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I would posit that the current state is good and we should in fact further optimize it. Imports are a benefit and exports are cost in real terms. The point of a

I would posit that the current state is good and we should in fact further optimize it. Imports are a benefit and exports are cost in real terms. The point of an economy is to maximize consumption. Its costs labor, raw materials, and even pollution to produce IPhones and Mercedez Benz. The problem is everyone wants to export and only America wants to import. Is that a bad thing for America ? I don't think so. If you give me an Iphone and I give you a piece of paper, or, better yet, a debit on a spreadsheet, who is getting the better deal here ? Why do you want to horde that piece of paper? You can't eat it or use it for shelter. So why not have fed policy that optimizes this rather than calling our trade partners currency manipulators . Certainly we need to protect industries that are vital to national security and that list has increased with the pandemic. Wouldn't put iPhones on that list.

sudosysgen 6y ago
The issue is that this creates conditions in which there is no incentive for the US economy to develop the infrastructure necessary for large scale manufacturing, and that without a large manufacturing advantage national security cannot be guaranteed.
- bubbleRefuge 6y ago
  Agreed. We have to have manufacturing insofar as its needed for national security and this should be subsided by the fed to provide the incentives which kind of is the state we are in, isn't it ? Boeing, General Dynamics, Lockheed, et al. It doesn't need to be internationally competitive in terms of price. Again, we should optimize our trade advantages, not condemn it. It a case of financial literacy in the political policy and financial press.
  - sudosysgen 6y ago
    If all you want to fight are small wars abroad, then sure. If you want to be ready against a peer enemy, the entire economy needs to have large manufacturing capacity, or you will get buried by your enemy.

sudosysgen 6y ago

The issue is that this creates conditions in which there is no incentive for the US economy to develop the infrastructure necessary for large scale manufacturing, and that without a large manufacturing advantage national security cannot be guaranteed.

bubbleRefuge 6y ago
Agreed. We have to have manufacturing insofar as its needed for national security and this should be subsided by the fed to provide the incentives which kind of is the state we are in, isn't it ? Boeing, General Dynamics, Lockheed, et al. It doesn't need to be internationally competitive in terms of price. Again, we should optimize our trade advantages, not condemn it. It a case of financial literacy in the political policy and financial press.
- sudosysgen 6y ago
  If all you want to fight are small wars abroad, then sure. If you want to be ready against a peer enemy, the entire economy needs to have large manufacturing capacity, or you will get buried by your enemy.