Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Why Tariffs On More Countries Can Be Better

1661. Why Tariffs On More Countries Can Be Better

Alex Tabarrok explains that uniform tariffs on all countries can lead to better economic outcomes than selective tariffs, despite the latter seeming closer to free trade.

Talking With Hélène Rey

1662. Talking With Hélène Rey

The discussion centers on international currency roles, the impact of U.S. tariffs, and the uncertainty surrounding Trump's policies on global economic credibility.

Schedule for Week of August 10, 2025

1663. Schedule for Week of August 10, 2025

Key economic reports for the week include CPI, retail sales, and manufacturing surveys, with consensus forecasts provided for each indicator.

We get asked about tariffs all the time. Here's what we say

1664. We get asked about tariffs all the time. Here's what we say

Common questions about tariffs and their implications on the economy are addressed, providing insights into their impact on inflation and recession.

Northern Ghana travel notes

1665. Northern Ghana travel notes

The post describes the sights, culture, and experiences in Northern Ghana, highlighting art, local customs, and the unique characteristics of Tamale.

What happens when governments cook the books

1666. What happens when governments cook the books

Mary Childs discusses the implications of government data manipulation, highlighting cases from Argentina and Greece to illustrate the challenges of restoring trust in economic statistics.

Interesting Facts About the Cocoa Market

1667. Interesting Facts About the Cocoa Market

The post discusses cocoa market dynamics, including farmer exploitation, state monopsony, smuggling, and corruption in Ghana and Ivory Coast's cocoa industry.

How Many Jobs Depend on Exports?

1668. How Many Jobs Depend on Exports?

Timothy Taylor discusses the significant number of jobs linked to exports and the potential risks posed by trade policies, particularly regarding US tariffs.

ChatGPT-5 Writes a Story

1669. ChatGPT-5 Writes a Story

Joshua Gans explores the capabilities of ChatGPT-5 in storytelling, showcasing its engaging responses to whimsical prompts and reflecting on human-AI interaction.

IRS Commissioner Billy Long replaced after less than two months

1670. IRS Commissioner Billy Long replaced after less than two months

Scott Horsley discusses the replacement of IRS Commissioner Billy Long by the Trump administration after a brief tenure.

It’s Beginning to Smell a Lot Like Stagflation

1671. It’s Beginning to Smell a Lot Like Stagflation

An argument that current economic policies, particularly tariffs and immigration restrictions, are likely to lead to inflation and potential stagflation in the U.S. economy.

Did RFK just take away your cancer treatment?

1672. Did RFK just take away your cancer treatment?

Noah Smith discusses the advancements in cancer treatment, particularly focusing on mRNA vaccines and their potential to transform cancer from a death sentence into a manageable disease.

1673. A Non-Reswitching Theorem Inapplicable To Non-Competitive Markets?

Robert Vienneau discusses the implications of non-reswitching theorems in economic models, particularly in relation to non-competitive markets and the Cambridge capital controversy.

Is anyone worth a billion dollars?

1674. Is anyone worth a billion dollars?

Tyler Cowen discusses Meta's valuation increase due to AI investments and the implications for its future profitability and market expectations.

Las Vegas sees drop in tourism, hinting at broader economic woes facing the U.S.

1675. Las Vegas sees drop in tourism, hinting at broader economic woes facing the U.S.

Juliana Kim discusses the decline in Las Vegas tourism and its implications for the U.S. economy and consumer confidence.

More for Palantir, less for mRNA, and a disaster database redemption arc

1676. More for Palantir, less for mRNA, and a disaster database redemption arc

Darian Woods discusses Palantir's revenue growth, cuts to mRNA vaccine research, and the revival of a climate disaster database.

The US Auto Industry: Evolving, not Evaporating

1677. The US Auto Industry: Evolving, not Evaporating

An argument that the US auto industry has adapted to globalization, maintaining output and employment despite shifts away from traditional manufacturing hubs like Detroit.

“And you want to be my latex salesman?” (BLS edition) [updated 8/9/25]

1678. “And you want to be my latex salesman?” (BLS edition) [updated 8/9/25]

The post discusses the potential nomination of EJ Antoni as BLS Commissioner and his controversial recession declarations, highlighting implications for economic analysis.

Manufacturing on the Ropes?

1679. Manufacturing on the Ropes?

Menzie Chinn discusses the decline in manufacturing employment and production indicators since March 2025, highlighting economic trends and potential impacts of tariffs.

Laffer Curve in the United Kingdom?

1680. Laffer Curve in the United Kingdom?

An argument that the UK government's capital gains tax changes have led to decreased revenue, highlighting the long-term effects of tax policy on economic behavior.