The article discusses a concerning trend of zero-sum thinking in economic trade, highlighted by Stephen Miran, chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisors, who deemed a proposed trade deal with Vietnam as exceedingly one-sided. The author argues, referencing Adam Smith, that trade should be viewed as a positive-sum game, benefiting all parties involved through voluntary exchange. The current perspective, which sees trade in monetary terms rather than the mutual benefits of goods and services, undermines this principle. It suggests that a more competitive view of international trade can lead to mutual poverty. Analyzing current economic data, the article reveals potential negative impacts of tariffs on GDP, consumer income, and inflation, with Yale economists estimating substantial decreases in disposable income for American households. The article closes with observations about the stock market's resilience amid troubling trends, encouraging a more collaborative approach to trade for overall economic prosperity.

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