The better question- how is it more favorable to send out more than you take in, in other words, how is a trade surplus beneficial? People who only listen to politicians and don’t study economics believe the country would be better if we sent more of what we make to other countries rather than have more of what they produce sent to us. Milton Friedman does an excellent job of explaining why a deficit is actually the preferred side of trade. I suggest you take a listen.
How is it favorable to send out more than you take in? Selling enriches the seller and makes the buyer poorer on account of the buyer's weakness and desire for comfort. The buyer has made a choice to give his money to a salesman for a product that may or may not be worth the price. Stockpiling money pays off. If you want to own the world, you do not spend your money on cheap foreign products you do not need.
Ok, you haven’t study economics at all, have you? You have a trade deficit with the grocery store. You give them your money for food. If that is bad for you, why don’t you start growing vegetables in your yard and sell them to create a surplus? Markets want to be efficient. It’s more efficient for you to keep your job, earn your paycheck and have a trade deficit with the grocery store, rather than spend time growing your own food.
Just because you are a Republican doesn’t mean you can’t think for yourself. Trump is not always right, just because Pelosi is always wrong. I urge you to read more about trade deficits and the economies of countries which have them. Trade deficits are not the economic booggie man.
I understand economics just fine. I have never purchased anything on credit. I pay for everything up front. I didn't buy my house until I could pay for it. No financing. No interest. I could have purchased a much larger home, except I don't need it. Back in my twenties, while making nearly 6 figures a year, I rented out a filthy shithole apartment with horse hair insulation in the walls where I needed blankets in my living room during Minnesota winters until I could stockpile 150,000 cash for my house. I have saved money by refusing to go to a doctor or chiropractor. I live far below my means and stockpile MY money. Even now, I'm not above utilizing resources such as free food shelters. There's no rule that says when you make X dollars a year, you can't be frugal.
As far as food and defense are concerned, we have to eat and we have to spend money on defense because we have to defend ourselves. We invest in a military because that is our economic future. That is how we should negotiate trade deals and overall economic issues.
We should not have trade deficits and we should not be in debt.
