Cumulative

 That's off the deep end...

Reciprocal tariffs spring from a sentiment of wanted fairness, and in effect

are trying for free trade. If the same tariffs apply between the US and a partner 

country - and looking at the case where there is a balance of trade -  then the same

amount of money is goinng both ways. Free trade then, for its monetary effect on the 

respective economies although variable disruption depending on the products 

involved and how quickly the effects work through the respective economies.

But then there are other kinds of tariffs, like the aluminium and steel ones we are

being imposed.  

Back in the heyday of tariffs, one might have seen levies on goods produced  by countries

with low labour costs, to protect jobs in the advanced economies. The A & S tariffs we

are seeing now have been touted as helping jobs return to the US in certain sectors.

Is that realistic!? As much as getting back together with your ex, I would expect. There was

a reason why these activities disappeared, and odds are they are still active!!

And from the point of view of someone in an affected countries, we are being promised

cumulative tariffs that seek both free trade and US protection at the same time. And

Ottawa wonders why our provincial premiers are jittery...