Do you support the removal of all trade barriers with other nations?

[Cutlerzzz]

I'll keep this simple. Do you support having free trade with every nation on Earth?

 

[LibertyEagle]

As long as they remove theirs.

 

[Cutlerzzz]

As long as they remove theirs.

So conditionally?

 

[squarepusher]

what about protectionism? Even though we mainly invented computer technology, its been lost to Asia.

 

[YumYum]

I believe there should be tariffs or restrictions placed on imports from countries who are not playing fairly.

 

[freshjiva]

As long as they remove theirs.

This condition is not needed. Free market forces will resolve unfair trade advantages other countries set up for themselves.

For example, if China keeps their currency weak relative to the dollar like they are, and impose large import tariffs on American goods, Americans can simply boycott all products made in China.

Also, keep in mind, artificial government-enforced policies of trade protectionism never come without unintended consequences. China right now is experiencing near hyperinflation thanks to their currency and trade manipulations. Eventually, the trade barriers will collapse under its own weight, just like thy did for us in the 30s with Smoot-Hawley.

In the longtrm, the free market always wins.

 

[jdmyprez_deo_vindice]

yes

 

[Southron]

So far I am the only no vote. I would keep some tariffs in place, even if other countries completely opened trade to us and didn't manipulate their currencies.

Either you will fund our (future) limited government on the backs of our people or through tariffs.

Free trade abroad and taxation at home? No.

 

[acptulsa]

For example, if China keeps their currency weak relative to the dollar like they are, and impose large import tariffs on American goods, Americans can simply boycott all products made in China.

We are? When, exactly, will this begin?

Last I checked Wally World was importing everything but the Yellow River, and I still can't see their parking lot for the Japanese and South Korean cars...

 

[cubical]

Remove all barriers. If other countries want to weaken their currency or whatever, it will only increase our living standard.

 

[LibertyEagle]

This condition is not needed. Free market forces will resolve unfair trade advantages other countries set up for themselves.

For example, if China keeps their currency weak relative to the dollar like they are, and impose large import tariffs on American goods, Americans can simply boycott all products made in China.

Also, keep in mind, artificial government-enforced policies of trade protectionism never come without unintended consequences. China right now is experiencing near hyperinflation thanks to their currency and trade manipulations. Eventually, the trade barriers will collapse under its own weight, just like thy did for us in the 30s with Smoot-Hawley.

In the longtrm, the free market always wins.

You realize that we don't have free trade now, right? We have managed trade, with internationalist ruling bodies superceding our own government.

I would absolutely be against more so-called "free-trade" agreements in the vein of NAFTA and CAFTA.

 

[headhawg7]

I believe there should be tariffs or restrictions placed on imports from countries who are not playing fairly.

This sounds reasonable to me. Who gets to make those decisions and decide who is and who is not playing fair?

 

[VIDEODROME]

I'm assuming this just means Tariffs so I'll say conditionally.

 

[Seraphim]

Thread winner.

You realize that we don't have free trade now, right? We have managed trade, with internationalist ruling bodies superceding our own government.

I would absolutely be against more so-called "free-trade" agreements in the vein of NAFTA and CAFTA.

 

[freshjiva]

You realize that we don't have free trade now, right? We have managed trade, with internationalist ruling bodies superceding our own government.

I would absolutely be against more so-called "free-trade" agreements in the vein of NAFTA and CAFTA.

Well, yes, I never said we have free trade now, that's why I advocated free trade in my post.

What I'm saying is that because market forces ultimately win out, no trade barriers have ever been implemented without unintended consequences. Economists and politicians commonly debate over why jobs are being shipped overseas. Here's a reason (out of many) you seldom hear of: NAFTA.

 

[giskard]

As long as they remove theirs.

If we trade with say, China, we don't put a tariff on their imports but they put a tariff on our exports, they are simply taxing their populace when they want to buy our exports. US consumers will benefit as they get to buy products from whomever makes said products most efficiently (lowest prices). Chinese consumers wouldn't have that and they will then have a lower standard of living. The argument "it will drive our exporters out of business", implicitly assumes that exporters should have preferential treatment over consumers, which is wrong. If our exports start to wane, it will drive our currency lower vs. the Yuan and a new equilibrium will be found.

 

[giskard]

what about protectionism? Even though we mainly invented computer technology, its been lost to Asia.

What does that mean, "lost to China"? If you mean assembly, so what? Do you really want menial jobs stuffing printed circuit boards? The USA still has the highest value added jobs and technology in the computer world - the development of operating systems, standards, and software. Look at Apple, Android, Microsoft, and Cisco.

 

[giskard]

I believe there should be tariffs or restrictions placed on imports from countries who are not playing fairly.

You will trust psychopathic, rent-seeking politicians and bureaucrats to decide what and who is "fair", as opposed to letting the free market run?
Every decision politicians make is politically based. The free market OTOH allows everyone to vote with their wallets.

 

[Southron]

How would you fund a limited government without tariffs?

 

[amy31416]

How would you fund a limited government without tariffs?

Bake sales and car washes.