Msg: 2398 *Conference*

04-17-92 08:33:53

From: JIM SAMUEL

To : STEPHEN MELCHER

Subj: REPLY TO MSG #2395 (GOVERMENT KILLS 102??)

I haven't heard what you heard about Panasonic but it would make sense.
Panasonic does make laptops here (as their own, Tandy, and Grid) but they use
imported LCD screens that are subjected to the tariff.  There is no US
manufacturer who makes laptop LCD screens, so everyone who assembles them in
the US has to use imported screens and pay the tariff.  IF Pannasonic started
making them here, they would avoid the tariff for themselves and would probably
be able to sell them to other US makers who also want to avoid the tariff and
can't move production overseas. Ironic, isn't it?  The government imposes a
tariff to protect a non-existent US industry.  The result, US manufacturers
move production overseas and a Japanese company moves LCD product here.  Maybe
it's the water in Washington.....