If this really about trade imbalances, why did we tariff Australian goods?

[In It to Win It]

We have a free trade agreement that virtually eliminated most, if not all, tariffs on US exports to Australia.

We have a trade surplus with Australia. The US exports more goods to Australia than the US imports from Australia.

The trade relationship is already advantageous to the USA. Everything Trump is asking for in a trade relationship, we already have with Australia… and for whatever reason, Trump still put tariffs on Australian imports.

I’ve seen people bring up the point that it’s harder to import American beef to Australia. Let me get this straight… the trade imbalance is a single product? We’re mad that we buy Australian beef and they don’t buy American beef? We’re willing to risk a relationship in which the other 99% of goods are exported to Australia without tariffs over one product? Does it not sound absurd that we’re willing to risk a trade surplus from the other 99% of goods over beef?

Make this all make sense! What more is there to balance?

[Omnipresent]

1. But, but, didn't you read their latest trump slogan?

‘Trump was right about everything’!

[bucolic_frolic]

2. It about Australia's environmental protection policies

grass-fed, free range, organic beef. We are determined to polllute everything.

[EdmondDantes_]

3. Possibly because Trump is an idiot

But also he gave lots of aid and attention to farmers hurt by his tariffs last time and maybe this is another gift to them.

Or he's a very petty person, maybe Australia specifically banned Trump steaks.

[Johonny]

4. There isnt even a national emergency

He has zero reasons to do any of this shit. He is a complete fucking crazy moron. This can't last.

[Autumn]

5. Trade has nothing to do with it, it's all market manipulation. They are making millions.

The average person is being robbed blind.