So many ‘American’ companies have sold out lock, stock and barrel to China.
Everyone.
Look at the computer you are using right now. 90 percent of all computers, are made in China.
Look at everything you spend, all the time. In every Walmart in America. In every Target in America. In every K-mart in America. Most of the stuff for sale there, is made in China.
Look at your cell phone. Most of them, made in China.
Sporting goods. Made in China. Air conditioners. Made in China. Again there is a small amount made here. But less all the time.
We run a HUGE merchandize trade deficit with them. China does not import cars, it requires companies to set up factories there.
Almost everything now is imported. MUCH of it from China. Basically food is still grown in America, oil products are still produced here. And our national defense establishment is still here.
Otherwise every single administration for the entire last generation, has sold off ever more of what (used) to be made here in America.
Both parties.
Donald Trump is the first American president in the entire last generation, who has said America needs to make things right in America once again.
About darned time.
“Almost everything now is imported. MUCH of it from China. Basically food is still grown in America, oil products are still produced here. And our national defense establishment is still here.”
Let’s not fool ourselves even on the above: I have NO DOUBT that we’d be picking corn by hand if we lost access to Chinese electronics (i.e., how many tractors now DO NOT have electronic ignition and computer control overall?). Some for oil drilling - we’d be using shovels. Probably the same for defense, at least at the low level, such as piece parts (transistors, resistors, etc.).
And considering that we don’t have a strategic reserve of imports for the above (along with many other items), I think China would fare MUCH BETTER than us if trading stopped tomorrow.