> the idea that a pencil is the product of global trade, I don't buy, you can make national pencils without a sweat. It is, obviously, possible. Pencils are ab

> the idea that a pencil is the product of global trade, I don't buy, you can make national pencils without a sweat. It is, obviously, possible. Pencils are about as simple as it gets. But it is hardly a no-sweat process. It made international news when China declared itself capable of producing a ballpoint pen using only native tech and materials. It was a point of significant pride to the Chinese government at the time - as well it should be, it was something of a manufacturing and policy tour-de-force. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/01/18/finally-china-manufactures-a-ballpoint-pen-all-by-itself/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/01/18...