Donald Trump has promised to impose a series of new tariffs on imports to the United States when he takes office in January. What exactly are rates? Why is Trump so keen on them? And why do some people think his plans could backfire and hurt the US economy? Start here with Sandra Gathmann explained.

This episode features:

Scott Lincicome | vice president of general economics, Cato Institute

Alan V Deardorff | emeritus professor of economics and public policy, University of Michigan

Bethany McLean | journalist and writer

Christopher Tang | distinguished professor, University of California Los Angeles Anderson School of Management