[hackyhacky]

> That doesn’t mean manufacturing is down, if new output is automated.

You are correct. Of course, if new output is automated, then the purported goal of the tariffs (more manufacturing jobs!) is defeated.

The fact that any new manufacturing will of course be automated shows how little thought went into designing these tariffs and how transparently false the administration's promises are.

> The trade deficit is shrinking

This is totally irrelevant. The size of the trade deficit does is a red herring.

[bubbadog77]

The trade deficit is shrinking because fewer goods are being imported. Producing countries are finding alternate markets that are outside of the US' punitive tariffing.