opportunity
- China’s financial system is under brutal pressure
- How American bankers dodged the MAGA carnage
- Has Japan truly escaped low inflation?
- Saba Capital wages war on underperforming British investment trusts
- European governments struggle to stop rich people from fleeing
- Do tariffs raise inflation?
More from Finance & economics
European governments struggle to stop rich people from fleeing
Exit taxes are popular, and counter-productive
Saba Capital wages war on underperforming British investment trusts
How many will end up in Boaz Weinstein’s sights?
Has Japan truly escaped low inflation?
Its central bankers are increasingly hopeful
How American bankers dodged the MAGA carnage
The masters of the universe have escaped an anti-globalist revolt
China’s financial system is under brutal pressure
When will something break?
The Arctic: climate change’s great economic opportunity
An enormous prize is on offer. When might it be grasped?