# Trade Policy on The No Agenda Show

Trade Policy comes up in 21 chapters across 20 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from May 2008 to August 2026.

- **Chapters:** 21
- **Episodes:** 20
- **Discussed:** May 2008 – August 2026
- **Related topics:** [Donald Trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [Manufacturing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/manufacturing.md), [Tariffs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tariffs.md), [European Union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md), [Japan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/japan.md), [Mexico](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mexico.md), [Scott Bessent](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/scott-bessent.md), [Semiconductors](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/semiconductors.md), [1988](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/1988.md), [Agriculture](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/agriculture.md)

## Chapters 1–20 of 21

### Japan's Carry Trade and Common Sense Immigration

- **Episode:** [1899: Asymmetric Intimacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1899-asymmetric-intimacy.md)
- **Published:** 2026-08-30
- **Time:** 1:45:18–1:53:04
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1899-asymmetric-intimacy/chapter/japan-s-carry-trade-and-common-sense-immigration.md

Jason Calacanis explains the "Japan carry trade" and praises Japan's strict but logical immigration policies that require cultural assimilation and language fluency. He contrasts this with the "socialist" issues in the Netherlands and the U.S. border crisis. The conversation ends with a mention of producer Dana Brunetti's move to a ranch and his "media hacking" regarding John C. Dvorak's obituary.

Keywords: [japan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/japan.md), carry trade, hokkaido, [immigration policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/immigration-policy.md), [dana brunetti](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dana-brunetti.md), [assimilation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/assimilation.md)

### Constitutional Law and the Tariff Donut Hole

- **Episode:** [1814: Needle Drop](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1814-needle-drop.md)
- **Published:** 2025-11-06
- **Time:** 1:44:22–1:57:30
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1814-needle-drop/chapter/constitutional-law-and-the-tariff-donut-hole.md

Legal analysis of the SCOTUS tariff case explores the "donut hole" theory, where the president might have the power to embargo all trade but lacks the power to impose a 1% tariff. Justices Gorsuch and Alito question the limits of executive power in foreign commerce versus the congressional power to raise revenue. The discussion suggests that if the court strikes down the tariffs, the administration may pivot to using "licensing" or "embargoes" as alternative economic levers.

Keywords: [kavanaugh](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kavanaugh.md), [gorsuch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gorsuch.md), alito, [ieepa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ieepa.md), [trade policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trade-policy.md)

### Scott Bessent, Tariff Revenue and Deficit Reduction

- **Episode:** [1794: Heroin Hotties](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1794-heroin-hotties.md)
- **Published:** 2025-08-28
- **Time:** 2:52:45–2:54:46
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1794-heroin-hotties/chapter/scott-bessent-tariff-revenue-and-deficit-reduction.md

Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent reports that record tariff revenues are significantly reducing the federal budget deficit. He estimates that tariff income could reach half a trillion dollars, potentially lowering the projected 10-year deficit by $4 trillion and decreasing interest costs by $700 billion.

Keywords: [scott bessent](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/scott-bessent.md), [tariffs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tariffs.md), [budget deficit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/budget-deficit.md), [treasury department](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/treasury-department.md), [cbo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cbo.md), [trade policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trade-policy.md)

### Historical Shift Toward a US Service Economy

- **Episode:** [1748: Brain Rot](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1748-brain-rot.md)
- **Published:** 2025-03-20
- **Time:** 1:18:41–1:21:14
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1748-brain-rot/chapter/historical-shift-toward-a-us-service-economy.md

A discussion of 50-year-old economic documents from UC Berkeley suggests a long-term globalist plan to transition the United States from a manufacturing power to a service-based economy. This strategy intended for the U.S. to become primarily a consumer market for the rest of the world. Current trade policies, including the use of tariffs, are framed as a direct challenge to this doctrine in an attempt to re-establish domestic manufacturing.

