In a recent working paper and an op-ed published in the Norwegian business newspaper Dagens Næringsliv, Skatteforsk research director Ron Davies analyzes the latest U.S. tariffs announced on April 2. These tariffs have generated significant attention—partly due to the simplistic formula used to calculate them.
In his academic work, Davies presents a model that, under specific assumptions, aligns with the administration’s approach. Meanwhile, in his op-ed titled "Amerika først – og alle andre i kø for å be pent om særbehandling" ("America First – and Everyone Else Queues Up to Politely Request Special Treatment"), he argues that the tariffs are more politically driven than economically rational.
Rather than effectively reducing trade deficits as claimed, the tariffs may instead serve to compel companies, industries, and nations around the world to seek special exemptions from the U.S. administration