If there is one consistent thread in Donald Trump’s shifting political views, it is his belief that we need to be tough on foreign countries who send their manufactured goods here.

The way he wants to protect domestic manufacturing is with tariffs. He put major tariffs into place in his first term, and he plans to radically expand them if reelected.

Tariffs were one of the biggest issues in American politics for more than a century. They were the principal source of revenue for the federal government until the Civil War, and remained vital until the income tax was standardized in 1913.

If Trump wins and implements 20 percent tariffs on some goods, it will be a historic return to the high tariffs of the 19th century.

A tariff is just an indirect sales tax. It makes most goods more expensive. The effect is not just on foreign goods, either. For example, if foreign cars suddenly become 20 percent more expensive, it gives domestic manufacturers the opportunity to raise their prices at least a little, because the market will tolerate........

© The Hill