yes the importer pays (small population), yes the price increases (consumers who

yes the importer pays (small population), yes the price increases (consumers who have choice), but the importer is contributing to the tax and debt burden (citizens). We either do this and repatriate strategic industries or we cut our benefits and lose the dollar as a reserve currency (and thus our purchasing power). We couldn’t even manufacture pistol cartridges for the military without importing the primers. Same for something on the order of 2/3 of medicines. Remember the ‘mask problem’ and ‘respirator shortage’ during covid? We have a very hostile enemy who controls these resources.
You always pay. You just have to choose now or later.

Reply addressees: @MaddenedRanter @Orgasomisa @RpsAgainstTrump