[ThunderSizzle]

It's clear that a 25% tariff isn't enough in this example.

It's very basic though. Americans have to follow laws, including regulations from EPA, OSHA, building codes, routine inspections (e.g. health inspections), and taxes and permits.

External companies don't face as many of these hurdles. Mexico doesn't have to report to the EPA or OSHA, so if implementing better work environments or cleaner air is important, tariffs act as a tax to instead manufacture in America and, in effect, follow those regulations.

[supertrope]

Yes off-shore manufacturers have lower labor and environmental standards. Wealthy countries indirectly benefit from exploitation.

You'd have to somehow convince or force hospitals to pay more for disposable medical supplies. They're not going to pick the USA made mask when they can get a Malaysian one. Domestic manufacturers are only going to build new plants and hire with a long term policy shift.

Americans would be pissed once everything triples in price.