In this episode of the Ag Tribes Report, host Vance Crowe is joined by Charles Benoit, a trade attorney and trade counsel for the Coalition for Prosperous America. Charles brings a unique perspective on trade policies, particularly tariffs, and their impact on agriculture in the US and Canada. He discusses the historical context of tariffs, comparing current trade dynamics to those of the early 19th century, and argues against the prevailing free trade narrative taught in economics classes. Charles emphasizes the importance of protective tariffs for domestic producers and critiques the globalist trade myths that have shaped modern economic policies.
The conversation delves into the current tariff situation, highlighting the challenges faced by US farmers due to escalating global trade tensions. Charles explains the dual purposes of tariffs—revenue and protection—and discusses the implications of recent tariff policies on various agricultural sectors. The episode also touches on the controversial views surrounding tariffs, with insights from industry voices like RCAF and Casey Kimbrell. Additionally, the discussion briefly explores the role of Bitcoin in global trade and Charles' views on economic theories, offering listeners a thought-provoking take on trade and agriculture.