Keywords: service economy, [manufacturing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/manufacturing.md), [globalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/globalism.md), [tariffs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tariffs.md), [berkeley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/berkeley.md), [trade policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trade-policy.md)

### Scott Bessent Outlines Trump Administration Reciprocal Tariff Plan

- **Episode:** [1748: Brain Rot](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1748-brain-rot.md)
- **Published:** 2025-03-20
- **Time:** 1:21:16–1:25:10
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1748-brain-rot/chapter/scott-bessent-outlines-trump-administration-reciprocal-tariff-plan.md

Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent detailed a roadmap for the Trump administration's reciprocal tariff plan, set to be unveiled on April 2nd. Under this policy, each country will receive a tariff rate based on the fairness of their trading relationship with the U.S. and existing trade barriers. Bessent, a former Soros hedge fund manager, indicated that these numbers serve as a starting point for negotiations, allowing countries to avoid tariffs by pre-negotiating trade deals.

Keywords: [scott bessent](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/scott-bessent.md), [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [tariffs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tariffs.md), [trade policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trade-policy.md), [canada](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/canada.md), [mexico](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mexico.md)

### No Agenda Donation Rules, Note Reading Policies

- **Episode:** [1309: Vaxsaline](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1309-vaxsaline.md)
- **Published:** 2024-03-07
- **Time:** 2:10:02–2:13:53
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1309-vaxsaline/chapter/no-agenda-donation-rules-note-reading-policies.md

The hosts reiterate the show's donation policies for new listeners, explaining that only notes accompanying donations of $200 or more are read on air. This policy was established to prevent the show from being overwhelmed by long notes from smaller donations. They discuss the history of "numerology" in donations, where listeners use specific numbers to signal birthdays or other significant dates.

Keywords: donation policy, [international law](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/international-law.md), [anonymous](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anonymous.md), [numerology](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/numerology.md), [trade secrets](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trade-secrets.md)

### Russian Self-Sufficiency and the Impact of Agricultural Sanctions

- **Episode:** [1434: Second Lady](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1434-second-lady.md)
- **Published:** 2022-03-17
- **Time:** 19:15–21:40
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1434-second-lady/chapter/russian-self-sufficiency-and-the-impact-of-agricultural-sanctions.md

Social media content from Russian citizens suggests that domestic supermarkets remain stocked despite Western sanctions, highlighting a degree of national self-sufficiency. Previous sanctions during the Trump era forced Russia to develop its own dairy and produce industries, reducing reliance on European imports from Poland and Germany. This shift toward "import substitution" has made the Russian economy more resilient to current Western attempts at isolation.

Keywords: [agriculture](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/agriculture.md), import substitution, [dairy industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dairy-industry.md), [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [trade policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trade-policy.md), [russia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/russia.md)

### Biden's Made in America Policy and Union Jobs

- **Episode:** [1424: Guidepost](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1424-guidepost.md)
- **Published:** 2022-02-10
- **Time:** 2:14:30–2:19:45
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1424-guidepost/chapter/biden-s-made-in-america-policy-and-union-jobs.md

President Biden emphasizes a "Made in America" procurement policy for federal contracts, asserting that products and components must be domestically sourced. The hosts criticize this as a "smokescreen," noting that the US currently produces only 10% of the world's semiconductors. They argue that the numerous exceptions for "unreasonable cost" or "non-availability" render the policy largely symbolic.

Keywords: [joe biden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joe-biden.md), [made in america](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/made-in-america.md), [semiconductors](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/semiconductors.md), [union jobs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/union-jobs.md), [trade policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trade-policy.md)

### China 2025, Global Economic Dominance

- **Episode:** [1377: R9X](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1377-r9x.md)
- **Published:** 2021-08-29
- **Time:** 55:51–57:33
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1377-r9x/chapter/china-2025-global-economic-dominance.md

The "Made in China 2025" initiative is discussed as a strategic plan for China to dominate ten critical economic sectors, including aircraft and semiconductors. Historical analysis suggests that the Trump administration's use of American economic power forced a temporary retreat by the Chinese. However, under the Biden administration, these industrial policies are seen as returning to the forefront.

Keywords: [china 2025](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china-2025.md), [industrial policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/industrial-policy.md), [semiconductors](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/semiconductors.md), [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [trade](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trade.md)

### Lisbon Treaty Protocols, USMCA Skepticism and the Amero

- **Episode:** [1199: Slackified](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1199-slackified.md)
- **Published:** 2019-12-19
- **Time:** 1:02:08–1:04:29
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1199-slackified/chapter/lisbon-treaty-protocols-usmca-skepticism-and-the-amero.md

The protocols within the USMCA are compared to the Lisbon Treaty, which serves as the constitutional basis for the European Union. The hosts express skepticism about the long-term benefits of the deal for American workers and revisit the theory of a unified North American currency, the "Amero." They suggest the impeachment process may be a distraction from these significant policy shifts.

