It will be painful, but the US needs to wean itself from economic dependence on China.
China is a highly managed economy. I’ve seen it firsthand - published duty rates on something may be a “low” 10%, but imports will always face many non-tariff barriers, inspections, delays, etc....
If it’s a popular item in China, the CCP will work to grow local substitutes.
If it’s a strategic/high tech item - the CCP will require investment in China to sell the product, technology transfer, partnerships with government to do business, etc.... - until they have everything they need to eliminate you.
OK, but what does that have to do with US beef sales to Europe?
By the way, Argentine has a pretty good reputation and costs half that of ours.
You are right. Racing to the bottom is not an option. We can’t compete with $10 wages a day from China and other 3rd world countries.
“CCP will require investment in China to sell the product,”
I use to manufacture a product that used about 2 lbs of tungsten rods per unit. China has pretty much purchased the entire world’s supply of tungsten while the USA have regulated mining it out of existence. When the Tsunami hit Thailand the Chinese slapped a 10 times ‘tax’ on the supply for exported tungsten rods. HOWEVER... I could get it dirt cheap if I sent my product to be manufactured in China.
I knew they planned to steal my product so I just shuttered that production line.