"Removing the tariffs other countries impose on our exports is a good thing for us."
How? How does it help us if by dropping import duties people in other countries still have to pay much more for American products than their own. If they can't afford it in the first place - tariff or no tariff is immaterial. In theory, I'd say you're right. In practice, it's quite another matter. Our products are far more expensive because of our cost of living.
You can't get around that. You also can't get around the fact that even with dropping tariffs, our deficits have grown enormously because, once again, our products even without tariffs are far more expensive. So for the good of a very few getting rich here and there, the entire country is being beaten upon. Remember, Paybacks are a _____________!
Ever tried to get a good steak south of Texas? It's pretty hard.
Ever tried to buy turkey in Costa Rica? It's not even there.
CAFTA will change all that.
Many of our exports have no local competition. Yet they're hit with high tariffs. Things like washing machines and refrigerators. Computers. CAFTA will lower the prices for their citizens by removing those tariffs and making them more affordable for their citizens. As a result, we'll be able to sell more of them.
It also allows US companies to compete in areas which are currently government-controlled monopolies in those countries. Companies like Cingular and Verizon will be able to compete for the growing cell phone market for the first time. Private insurance companies will be permitted to write policies.
CAFTA opens up their markets to American exports and competition. The CAFTA nations will benefit, and so will we.