How foreign countries fighting against tariffs can sink our country

[Fantine]

Saturday Report 4/12/25 — The Empire shudders: How Trump’s trade tantrum could trigger America’s fall...

The Best of the Rest of the News

hartmannreport.com

So, who will destroy and thwart our budding dictatorship first? China, who will withold the minerals we need for manufacturing and our military?

Or Canada and Europe, who hold 25% of our $36 trillion debt, strategically coordinating bond sales, driving up US mortgages and other credit, making it harder for companies to finance expansion and new operations, and increasing the cost to the US government to fund our own debt:

If we don't stop this national nightmare first, other countries will do it for us--but we will endure a lot more pain in the process.

Will this convince the unconvinceable in our country? SMH. It's a tragedy that such measures should even be necessary.

— The Empire shudders: how Trump’s trade tantrum could trigger America’s fall. China can destroy Trump (and America) if Mark Carney doesn’t do the job first: China produces 90% of the world’s rare earth minerals, which America needs to build chips, jet engines, advanced displays, missiles, avionics, and a whole spectrum of other applications, many specific to the military and advanced computer manufacturing. And on April 4th, in response to Trump’s first tariff tantrum, they put export controls on the seven (samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium) most critical for US manufacturers and the US military. We have some reserves, but if this lasts for months it could seriously damage our military and advanced manufacturing capabilities. Trump appears to believe that President Xi will come to him any day now to “kiss my ass” (as he bragged a few days ago about other governments’ leaders), but the Chinese dictator is showing no signs of bending or bowing, responding to Trump’s “stupid” 145% tariffs with a blanket 125% tariff of their own.

Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney — himself the former Chairman of both the Bank of England and the Bank of Canada (the equivalents of our Fed) — got together last week with leaders of Europe and Japan to plan their response to Trump. About $8.5 trillion of the US’ $36 trillion national debt is held by foreign governments (as Treasuries), including $350 billion by Canada, $1 trillion by Japan, and between $1.5 and $2 by the EU. If they were to coordinate the process of dumping their bonds, he reportedly suggested, it would flood the market with US bonds and make it harder for the the American Treasury Department to sell new debt issues, forcing us to increase the rate of interest we pay. This would drive up US mortgages and other credit, make it harder for companies to finance expansion and new operations, and increase the cost to the US government to fund our own debt: the result, if sustained over a few months, could be devastating. And, sure enough, it appears that’s exactly what they did this past week when bond yields shot up, forcing Trump to put a 90-day pause on most of his tariffs. This threatens America’s position as the holder of the world’s reserve currency, as well as possibly producing a liquidity crisis similar to what had Treasury Secretary Hank Paulsen’s hands trembling when, in 2008, he announced that the nation’s banking system had “frozen up” and needed a multi-trillion-dollar bailout from Congress and our Fed (

 

[Always in His Presence]

The Hartmann Report Bias and Reliability | Ad Fontes Media

Following are the bias and reliability scores for The Hartmann Report according to Ad Fontes Media. Bias: Hyper-Partisan Left; Reliability: ...

adfontesmedia.com

Hyper-Partisan Left - Unreliable, Problematic

Anyone surprised?

 

[Fantine]

This is not "reporting." It is a column.

The column contains 2 factoids:
1) China has 90% of the world's rare earth minerals needed for most electronics and weaponry, and China has drastically shut access to American manufactureres--without which they won't be able to operate within a few months.
2) Carney, Canada's PM, suggested to his colleagues in the European Union that, since the world holds 1/4 of our $35 trillion national debt, dumping their bonds strategically and cooperatively could bring the United States to its knees.

The "opinion" part was speculating the effect of both these genius plans to save the world's economy (and in the process, our democracy.) Hartmann claims the effect would be devastating. As proof, he showed that after a minor bond dump 47 backed off on the tariffs.

Thank you, China, Canada, and the EU for working together to save the world's economy from a monstrously megalomaniacal plot.

 

[Bradskii]

Hyper-Partisan Left - Unreliable, Problematic

Anyone surprised?

Lots of facts there. Not so much opinion. Would you like to address the former?

 

[trophy33]

From what I could find, Japan owns another 9% of the US debt and China about 13%.

 

[Servus]

If we don't stop this national nightmare first, other countries will do it for us--but we will endure a lot more pain in the process.

Okay, so how do we go about stopping it?

