[Mojave]

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%.”

[1rudeboy]

One other thing I’m curious about: who controlled Congress when Reagan was in office?

[calcowgirl]

“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%.”

Reagan... wasn't he the guy that wrote NAFTA? ;-)