Leon wrote:
"RicodJour" wrote in message
....

The taxes are simply not where they need to be. Check out how many
industrialized nations don't have a VAT for imports. If there was a
US VAT on imports it would help level the playing field.

Have you ever looked at import taxes on automobiles?

That's a slippery slope and protectionism was a key factor in deepening
the '30s depression.

OTOH, there are and have been a number of negotiated trade agreements
(the ones of which I am specifically aware are ag-related being a
farmer; I'm sure there are probably others in other areas as well) which
have been waiting for ratification for 2-3 years being held hostage by
certain congress-critters w/ particular axes to grind. Meanwhile, in
all those areas the Canadians, Australians, EU members have done
effectively shutting US exports out or at least damaging their relative
position in those markets greatly.

It's a complicated web but there's certainly a lack of coordinated
effort to ensure best possible playing field for US goods abroad in
general.

Another sticky wicket about to happen is the suspension of the onerous
requirements on Cuba that will expire Sept 30 w/, it appears, minimal
chances of getting an extension thru before Oct 1 owing to preoccupation
w/ other things or picayune arguments by a few again...

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