[Former Proud Canadian]

In a world where free trade=fair trade the writer is correct. Unfortunately we do not live in that world. We live in a world where different living standards reflect different living costs and labor costs. We also live in a world of wildly divergent government tax policies, trade policies, and mercantile policies.

For example, steel producers outside China simply cannot compete with Chinese producers who enjoy low wage rates and government subsidies. A government like China can shift subsidies and trade policies to encourage any domestic industry and virtually destroy any foreign industry. Trump is right, AGAIN!

[Gaffer]

Yes, we do not live in Utopia.

And as you say particularly with reference to steel making, it is no secret that China virtually ignores energy pollution in its production, nor does it follow similar policies other western civilized countries do with respect to employment.