In 1993 the balance of trade with Mexico had the US with a $1.6billion surplus.
In 2014 the US ran a deficit with Mexico of $60 billion. In 2004 that deficit was $74 billion.
In the 20 years since NAFTA Mexico has been the net recipient of approximately $1 trillion, net financial gain, augmenting their Capital Stock and transferring jobs south of the US border.
How is this contrary to what Perot said? And, how is this of benefit to the Americans and America?
And while we're at it (oh yeah, you been lurking for over a decade, but "you just couldn't take it anymore") what is your position on the illegal aliens here today? What should be their disposition? And, do we need more legal immigration?
Trade deficits and surpluses are extremely overrated.
Protectionist use the “trade deficit” as a tool hammering free trade, but they can’t explain the damage that is done by having one.
Our inflation-adjusted exports to Canada and Mexico have TRIPLED since NAFTA.
If anything, trade deficits are actually a good sign of strong consumer buying power and standard of living. It’s a sign of economic health. There are third world countries all over the world that are running trade surpluses. Lots of good it is doing for them.