Import
Protectionists frequently assume that the only impact of imports is to displace U.S. production. They ignore the market-expanding effect of the additional choices and competition brought by imports. Some protectionists also conveniently disregard activities that add value to a country’s economy and that apply equally to imports and exports—such as port loading, internal transport, wholesale trade, retail trade, advertising, and after-market service. It is no help to policymaking to imagine what might happen if all goods Americans buy from China were suddenly produced here. This ignores the trade, investment, and business development that have contributed so much to American and world living standards.
Imports and Jobs: The Real Relationship
It is easy to link exports to specific jobs. Government statistics that record the passage of products as they leave the country are easy to match with production and employment.[1] The next step is to look at the impact on American employment of imported goods as they make their way from the port of entry to their final destination in homes, offices.