Ten Tariff Questions Never Asked

1. President Donald Trump's so-called "trade war."

Many call the American effort to obtain either tariff parity or a reduction in the roughly $1 trillion trade deficit and 50 years of consecutive trade deficits a "trade war." But then what do they call the policies of the past half-century by Europe, Asia, China, and others to ensure asymmetrical tariffs, pseudo-health and security trade restrictions, and large surpluses?

A trade peace? Trade fairness?

2. Do nations prefer surpluses or deficits?

Why do most nations prefer trade surpluses and protective tariffs?