The basic economics of an import tax

We have had many surprises in the political arena, but perhaps none are more surprising than to see Republicans rallying around a tax increase.  Import taxes are politically convenient.  Gullible voters think that such taxes will be paid by foreign entities and will encourage producers to shift production to the US to avoid such taxes.

This is wrong on both counts.  Consumers in the US end up paying for the tax via higher prices.  As they cut back spending this means fewer domestic jobs in retail.  Producers have developed complex global supply chains to take advantage of productivity and cost differences across different countries. A 20% import tax is not going to be enough to offset a 500% labor cost difference.  

This applies to all industries, including the luxury industry.  See a quote from this expert in Luxury Daily!