When tariffs block the machines we need

15/05/2025 10 min

Listen "When tariffs block the machines we need"

Episode Synopsis

This collection of texts, primarily an article by Enrique Dans and subsequent comments, critiques the US government's trade policies, specifically tariffs, and their impact on reindustrialization efforts and automation adoption. The author argues that tariffs on imported robots and manufacturing components raise costs, making automation less economically viable for many American companies, particularly smaller ones. The discussion highlights the dependence of the US on foreign robot manufacturers, the significant expense of implementing automation beyond the initial robot cost, and the lack of a national strategy for robotics in the US. The commentary section presents varying perspectives on the effectiveness and implications of Trump-era trade policies, including the broader debate about the shift from an industrial to a knowledge-based economy and whether a return to manufacturing is feasible or even desirable.This article is also available in English on my Medium page, «When tariffs block the machines we need«