May the Odds Be Ever in Our Favor... Or Maybe Just Stable Tariffs?

Burning Tariffs Unchanging Flames

Well folks looks like the Capitol’s still fiddling while the rest of us just try to survive. Secretary Lutnick – sounds like one of those Peacekeepers who’d steal your last loaf of bread – says those U.S. tariffs on China ain't budging. 'You can definitely say that,' he chirped to CNBC. As if we didn't have enough to worry about with mutated squirrels and the Hunger Games of everyday life now we've got economic warfare to decipher.

Trump's Truth (or Dare?)

President Trump never one to mince words (or use lowercase apparently) posted some ALL CAPS declaration about U.S. duties totaling 55%. Now I may be a hunter not an economist but even I know that sounds like a lot of smoke and mirrors. Turns out it's just a rehash of existing tariffs. Like Primrose getting reaped – same old tragedy different spin. A White House official did clarify that the figure isn't new comprising existing duties. So at least some people are awake. The games are rigged but maybe not entirely unplayable.

High Level Talks Low Level Clarity

These high level talks in London? They sound about as useful as a spoon in a knife fight. Apparently Trump thinks the deal is 'done,' but with the caveat of 'subject to final approval.' Translation: may the odds be ever in our favor that this thing actually goes through without someone backstabbing someone else. Like Peeta said 'I don't want them to change me.' But whether we want to or not these political games change all of us.

China's Ten Percent Tango

China's tariffs on the U.S. are supposedly stuck at 10%. It seems like a temporary peace a brief respite before the next explosion. That 90 day reprieve sounds suspiciously like one of President Snow's 'gifts' – pretty on the surface but with poison lurking beneath. Remember in the arena you don't survive because you're the strongest. You survive because you make allies. Maybe that's what China and the US are doing as well. Right?

Rare Earths: The New Bread?

Of course there's always a catch. This time it’s about “rare earths.” Sounds fancy right? Apparently Trump claims China will supply them “up front.” Like they're handing out loaves of bread at the Seam. If you believe that I have a mockingjay to sell you. It seems like a glimmer of hope for the economy but it's hard to trust anything these days isn't it?

Opening Up... To What?

Trump also declared that he and President Xi are going to “work closely together to open up China to American Trade.” Oh joy. Like District 12 opening up to Capitol fashion? I'll believe it when I see it. For now I'll stick to hunting and hoping these tariffs don’t make the price of rabbit skyrocket. Until then may the odds be... well let's just hope they don't get worse.