Why would he be surprised? I’m curious.
As to why the percentage of goods enjoying trade protections increased during the Reagan administration? I bet you are.
“Of the $387 billion in goods the U.S. imported in 1986, more than 20% was protected by special tariffs, quotas, or other types of restraints, according to Gary C. Hufbauer, a Georgetown University professor. When Reagan took office, the figure was 12%.”