Trade War Drives Americans to 'Muamba': A Brazilian Practice Finds New Life in the US

The US-China trade war has created unexpected consequences. Americans, facing steep tariffs, are increasingly turning to "muamba," a practice of importing goods to avoid taxes. This is similar to a long-standing practice in Brazil. One example highlighted is an artisan who planned to import materials from Alibaba, but the tariffs made it too expensive. Economist Otaviano Canuto explained that the high tariffs make "muamba" an attractive, albeit illegal, option. This trend has even spawned memes online, with images of people working in old factories while eating hot dogs. The situation underscores the complex and far-reaching effects of trade disputes.