ON TRADE, President Donald Trump has launched lots of investigations, withdrawn from one deal (see Banyan) and started the renegotiation of another. But this week is the first time he has put up a big new barrier. On January 22nd he approved broad and punitive duties, of up to 30% on imports of solar panels and up to 50% on imports of washing machines. His backers say that the measure, which affects around $10bn of imports, will protect American workers. His critics cling to the hope that the damage will be mild. Both are wrong.
展开▼
