I understand your economic theory here. But, it lacks one thing, perspective of what other countries do.
If all countries were roughly the same with a multitude of economic variables, free trade works great. But, I want to hear you address the realities within this theory.
For instance, some countries have a combination of advantages that aren’t considered. Tell me your plan on dealing with : nations who have large state subsidies to industry, large pools of relative slave laborers that nobody can compete with, state sponsored R&D targeting manufacturing and high technology industry, tariffs on US good that are imported.
I’m not being facetious, What are the options to deal with these problems. I mean if there is no serious answers, then it seems reasonable to Trump it. And his plan is to negotiate using the leverage of doing what they are doing to get this problem rectified.
Nations that provide large subsidies to their industry to protect them from competition are not competitive. They also don't innovate. If other countries want to destroy their industry, why should we stop them?
large pools of relative slave laborers that nobody can compete with
What? The largest and most competitive economy in the world can't compete with slave labor? Good grief, do you think slave labor is productive? What country offering slave labor are we unable to compete with? Remember, slaves don't earn wages.
state sponsored R&D targeting manufacturing and high technology industry,
State sponsored R&D? Yeah, I always look to Russia when I want an example of innovation by state sponsored R&D. Using tax revenue to subsidize and promote industry does not a competitive economy make. Without a competitive economy, there is no innovation or wealth creation.
And his plan is to negotiate using the leverage of doing what they are doing to get this problem rectified.
Creating trade wars isn't going to benefit anyone. Slapping 35% tariffs on Ford autos from Mexico makes no sense. The American people don't need to pay more for their autos, Ford or otherwise. Negotiating good trade deals is important, but a good trade deal is one that lowers barriers. Trump may understand that and is just trying to appeal to those who don't know any better. Time will tell.