The US President claims his tariffs are "reciprocal" yet the evidence suggests they are disproportionately harsh on many countries. It points to a different motivation -- to remove US trade deficits.
Importing Vanilla Beans to the U.S.: Everything You Need to Know (2022, modified 2025)
usacustomsclearance.com
... Vanilla beans are only imported from specific countries and are required to comply with FDA regulations. ... The American craving for vanilla has made the United States the number one importer of vanilla beans by volume in the world. That level of demand makes importing vanilla beans to the U.S. a profitable venture for savvy entrepreneurs. ...[chart is in the article]
There are relatively few places in the world that are able to successfully grow and cultivate vanilla beans. The island nation of Madagascar is actually the world's largest exporter of this popular spice. The United States imports from Madagascar and other nations.
The top five nations for U.S. import of vanilla beans are as follows: ...
OK, what products do the good (yet, poor) people of Madagascar purchase from the US to make the trade zero-deficit for the US?
Stated differently ...
Economy of Madagascar
en.wikipedia.org
... Madagascar's GDP in 2015 was estimated at US$9.98 billion, with a per capita GDP of $411.82.[186][187]
Approximately 69 percent of the population lives below the national poverty line threshold of one dollar per day.[188] ...
So, where does the U.S. Import Vanilla Beans From?
Yeah, 78% from Madagascar.
And, how is the nation of Madagascar going to meet Pres Trump's stated goal of zero-deficit?
Or, are the bakeries in the US now in a panic because of a shortage of vanilla?
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