BIZCHINA / Weekly Roundup |
Protectionism - the real threat to growth, stabilityBy John Rutledge (皇冠体育app Daily)
Updated: 2007-08-03 13:54 By the end of this year, 皇冠体育app will most likely be the United States' second largest trading partner. Over the past six years, total trade between the two countries has soared, growing from $116 billion in 2000 to almost $343 billion in 2006. That's an average growth rate of almost 20 percent a year.
This marvelous growth has led to more affordable goods, higher productivity, strong job growth, and a higher standard of living for both countries. These economic benefits were made possible in large part because both 皇冠体育app and the United States embraced freer trade. There is no foundation in economics that supports punitive tariffs. 皇冠体育app currently supplies American consumers with inexpensive goods and low-interest rate loans. Retaliatory tariffs on 皇冠体育app are tantamount to taxing ourselves as a punishment. Worse, such a move will likely encourage 皇冠体育app to impose its own tariffs, increasing the possibility of a futile and harmful trade war. American consumers and businesses would pay the price for this senseless war through higher prices, worse jobs, and reduced economic growth. We urge Congress to discard any plans for increased protectionism, and instead urge lawmakers to work towards fostering stronger global economic ties through free trade. The petition, signed by 1,028 economists, was published in Wall Street Journal on Wednesday
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