To reduce trade deficit and stop outsourcing, what are the pros and cons of a buy-American policy?

Answer 1

It is a much better idea for Americans to get used to a lower standard of living; somewhere around the level of the average Indian or Chinese. This will make the future easier to bear.

Answer 2

This question is not as simple as it first appears.

We live in a world economy where many American companies outsource their manufacturing and acquisition of parts and sub-assemblies from foreign sources - and, Assembled in America now has a far different meaning than Made in America..

If we could "buy American" in the sense that the product is developed and manufactured in this country, the cons are easy:

We would have a severe shortage of cell phones, VCRs, DVD players, TVs, PD-Is, computers, monitors, and many, many other products - at least for the time it would take to build up the facilities, train the employees, develop the products and start production.
For better or worse, we have become the import capital of the world!

The pros, obviously, would be the employment picture would brighten considerably - and the employee, not the employer, for a change - would be in the driver's seat.

Products would necessarily cost more, but we would be earning more - so that might be a wash.

Unfortunately - the inevitable "unintended consequences" - the economic collapse of most of our trade partners, for instance, might cause a serious global instability that would more than outweigh any perceived benefits we might realize here at home.

Answer 3

Let's admit that Americans like to buy cheap stuff, and even more important we like to sell the cheap stuff as this is where the bucks are made. We may be too enmeshed to do a buy American policy. But these trade deficits are out of this world.

Answer 4

One of the cons is that Americans might think they do not have to try as hard - i.e. Ford might think they do not have to offer as much for the price as Toyota - and we might end up with some of those Friday afternoon cars once again (do you want your family riding in a Friday afternoon car?)

Answer 5

The pros are a better economy and a lower unemployment rate (because more jobs would be created). The cons are higher prices of products (because their would be a shortage of them) and lower product quality (because of less compatition).

Answer 6

Pro---Support American Business and jobs. Con---have to look long and hard to find what you want, made in America

Answer 7

The pros is that it provides americans jobs.

The cons are that there aren't many products made by americans. There are almost no electronics made in the US.

Answer 8

Pros: better quality. Cons: higher price

Answer 9

then again you have to think about the Toyota vehicles made right here in the U.S. Camrys made right here in Kentucky, Best car on the road so you have to say Japan outsources to U.S.