How much will taxpayers shoulder?

[kandrathe]

In response to Jester, post #30

"Chinese markets aren't free, not internally nor externally, which is what lets them do what they do with their currency."

You are free to *not* buy Chinese products. They didn't get this huge amount of US currency by dumping their Yuans on the global market, but because Americans choose to buy so much Chinese goods (without offering affordable USA-made goods in return).

However, China is intentionally manipulating its currency to form a lopsided trade environment, thus creating a barrier to free trade. "You are free to not pay twice as much for the same product due to tariffs or currency value manipulations." doesn't quite ring fair now does it?

Besides, protecting local markets with export subsidies and import taxes isn't a Chinese invention, but one of the (over)developed world.

Subsidies and taxes are a part of fair trade negotiations. This assumes a level playing field in other areas, such as currency value which is the topic here.

"China just passed the US this year as the world's leading manufacturer ..."

Manufacturing things is one thing, being able to export goods that are in demand is another. We are talking about unbalanced trade deficits here, remember? But tell me, do you really see more 'Made in USA' as 'Made in China' goods, even in the USA itself?

In response to Kandrathe, post #31

"my only quibble with that article is that it fails to recognize the global trend of replacing manufacturing jobs with automation ..."

You mean as a reason for the mentioned loss of jobs? Possibly, but unless you want to blame China for your automated industry, that is another discussion.

No. The article you posted from EPI blames China for job losses, which is only true for a part of the job losses. It is true when their unfair competition drives industries into bankruptcy, but not when the US industry is still thriving and productive. Advances in technology have accelerated automation and production efficiency in all sectors of the US resulting in vast productivity gains which are not paralleled by vast increases in employment.