Professor Richard Wolff discusses U.S. Treasury Secretary Yellen's complaint about China producing too much. They explore the concept of excess capacity, China's economic strategy, and the impact of protectionist policies on the working class. The episode also analyzes the evolving international trade dynamics between the US and China.
Exposure to capacity utilization highlights how economies can benefit from excess capacity for cost efficiency and competitiveness.
Debate on protectionist policies emphasizes the complexities and trade-offs involved in balancing domestic interests and international competitiveness.
Deep dives
Understanding Excess Capacity in Economies
Excess capacity, a term highlighted by the U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen during her trip to China, refers to the ability of an economy to produce more than its current output. Despite the U.S. expressing concerns about China's alleged excess capacity in areas such as electric vehicles, statistics like capacity utilization show that excess capacity is a common feature in most economies. Building excess capacity enables companies to achieve economies of scale, leading to cost efficiency and competitive pricing, a strategy used by many successful firms.
Debating Protectionist Policies versus Free Trade
The debate on protectionist policies versus free trade, as discussed by Professor Richard Wolff, raises important considerations for working-class interests. Protectionist measures like tariffs can shield domestic industries from foreign competition and preserve local jobs, but they can also result in higher consumer prices and hinder international competitiveness. The complexity of these policies lies in their multifaceted impacts, requiring a comprehensive analysis beyond simplistic assumptions about their benefits for the working class.
Global Economic Dynamics: Shifts in Trade Policies
The evolving global economic landscape reflects a shift in trade policies, with the United States and China showcasing contrasting approaches. While the U.S. is moving towards protectionist measures to safeguard domestic industries, China promotes openness and fewer restrictions in international trade. This change in stance has repercussions on global economic dynamics, influencing trade relationships and strategic alliances among countries aiming to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the evolving market environment.
On today's episode Walter Smolarek and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss the favorite new complaint against China voiced most recently by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. She argues that China is producing too much. What does this mean and what does it say about the U.S. economy?
Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com.
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