 

[Fantine]

Bring tariffs back to where they had been on 1/19.
Stop alienating our allies and neighbors.
Giving the president crash courses in economics and diplomacy.
He was recently seen talking to a reporter about how he aced his competency test Saturday.
Let's make him earn A's in those two subjects, including passing a lengthy practicum on the world stage.

 

[Always in His Presence]

Lots of facts there. Not so much opinion. Would you like to address the former?

Absolutely - as soon as there are verifiable facts from sources that are not rated as hyper partisan left - unreliable - problematic.

 

[Say it aint so]

Absolutely - as soon as there are verifiable facts from sources that are not rated as hyper partisan left - unreliable - problematic.

Here's a fact and and it's a topic of the OP article:

China, Japan and UK Dump $81,000,000,000 in US Treasuries in Just One Month As China Pours Capital Into Gold​

China, Japan and the UK are dumping billions of dollars in US Treasuries. New numbers from the Treasury Department show the three nations collectively slashed their holdings by $81 billion in December. China unloaded $9.6 billion in Treasuries, reaching its lowest holdings since 2009 at $759 billion. Japan sold off $27.3 billion in bonds, with the nation now holding $1.0598 trillion in Treasuries, the most of any single country. And the UK also pared back in a major way, leading the pack with $44.1 billion in Treasury sales, reaching a total holdings of $722.7 billion. This trio’s retreat from US debt, combined with China’s aggressive gold accumulation, underscore concerns about a potential strategic shift away from US dollar assets as America faces a $2 trillion deficit and mounting borrowing costs. The moves also come as yields on 10-year Treasuries hover near 4.5%, testing demand as the Federal Reserve continues its quantitative tightening, offloading $60 billion in Treasuries each month.​

So what happens if this continues or they stop financing US debt?

 

[Bradskii]

Absolutely - as soon as there are verifiable facts from sources that are not rated as hyper partisan left - unreliable - problematic.

So let's step through this, shall we? The article said that China has 90% of the world's rare earth minerals. Here's confirmation of that: What Are Rare Earth Metals, the Exports Halted by China?.

'With nearly 70 percent of the market, China is able to control the export and price of the metals sold around the world. About 90 percent of rare earth magnets are produced in China, and 99.9 percent of the world’s dysprosium, which the chipmaker Nvidia uses to create capacitors, is mined in China...Without an adequate supply of rare earths, American manufacturing for sectors like the automotive industry would grind to a halt.'

So the article was stating a fact. Not an opinion. Would you like like to to address why the US is doing something so remarkably stupid in going head to head in a trade war against a global heavyweight who controls most of what you need and who will not back down to Trump?

If you keep ignoring the reality of the situtaion and try to convince yourself that it's all left wing propaganda then that reality is eventually going to hit you so hard that it'll make your head spin.

Here's some more reading material for you:

China controls 97% of rare earth materials, expert says | Fox Business Video

Critical Metals CEO and executive chairman Tony Sage analyzes a potential minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine on 'The Claman Countdown.'

www.foxbusiness.com

The Consequences of China’s New Rare Earths Export Restrictions

China has imposed export restrictions on seven rare earth elements and magnets in retaliation for new U.S. tariffs. These materials are vital to defense technologies, but the United States is entirely dependent on China for their supply.

www.csis.org

 

[Always in His Presence]

So what happens if continues this or stop financing US debt?

It is because their currency is tanking faster than the Titanic -

The offshore yuan in China sank to an all-time low on Tuesday, dropping as much as 0.5 percent to 7.3848 per U.S. dollar in New York trading. The drop comes after the People’s Bank of China on Thursday set its daily reference rate at 7.2038 — the weakest fix since September 2023. It is a major loosening of the central bank’s grip on the currency during an increasingly economic squeeze.​

 

[Always in His Presence]

So let's step through this, shall we? The article said that China has 90% of the world's rare earth minerals. Here's confirmation of that: What Are Rare Earth Metals, the Exports Halted by China?.

thank you

'With nearly 70 percent of the market, China is able to control the export and price of the metals sold around the world. About 90 percent of rare earth magnets are produced in China, and 99.9 percent of the world’s dysprosium, which the chipmaker Nvidia uses to create capacitors, is mined in China...Without an adequate supply of rare earths, American manufacturing for sectors like the automotive industry would grind to a halt.'

