Ocean State Job Lot is (not) the best place to get last minute Christmas presents. They have everything, and it is all so cheap. Shuffling down the aisles, I wondered to myself why that is so.

            As my curiosity heightened, I began to actually examine the objects for sale. I picked up an art set that cost three dollars. I turned it over, searching for some indication as to why it was so inexpensive. I couldn't find anything suspicious, so I made my way over to the sunglasses rack. The glasses cost a dollar for the same pair that had cost fifteen dollars at the mall. I picked up a few more items and after a few more investigations, I noticed a common factor. Everything was made in China. I still could not understand why that mattered, so I telephoned my good friend google for help.

            This is what I discovered: America needs to stop importing Chinese goods as soon as possible.

            Imported Chinese goods have too much control over our economy. The amount of goods exported to America from China are significantly higher than the goods exported from America to China. This is called a trade deficit, and it exists despite the fact that U.S. exports to China are at all-time high, $121.7 billion. Imports from China in 2014 were calculated to being $440.5 billion. What economists are noticing is that the deficit keeps growing. Chinese manufacturers are exporting four times the amount of goods that we are importing to them. This is a negative thing because we have drastically become a non-self-sufficient nation.

            However, a majority of Chinese imports into America are from U.S.-based companies that send raw materials to China for cheap assembly. This would mean the deficit is benefiting American businesses.

            Something still does not seem right. Why are American manufacturers in China? Should they not be in America? The U.S. based companies choose to produce from China because Chinese labor roughly costs about one seventh of American labor. It is abject that companies have taken advantage of this opportunity, because it leads to the eradication of tens of thousands of American jobs every year. According to the New York Times, 12.3% of American workers in the manufacturing industry are currently displaced because of job outsourcing to China.  The loss of jobs rips a huge hole in our economy. Not only that, but these large companies with cheap goods are outsourcing other small American businesses. Essentially this is creating a monopoly. These companies have set lower price standards, making it nearly impossible for small businesses to compete.

            This system also negatively affects the lives of the poor workers in China. With their loose labor regulations and high population, the people do not have a choice but to take these low wage jobs. On average, they make $9,800 per year for a full time, 9 hour work day, factory job. Any American who buys something with a “made in china” label tacked onto it is supporting this bestial treatment.

             America needs to be more self-reliant, and halt all trade with China. We need to stop promoting the importation of Chinese goods, because they harm the US economy and negatively affect the lives of Chinese workers.