Clinton ruined the US furniture industry with his trade policy.
I knew a guy in the early 2000s who was buying up manufacturing tools in NC and shipping them to China. He had been doing it since the mid 1990s, since the Clinton era.
This is an excellent point a stellar insight. One could write research papers and books on the decline of industry, trade and culture because of this one move. Furniture is an essential thing that defines how we live, what we have. Well designed chairs lead to upright posture. Design establishes the mood of a room and how people interact. Apprentices striking out on their own can try to expand their trade, craft and brand by trying new designs, new materials, new styles and competing by trading lower prices for market access.