"We" in the way used was intended to mean an American or Americans as opposed to the foreign entity. That it goes directly to the top is a separate issue, and suggestive of increased taxation, which Trump is generally against. Obviously a tariff is an option here, but it won't automatically bring jobs back.
Pollution and other externalities accounting is interesting, of course Trump has denied climate change so I would not expect much progress here.
Have to consider how trading is working with most of these countries as well. We're not selling entirely foreign products, especially when it comes to the ones offshoring American labor. The American companies go in to make use of the labor, and then "they", the American company is importing those products for sale on the American and global markets. "We" again meaning Americans in aggregate, are mostly reaping the benefits.
To have an effective trade strategy which builds in externalities you would have to have a widespread agreement between many countries. Otherwise, if say, an American company operating in China exporting to Africa had to pay those taxes, but a Polish company for example did not, we would be losing.
Ultimately, trying to bring those jobs back is trying to force a sub optimal solution. As it is, Americans are winning, in aggregate. It would be better to focus on redistributing our increased winnings.
Pollution and other externalities accounting is interesting, of course Trump has denied climate change so I would not expect much progress here.
Have to consider how trading is working with most of these countries as well. We're not selling entirely foreign products, especially when it comes to the ones offshoring American labor. The American companies go in to make use of the labor, and then "they", the American company is importing those products for sale on the American and global markets. "We" again meaning Americans in aggregate, are mostly reaping the benefits.
To have an effective trade strategy which builds in externalities you would have to have a widespread agreement between many countries. Otherwise, if say, an American company operating in China exporting to Africa had to pay those taxes, but a Polish company for example did not, we would be losing.
Ultimately, trying to bring those jobs back is trying to force a sub optimal solution. As it is, Americans are winning, in aggregate. It would be better to focus on redistributing our increased winnings.