Joe Biden will end Trump's unsuccessful trade wars
Trump oversells the success of his strongman tariff policies. This negotiation style has seen Trump repeatedly fail to meet his own year-on-year 4%+ growth pronouncements.
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The Argument
Trump’s hostile approach to foreign trade has not had the desired impact, costing the US economy 0.3% of GDP and the average household up to $1,000 each year.[1] Biden plans to take a more conciliatory approach, focusing on building alliances rather than unilaterally imposing tariffs, as Trump has done. For example, Biden wants to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement, which Trump started the process to withdraw from; renewing traditional alliances is an important step in securing the long-term prosperity and resilience.
Biden’s trade and foreign policies are likely to be in the same spirit as those of the Obama presidency, where he served as vice president. This will involve repairing relations with states and alliances, such as the EU, which have been harmed by Trump’s aggression.[2] Undoing the damage of Trump’s trade wars would bring a significant benefit to the US economy, securing trading relations and bringing stability to affected industries.
Counter arguments
Trump’s trade policies have been successful in achieving foreign policy objectives and protecting American businesses. The imposition of tariffs has countered the race to the bottom brought about by globalisation, protecting American industry against foreign competition. At the same time, tariffs have increased government revenue significantly, bringing in $79 billion in 2019.[3] Undoing the Trump administration’s trade deals would expose many American industries to foreign competition, driving down wages and harming businesses.
Proponents
Premises
[P1] Trump's trade policies have had a negative effect on the US economy
[P2] Biden wants to largely reverse Trump's trade policy
[P3] Therefore, Biden's trade policies will bring positive outcomes for the US economy