True, but then you're not really shipping nothing in return. You're shipping protection and software services in return. Contrast with your original question:

True, but then you're not really shipping nothing in return. You're shipping protection and software services in return. Contrast with your original question: > In fact, wouldn't a 100% trade deficit be ideal? Have stuff shipped to you without having to ship back anything? Most people call that theft or, at best, gifts.