A Policy Options writer blames NAFTA for the decline of US manufacturing. Amusingly, his charts prove otherwise.

An article on Policy Options claims the Facts Support Trump on NAFTA.

Based on the charts presented, it’s is one of the silliest articles I have ever seen.

Inflation Adjusted Hourly Earnings

In the US and Canada, real hourly earnings topped 18 years before NAFTA.

Auto Production

US auto production peaked 19 years before NAFTA.

The article concludes: “Free-trade agreements will not be supported if they threaten people’s livelihoods.

I looked up Jordan Brennan, the author of that article.

He’s an economist for Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector labour union.

The Real Deal

When your position necessitates having a certain view, that’s the view you present even when your own charts show otherwise.

Manufacturing jobs are on the decline everywhere. The trend started long ago. It’s called automation.

The Economist says “Manufacturing jobs have disappeared and they are not coming back in significant numbers.”

The New York Times writes about the Mirage of a Return to Manufacturing Greatness.

The Slate correctly asserts Nothing Will Bring Back Manufacturing Employment.

“On net, global manufacturing employment declined from 1996-2006” says Slate.

The situation will get worse. Clothing is about to be automated and it will take millions of jobs with it.

Brennan and Trump are fighting a battle that cannot be won.

Jobs Not Coming Back

The Brennan bemoans the loss of jobs, but nothing will bring them back. He also bemoans wages but that is barking up the wrong tree as well.

Rising wages incentivize companies to automate. Cheap money from central banks makes financing easy.

Standards of Living

It is foolish to believe there is a benefit to paying more for something. But in general, that’s what unions stand for.

If China or Mexico gave us cars for free we should take them. The same with solar panels from China.

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