Keywords: [lisbon treaty](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lisbon-treaty.md), [usmca](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/usmca.md), [amero](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amero.md), [trade policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trade-policy.md), [nancy pelosi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nancy-pelosi.md)

### NAFTA Origins and Media Bias in Trade Reporting

- **Episode:** [1092: Pros From Dover](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1092-pros-from-dover.md)
- **Published:** 2018-12-07
- **Time:** 19:39–23:43
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1092-pros-from-dover/chapter/nafta-origins-and-media-bias-in-trade-reporting.md

The history of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was revisited during funeral coverage, noting its start under the Bush administration and eventual signing by Bill Clinton. Discussion focused on how media outlets like PBS framed Trump's renegotiation of the deal negatively compared to the original globalist vision. Reference was made to Ross Perot's famous "giant sucking sound" warning regarding American jobs moving to Mexico.

Keywords: [nafta](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nafta.md), brian mulroney, [bill clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-clinton.md), [ross perot](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ross-perot.md), [trade policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trade-policy.md)

### Donald Trump Feud with Koch Brothers

- **Episode:** [1065: Flux Capacitator](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1065-flux-capacitator.md)
- **Published:** 2018-09-02
- **Time:** 1:26:30–1:28:38
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1065-flux-capacitator/chapter/donald-trump-feud-with-koch-brothers.md

Donald Trump labeled the Koch brothers a "total joke" after Charles Koch criticized the administration's trade policies during a donor summit. The Koch network, which plans to spend up to $400 million on the midterms, suggested they might support Democrats who align with their free-trade values. The feud complicates traditional left-wing narratives regarding the influence of the Koch brothers on the Republican party.

Keywords: charles koch, [david koch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-koch.md), [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [trade policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trade-policy.md), [midterm elections](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/midterm-elections.md), [oil industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oil-industry.md)

### Trump's Campaign Promises and Trade Negotiations

- **Episode:** [1039: Bot Cops](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1039-bot-cops.md)
- **Published:** 2018-06-04
- **Time:** 1:50:34–1:52:51
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1039-bot-cops/chapter/trump-s-campaign-promises-and-trade-negotiations.md

The hosts analyze President Trump's approach to trade, noting his tendency to follow through on campaign promises that traditional politicians typically ignore. They also mention the upcoming Mexican election and the potential victory of left-wing populist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO).

Keywords: [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [trade policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trade-policy.md), [campaign promises](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/campaign-promises.md), [amlo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amlo.md), [mexico](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mexico.md)

### Trump Blaming Past Presidents for Trade Failures

- **Episode:** [1029: Batteries Not Included](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1029-batteries-not-included.md)
- **Published:** 2018-04-29
- **Time:** 54:01–56:12
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1029-batteries-not-included/chapter/trump-blaming-past-presidents-for-trade-failures.md

Donald Trump has adopted a new rhetorical strategy of blaming past US presidents rather than foreign leaders for unfavorable trade deals. By telling leaders like Xi Jinping and Shinzo Abe that he doesn't blame them for taking advantage of the US, he focuses the blame on previous American leadership. This approach is noted as a highly effective way to appeal to his domestic base.

Keywords: [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [trade policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trade-policy.md), [xi jinping](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/xi-jinping.md), [shinzo abe](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/shinzo-abe.md), [european union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md)

### American Steel Beer Keg Production, Manufacturing Costs

- **Episode:** [1015: Pentacon](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1015-pentacon.md)
- **Published:** 2018-03-11
- **Time:** 15:32–17:11
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1015-pentacon/chapter/american-steel-beer-keg-production-manufacturing-costs.md

The sole producer of steel beer kegs in the United States claims that rising steel prices due to tariffs will make his products uncompetitive against Chinese imports. While kegs can be manufactured from aluminum or steel for durability, the domestic producer argues he already charges a premium for American-made goods. The discussion questions the necessity of steel for these vessels and the potential for business failure under new trade restrictions.

