Considerthat some politicians, labor unions, and special interest groups argue that U.S. trade deficits are harmful to the economy, and nations that run large trade surpluses with the United States are benefiting from unfair trade practices and agreements. These parties support increasing tariffs on imports and eliminating or rewriting trade agreements.

Analyze2 credible economists' opinions on the effects of the 2 of following factors with respect to the total U.S. trade balance. Find 1 economist who is less concerned about trade deficits, who thinks they are less important or that they mean something else is good (U.S. consumers have more disposable income for example). Then find another economist who is more concerned, (he or she may see a trade deficit as having adverse employment effects, for example). Weigh in their different perspectives and state whether you agree or disagree with their assertions, providing the logic behind your thinking. The factors to analyze include:

• Tariffs
• Changing trade agreements
• Manipulating exchange rates