Tariffs of Deception: Trump's Dubious Use of the Smoot Hawley Act The latest salvo in President Trump's trade war with Canada is rooted in a 96 year old statute that has been dormant since the Great Depression.
Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, invoked by Trump to impose a 50% tax on $20 billion worth of Canadian imports, raises more questions than answers about his understanding of trade law and willingness to stretch executive power.
The Smoot Hawley Act is infamous among economists for exacerbating the Great Depression with its protectionist policies.