Keywords: beer kegs, [steel industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/steel-industry.md), [manufacturing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/manufacturing.md), [aluminum](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aluminum.md), [trade policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trade-policy.md)

### Robert Reich on Trade, Science of Economics

- **Episode:** [1014: Rise of the Betas](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1014-rise-of-the-betas.md)
- **Published:** 2018-03-08
- **Time:** 37:34–38:54
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1014-rise-of-the-betas/chapter/robert-reich-on-trade-science-of-economics.md

Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich argued that trade is a "positive sum game" and should be treated as a fundamental "science" rather than a matter of opinion. He criticized Republicans for failing to stand up to President Trump's trade policies, comparing the situation to a "mad king" whose ministers refuse to intervene. Reich called for Congress to take back trade authority from the executive branch.

Keywords: [robert reich](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/robert-reich.md), [trade policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trade-policy.md), [economics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/economics.md), [republicans](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/republicans.md), mad king

### Media Coverage of WikiLeaks, "Public vs Private" Positions

- **Episode:** [867: Wordy Durd](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/867-wordy-durd.md)
- **Published:** 2016-10-09
- **Time:** 1:59:36–2:01:52
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/867-wordy-durd/chapter/media-coverage-of-wikileaks-public-vs-private-positions.md

The hosts review how mainstream networks like CBS and NBC covered the WikiLeaks release of Clinton's speeches. The reports highlighted her admission of being "far removed" from the middle class and her "dream" of open borders. However, the networks also emphasized that these revelations did not match the "magnitude" of the Trump tape scandal.

Keywords: [wikileaks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wikileaks.md), [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [cbs news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cbs-news.md), [nbc news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nbc-news.md), [goldman sachs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/goldman-sachs.md), [open borders](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/open-borders.md), [trade policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trade-policy.md)

### Donald Trump 1988 Oprah Winfrey Interview Analysis

- **Episode:** [809: Velocity of Money](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/809-velocity-of-money.md)
- **Published:** 2016-03-20
- **Time:** 18:14–23:55
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/809-velocity-of-money/chapter/donald-trump-1988-oprah-winfrey-interview-analysis.md

A 1988 interview between Oprah Winfrey and Donald Trump is analyzed, highlighting Trump's long-term consistency on issues of foreign trade and military spending. In the archival footage, Trump criticizes Japan for "dumping" products in U.S. markets and argues that wealthy allies like Kuwait should pay for American military protection. The segment notes that Trump's rhetoric regarding the U.S. being "ripped off" has remained virtually unchanged for nearly three decades.

Keywords: [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [oprah winfrey](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oprah-winfrey.md), [1988](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/1988.md), [trade policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trade-policy.md), [japan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/japan.md), [kuwait](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kuwait.md)

### Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, TTIP Approval

- **Episode:** [739: Trolling for Majors](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/739-trolling-for-majors.md)
- **Published:** 2015-07-16
- **Time:** 9:22–11:08
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/739-trolling-for-majors/chapter/transatlantic-trade-and-investment-partnership-ttip-approval.md

The European Union voted to approve a mandate to complete the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) with the United States. Despite the significance of the trade deal, the event received minimal media coverage. The discussion includes a brief attempt at humor regarding the acronym's phonetic similarity to a colloquial phrase.

Keywords: [ttip](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ttip.md), [trade agreement](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trade-agreement.md), [european union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md), [united states](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-states.md), [trade policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trade-policy.md)

### Al Gore on Nuclear Power, Fossil Fuel Industry Influence

- **Episode:** [484: Crazed Guzman](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/484-crazed-guzman.md)
- **Published:** 2013-02-03
- **Time:** 2:39:53–2:44:38
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/484-crazed-guzman/chapter/al-gore-on-nuclear-power-fossil-fuel-industry-influence.md

Al Gore expresses skepticism toward nuclear power, citing high costs and unpredictable construction timelines rather than safety concerns post-Fukushima. The hosts argue that Gore's opposition is rooted in protecting his "cap-and-trade" financial interests and that the nuclear industry's decline is caused by government regulation favoring fossil fuel companies.

Keywords: [al gore](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-gore.md), [nuclear power](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nuclear-power.md), [fukushima](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fukushima.md), [fossil fuels](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fossil-fuels.md), [cap and trade](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cap-and-trade.md), [energy policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/energy-policy.md)

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