I understand that. Do you think their statistics are phony? Did you happen to notice that in those balance of trade statistics that US exports continue to grow? Did you happen to notice that economic output continues to grow? What in the world is wrong with importing goods? It's something we've always done.
Do you really think de-industrialization is a good idea? Why do we have to tolerate their protectionism. Don't you think the 3 nations I named are protectionist, to our detriment? If they want to keep selling here then they must start buying from us. What's wrong with that? I believe in fair trade. I think there's an undeclared trade war against the U.S. and we should fight back. We always win when we fight, so let's win now.
BTW, I think a lot of statistics are, if not phony, then wildly inaccurate. This is not a disinterested, unbiased group we're talking about. This is a political agency with an agenda, which is to put the president's trade policy in the best possible light. Unfortunately, the policy of this president and all presidents is to export as many industrial jobs as possible, as fast as possible. If you tell me that's not the policy, then I'll tell you that that's what is happening anyway. Something has to be done.
The trade deficit is not an empty number, and it's probably worse than they say.