Leibowitz: The continuing debate over the utility of tariffs

Over many years—even centuries—the wisdom and utility of tariffs as an instrument of government policy in peacetime have been debated. That incessant debate continues, and is likely to persist.

In many ways, it is timeless. Britain repealed the Corn Laws in 1846. The McKinley Tariff in 1890 fundamentally restructured tariffs in the US. The Smoot-Hawley Tariff in 1939 imposed huge new tariffs. After World War II, more trade liberalization came into force. And, most recently, the tariffs during the Trump presidency restricted trade with China and many friendly countries. The commentary in each of these instances examined both the benefits and the harms of tariffs and their relaxation.

Lewis Leibowitz

Lewis Leibowitz, owner of the Law Office of Lewis E. Leibowitz, practices in the areas of international trade law, customs law, and international commercial transactions. He represents clients before all federal courts and agencies dealing with international trade matters. Mr. Leibowitz advises and assists clients in diverse matters including trade remedies, customs, foreign-trade zones and free trade agreements, trade negotiations, and related matters. He can be reached at lewis.leibowitz@lellawoffice.com.