Every bit of which is under a tariff - that puts billions into our pockets. China can't eat dysprosium and they can't survive without selling it.

So the article was stating a fact. Not an opinion.

some yes - the source is still weak at best.

Would you like like to to address why the US is doing something so remarkably stupid in going head to head in a trade war against a global heavyweight who controls most of what you need and who will not back down to Trump?

Because it is not stupid - you might think it is stupid, the left propaganda might broadcast that it is stupid, that doesn't make it stupid. Who can last longer China with 1.42 billion people and a collapsing economy - or the American companies who just might becoming up with innovative options to the precious earth minerals?

Like using sodium Ion instead of Lithium in electric car batteries. (example only)

If you keep ignoring the reality of the situtaion and try to convince yourself that it's all left wing propaganda then that reality is eventually going to hit you so hard that it'll make your head spin.

My not agreeing with your reasoning is not ignoring the situation. The exact opposite instead. Squeezing their economy is a valid negotiation strategy -

 

[Bradskii]

Every bit of which is under a tariff - that puts billions into our pockets. China can't eat dysprosium and they can't survive without selling it.

You don't seem to know enough about this to suggest that a serious discussion could take place. Trump hasn't put tariffs on rare earth materials. China has blocked all sales of it to the US. You now can't get what you need.

Because it is not stupid - you might think it is stupid, the left propaganda might broadcast that it is stupid, that doesn't make it stupid. Who can last longer China with 1.42 billion people and a collapsing economy - or the American companies who just might becoming up with innovative options to the precious earth minerals?

What options? That makes zero sense whatsoever. There are no alternatives.

Like using sodium Ion instead of Lithium in electric car batteries. (example only)

That has absolutely nothing to do rare earth metals. Why even bring that up? In any case, you get almost all your lithium from South America and Australia. Not China. You might as well have said that the US can use corn syrup instead of sugar in their apple pies. It would have as much relevance.

My not agreeing with your reasoning is not ignoring the situation.

You are not arguing against my reasoning. You are completely ignoring the facts.

The exact opposite instead. Squeezing their economy is a valid negotiation strategy -

A negotiating strategy? What madness is this? Trump is cuttiing the US off from the rest of the world. We'll all deal with each other and we'll all ignore you. Because you can no longer be trusted. You will isolate yourself from the global economy. A negotiating strategy? Good grief...

 

[Always in His Presence]

A negotiating strategy? What madness is this? Trump is cuttiing the US off from the rest of the world. We'll all deal with each other and we'll all ignore you. Because you can no longer be trusted. You will isolate yourself from the global economy. A negotiating strategy? Good grief...

Example: There are 70 countries asking to negotiate tariffs - yet you believe Trump is cutting us off from the world - makes no logical sense -

 

[trophy33]

Example: There are 70 countries asking to negotiate tariffs - yet you believe Trump is cutting us off from the world - makes no logical sense -

1. Source? What 70 countries specifically?

2. What did you expect, that countries will suddenly stay silent? Trying to negotiate this madness is a normal diplomacy. What matters is whether the negotiations will lead somewhere, because your administration is acting quite randomly and lost credibility. Why should these countries believe what you say when you may change it in a day with a tweet?

 

[Bradskii]

Example: There are 70 countries asking to negotiate tariffs - yet you believe Trump is cutting us off from the world - makes no logical sense -

Sure. Let us know when the WH issues a list. But the topic is China. They have what you need and they aren't selling you any more of it. And trust me on this, they will NOT back down. I absolutely guarantee that, 100%. Trump will throw his hand in and be shown for what he is. In the meantime...the US public will be the ones to suffer. Try addressing that.

In the meantime, welcome to your new reality. You are being led by someone who hasn't an absolute clue about what he is doing.

 

[Fantine]

Here's a fact and and it's a topic of the OP article:

China, Japan and UK Dump $81,000,000,000 in US Treasuries in Just One Month As China Pours Capital Into Gold​

China, Japan and the UK are dumping billions of dollars in US Treasuries. New numbers from the Treasury Department show the three nations collectively slashed their holdings by $81 billion in December. China unloaded $9.6 billion in Treasuries, reaching its lowest holdings since 2009 at $759 billion. Japan sold off $27.3 billion in bonds, with the nation now holding $1.0598 trillion in Treasuries, the most of any single country. And the UK also pared back in a major way, leading the pack with $44.1 billion in Treasury sales, reaching a total holdings of $722.7 billion. This trio’s retreat from US debt, combined with China’s aggressive gold accumulation, underscore concerns about a potential strategic shift away from US dollar assets as America faces a $2 trillion deficit and mounting borrowing costs. The moves also come as yields on 10-year Treasuries hover near 4.5%, testing demand as the Federal Reserve continues its quantitative tightening, offloading $60 billion in Treasuries each month.​

So what happens if continues this or stop financing US debt?

