Yes they are the way that the 99% replaces the money being gifted to the 1% - at least to a degree. They will never pay it all back but debt no longer matters.Tariffs are taxes.
Softwood lumber tariffs are special taxes being paid by Americans who are trying to rebuild after a couple of years of devastating hurricanes with, apparently, no ill effects on the Canadian producers. What an evil, cynical bunch they have running their country.