Should the U.S. Import Fewer Goods?

1. Set Focus
Frame the inquiry with this essential question: How does importing goods help and hurt the U.S. economy?

2. Read and Discuss
Have students read the debate and then answer the following questions:

• What is the issue being debated? How does it relate to current events? (The issue being debated is whether the U.S. should import fewer goods in order to reduce its trade deficit. This issue is timely because reducing the trade deficit was an issue in the last presidential election.)

• Evaluate why these two authors might be interested in and qualified to comment on this issue. (Oren Cass is an economic policy analyst and the director of a conservative think tank, while Ed Gresser is an economic policy analyst and the director of a progressive think tank.) 

• Analyze Cass’s view. (Cass argues in favor of importing fewer goods. He claims that countries with lower standards can produce goods more cheaply than the U.S., which puts our nation at a competitive disadvantage. He also notes that our dependence on other, possibly unfriendly, nations, weakens our security and manufacturing industries.)

• Analyze Gresser’s view. (Gresser argues against limiting imports. He says that, because our manufacturing sector is not large or diverse enough, imports are necessary for Americans to have access to what they want at a good price and that reductions have mainly led to supply shortages.) 

4. Writing Prompt
In an essay, evaluate one of the debaters’ arguments. Assess whether the reasoning is  valid and whether it’s supported with evidence. Point out biases or missing information.

5. Classroom Debate
Should the U.S. import fewer goods? Have students use the authors’ ideas, as well as their own, in a debate.

6. Vote
Go online to vote in Upfront’s poll—and see how students across the country voted.