Following up, in 1980, US GDP per capita was just over $12.5k. Japan’s was just under $10k. Not equal, but similar. We were negotiating with an up and coming peer. In 2023, US GDP per capita was almost $83k where Vietnam’s was just over $4k and Cambodia’s was just under $2.5k. We are punching down with these poorly designed, crippling ta…
Following up, in 1980, US GDP per capita was just over $12.5k. Japan’s was just under $10k. Not equal, but similar. We were negotiating with an up and coming peer. In 2023, US GDP per capita was almost $83k where Vietnam’s was just over $4k and Cambodia’s was just under $2.5k. We are punching down with these poorly designed, crippling tariffs on a lot of the world that isn’t trying to take advantage of us, but is trying to rise out of poverty while providing us the goods desired to support our way of life at prices that we want to pay. As a counterpoint, in 1980, South Korea’s GDP per capita was well under $2k and has grown to over $33k in 2023, while repeatedly proving themselves to be one of our most valuable allies.
Following up, in 1980, US GDP per capita was just over $12.5k. Japan’s was just under $10k. Not equal, but similar. We were negotiating with an up and coming peer. In 2023, US GDP per capita was almost $83k where Vietnam’s was just over $4k and Cambodia’s was just under $2.5k. We are punching down with these poorly designed, crippling tariffs on a lot of the world that isn’t trying to take advantage of us, but is trying to rise out of poverty while providing us the goods desired to support our way of life at prices that we want to pay. As a counterpoint, in 1980, South Korea’s GDP per capita was well under $2k and has grown to over $33k in 2023, while repeatedly proving themselves to be one of our most valuable allies.