Note that what exists now is NOT “free trade”, despite all its proponents’ claims.
In fact it’s rather unfair trade, considering many countries (Asia, e.g.) have artificial barriers that restrict our Western goods there, plus low wages and no enviro rules, while we play by all the trade rules and let their goods in. In other words, we’re being played as suckers.
Dig a little deeper before you criticize. There’s a reason trade deficits with China, Mexico et al are so one-sided.
I don’t care about trade deficits. It is still in the interests of the US to have a deal that permits us to buy from another country but we CAN’T sell to them. Completely one-sided...and I don’t care. Just like Milton Friedman wouldn’t care.
I’ll take Milton Friedman trade policies over Kim Jung-un policies any day.