Trump's Vietnam Deal: A Right Proper Shakedown, By Order of the Shelby Company

A Blinder of a Deal?

Right so Trump's gone and struck a deal with Vietnam has he? Says he's slapped a 20% tariff on their goods coming into America. And a hefty 40% on anything they're just shuttling through from elsewhere. Claims it's to stop the Chinese being too clever for their own good using Vietnam as a backdoor. Sounds like a right proper shakedown doesn't it? 'Family. Religion. These are the crippling weaknesses of our kind Mr. Shelby.' I say trade wars are the same. Full of weaknesses if you know where to look.

Zero Tariff...For America That Is

The Yank says he's getting 'total access' to Vietnam's markets no tariffs on their stuff going in. Promises a future filled with American SUVs roaring through Hanoi. Seems a bit one sided doesn't it? But then Trump's always been one for a 'deal' that sounds suspiciously like a win for him. 'Everyone's a whore Grace. We just sell different parts of ourselves.' Trade is just another kind of transaction after all.

The Devil's in the Details

Now here's where it gets interesting. This 'deal' ain't signed yet. When it kicks in is anyone's guess. And Trump's already hinting he might change his mind on other tariffs. Keeps everyone guessing doesn't he? Like a bloody poker game. 'Whisky's good proofing water. Tells you who's real and who isn't.' This tariff business will proof who's real and who isn't.

Vietnam's Gamble

Apparently a fair chunk of Vietnam's money comes from selling stuff to America. So they're in a tight spot. Trump's banking on that squeezing them like a lemon. But remember squeeze too hard and you end up with a face full of lemon juice. 'Lies travel faster than the truth.' And lies are what Trump is gambling on to get this deal to benefit him.

Who Pays the Piper?

Trump says Vietnam 'will pay' the tariff but everyone knows it's the importers the Yanks who cough up. And they'll likely pass it onto the punters. So Joe Soap in Ohio ends up paying more for his clothes. Still the stock market seems happy enough. Always does until it isn't. 'When you plan something well there's no need to rush.' But when the planning is flawed that is when one rushes just like now.

The Shelby Company Prediction

So what's the verdict? This deal could mean higher prices for the average American. Vietnam might get squeezed. Trump gets to puff his chest. The only certainty is uncertainty. And in my line of work uncertainty is just another opportunity. 'I have learned that in this life you can only depend on yourself. And maybe just maybe one other person.' The smart money is on expecting the unexpected. By order of the Peaky Blinders!