Search "ricardian economics" or "comparative advantage" Of course, there's more to be said than just the theory, but get the theory first.

Or at least read Bastiat: http://bastiat.org/en/petition.html

The tariffs are also a way to force countries to buy American debt via treasury bonds. No thanks. You chose to hollow out your own industrial companies become a consumer and now bleating about the debt. The debt is 151 trillion. Not 37 trillion. You cannot have it both ways. The Griffen report highlighted this dilemma. Selling USD and being the global currency can work in the short term. But US adopted this as a long term policy. Something breaks. And now here we are. On a train hurtling towards Recksville.

Totally agree .. why does India has 150 percent Tarrifs on US Auto and Whiskey ? They are not a third world nation by any stretch of imagination given their economy is third largest ...

Theories are great .. till we hit a real world example .. then lets just talk specifics .. Why does India has 50 billion (per year ) trade surplus with US ? Is it like US has nothing to offer ? Btw - just FYI .. India imposes 150 percent Tarrifs on US Auto and Whiskey .. I mean I can still live without a Ford Truck but without Jack Daniels .. give me a break :-) ..Or straight up Bourbon ...