¹¹

Here's a fact and and it's a topic of the OP article:

China, Japan and UK Dump $81,000,000,000 in US Treasuries in Just One Month As China Pours Capital Into Gold​

China, Japan and the UK are dumping billions of dollars in US Treasuries. New numbers from the Treasury Department show the three nations collectively slashed their holdings by $81 billion in December. China unloaded $9.6 billion in Treasuries, reaching its lowest holdings since 2009 at $759 billion. Japan sold off $27.3 billion in bonds, with the nation now holding $1.0598 trillion in Treasuries, the most of any single country. And the UK also pared back in a major way, leading the pack with $44.1 billion in Treasury sales, reaching a total holdings of $722.7 billion. This trio’s retreat from US debt, combined with China’s aggressive gold accumulation, underscore concerns about a potential strategic shift away from US dollar assets as America faces a $2 trillion deficit and mounting borrowing costs. The moves also come as yields on 10-year Treasuries hover near 4.5%, testing demand as the Federal Reserve continues its quantitative tightening, offloading $60 billion in Treasuries each month.​

So what happens if continues this or stop financing US debt?

Wow! I feel like shouting that football cheer. Push em back, push em back, waaaaaay back. It's already helped our stock market recover as Trump postponed his tariffs.

 

[Aryeh Jay]

1. Source? What 70 countries specifically?

I find it interesting that 70 is one of the common "magic" numbers in religions.

 

[Always in His Presence]

In the meantime, welcome to your new reality. You are being led by someone who hasn't an absolute clue about what he is doing.

Trump has 'no idea what he's doing': Lawmaker slams tariffs for causing 'chaos'

Preside Trump appears to be putting some limits on Elon Musk and DOGE. Also, Trump walked back some of his tariffs on Mexico and Canada for one month. Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) joins Ana Cabrera to react.

www.msnbc.com

'He doesn't know what he's doing': Trump delays Canada, Mexico tariffs for automakers

The White House announced that the "big three" automakers would be exempt from the 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico -- with the hope that they will start moving production to the U.S. in that time. Tim O'Brien, Jessica Yellin, David Jolly and Shannon Pettypiece join the Midweek Nightcap.

www.msnbc.com

MSN

Trump Doesn’t Understand Tariffs, But He Knows Enough to Be Menacing

Trump Doesn’t Understand Tariffs, But He Knows Enough to Be Menacing. The Republican nominee thinks they’re taxes on foreign governments, not Americans. But they’re also regressive.

washingtonmonthly.com

Atlantic editor: Chat shows Vance believes Trump 'doesn't even understand what he's doing'

Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, revealed that Vice President J.D. Vance believes President Donald Trump "doesn't even understand what he's doing." On Sunday, Goldberg told NBC host Kristen Welker that he observed Vance's opinion of Trump after being mistakenly included on a...

www.rawstory.com

MSN

Republicans Defend Trump: He Just Doesn't Know What He's Doing

Trump's defenders say the US president had no idea he wasn't supposed to ask the FBI head to drop the investigation into disgraced National Security Adviser Michael Flynn.

www.vice.com

Donald Trump’s big problem is he doesn’t know what he’s talking about

At least it’s one of his problems.

www.vox.com

Yes, I have heard the Propagandist talking point - over and over.

 

[Always in His Presence]

1. Source? What 70 countries specifically?

Already linked in another post and very easily found:

Scott Bessent says up to 70 nations want to negotiate over Trump's tariffs​

2. What did you expect, that countries will suddenly stay silent?

Nope, I expect what is happening - they are coming to the President to negotiate -

Trying to negotiate this madness is a normal diplomacy

Thanks for your opinion

. What matters is whether the negotiations will lead somewhere, because your administration is acting quite randomly and lost credibility.

Who exactly are we losing credibility to? The ones that have been taking our money?

Why should these countries believe what you say when you may change it in a day with a tweet?

That is up to them - they are still coming though.