The U.S. has the largest trade deficit globally, at $1.1 trillion in 2023, growing from $541.6 billion in two decades. We have this trade deficit largely because other countries place tariffs on our goods entering their country, but we have few, if any, tariffs on their goods entering our country. That is not free trade nor fair trade, it is unfair trade.
The baseline starting point is when there are no tariffs or trade barriers on either side. Those arguing that Trump applying tariffs forget that tariffs already exist on the other side. Trump is merely leveling the playing field by applying reciprocal tariffs against those countries that have been taking advantage of us. They are the ones crying foul because they want to continue with their unfair trade practices.
It’s that simple
The Liberator