Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – University of Virginia economics professor Dr. Ed T. Burton criticized the administration’s decision to implement a 104% tariff on Chinese goods, calling the move “ridiculous” and warning of significant economic fallout. On Morning News, Burton said the policy has already started to damage the American economy and global trade relations. “What had started as an American policy dispute is gradually becoming a global catastrophe,” he said, noting rising interest rates, plummeting stock confidence, and a surge in Treasury selloffs.  

Burton emphasized that the tariffs were hastily designed and disproportionately affect key U.S. allies. “You slapped big, huge tariffs on countries that have no tariffs on us at all,” he said, pointing out that friendly nations like Canada, the UK, and Japan were hit hard, while Russia received exemptions. He warned the consequences could lead to economic dislocation for emerging markets and higher prices for American consumers. 

Despite support for the policy from some Republican officials and conservative economists, Burton predicted that political pressure would force a reversal. “This is kind of a national suicide,” he stated, adding that “the President will find a way to declare victory and there’ll be an off-ramp” within weeks. As public support wanes and markets react negatively, Burton urged swift action to avoid long-term damage

Listen to the full conversation here: