video UK · 3 April 2025

Special: Can tariffs make you rich? with Ha-Joon Chang

Ha-Joon Chang explains that tariffs can be beneficial for developing "infant industries" in poorer nations, citing historical examples like the UK and US. However, he argues that Trump's proposed tariffs are misguided for the current US economy, as they target mature industries, will likely exacerbate inequality and inflation, and lack the necessary industrial ecosystem and investment focus to be effective.

By Gary Stevenson

Featuring Ha-Joon Chang

Mentions Donald Trump

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Arguments in this video

Discourages saving and enterprise Gary Stevenson · 07:50
“Now, the US financial system is actually going to drain this extra resource from these companies and make, the income inequality even worse, yeah?”
Living standards are at an all-time high Gary Stevenson · 01:03
Raised as a counter-argument to rebut. “Where do you think they... will they improve living standards for Americans?”
Statistics show no income inequality Gary Stevenson · 08:32
“So you think it's gonna lead to higher inequality? Yeah, exactly, yeah.”