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Steel Industry Protection (1984)
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Reagan imposed voluntary restraint agreements (VRAs) on foreign steel producers, limiting their exports to the U.S.
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These were essentially quotas (not straight tariffs), but they acted as trade barriers to shield U.S. steelmakers from surging imports, especially from Japan and Europe.
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Motorcycles (Harley-Davidson, 1983)
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Reagan approved a temporary 45% tariff on imported heavyweight motorcycles.
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This was designed to help Harley-Davidson recover from intense Japanese competition.
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It’s one of the most famous examples of Reagan-era targeted protection.
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Automobiles
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Instead of imposing tariffs directly, Reagan negotiated “voluntary export restraints” with Japan on cars.
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Japanese automakers agreed to limit exports to the U.S., which helped Detroit recover in the early 1980s.
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Semiconductors (1986)
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Reagan imposed tariffs of up to 100% on certain Japanese electronic goods after accusing Japan of dumping semiconductors below cost and violating a trade agreement.
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Textiles, Sugar, and Agriculture
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Reagan extended or negotiated import quotas and restrictions in politically sensitive industries like textiles and sugar to protect domestic producers.
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Motorcycles (Harley-Davidson) – 1983
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Tariff: Up to 45% on imported heavyweight motorcycles (over 700cc).
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Duration: 5 years (phased down, ended early in 1987 after Harley recovered).
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Steel Industry – 1984
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Action: Negotiated Voluntary Restraint Agreements (VRAs) with 16 countries.
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Effect: Limited steel imports to about 18.5% of the U.S. market.
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Automobiles (Japanese Cars) – 1981–1985
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Action: Japan agreed to Voluntary Export Restraints (VERs).
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Effect: Limited Japanese car exports to the U.S. to about 1.68 million per year.
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Semiconductors – 1986
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Tariff: Up to 100% tariffs on selected Japanese electronic goods.
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Reason: Retaliation for dumping semiconductors below cost and violating a 1986 U.S.–Japan trade agreement.
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Sugar – 1982 onward
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Action: Quotas and import restrictions.
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Effect: Kept U.S. sugar prices well above world market prices to protect domestic growers.
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Textiles & Apparel – 1980s
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Action: Extended and tightened quotas on textile and apparel imports (especially from Asia).
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Canadian Lumber (Softwood Lumber Dispute) – 1986
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Action: Imposed duties after U.S. producers accused Canada of unfair subsidies.
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Result: First in a long-running “softwood lumber” trade dispute that still continues.
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