I voted for import/export taxes. The way I see it, each country has to protect itself from other countries' production and exports, and import taxes are a good way to protect the economy against it. No protection would just devaluate the nation's currency even more due to other countries selling stuff for a cheaper price (#BitcoinMasterCoin). But then again, this goes against many capitalist principles. I would like to see someone's reply to this (though, take it easy on me).
It goes against economic principles. Basically, trade benefits everyone. The benefit is maximized when each country produces what they are best at producing, even if another country is better than they are. Look up "comparative advantage". Duties, quotas, and subsidies introduce inefficiencies that reduce those benefits because it encourages production of things we aren't good at producing.
Anyway, the duties, quotas, and subsidies, especially on cotton, corn, rice, and sugar, help a small number of U.S. corporations and hurt U.S. consumers and everyone else. If we got rid of duties and subsidies, we could buy food more cheaply and the formerly subsidized corporations could grow something else. Everyone would benefit.
