Why the US shouldn't start a trade war with China

Gains to consumers and workers from trade with China likely outpace any harm to US workers

The U.S. and China seem to be on the verge of a costly trade war.

Most recently, the Trump administration announced that Chinese shipments of aluminum foil will now face a hefty import tax, a decision that is intended to offset what the administration believes are unfair Chinese subsidies of its aluminum industry.

What this means in practice is that a handful of Chinese companies will now face “countervailing duties” ranging from 17 percent to 81 percent on their exports of aluminum to the U.S.

And a trade war may also be brewing between the U.S. and