That usually means losing control of pricing. Finally, there is the strong dollar, getting still stronger as Asia goes through rounds of competitive devaluation. When import prices go down, it brings down domestic prices. We now import about 30 percent of all goods, virtually double the figure from twenty years ago. Asia is a real key.
Competitive devaluations mean the dollar buys more.
Even the Japanese may devalue. All of them want more exports and the Japanese want to keep up with the rest of Asia. It will be a race to the bottom. At the same time, the economies of Asia have virtually collapsed, reducing their demand. It means we'll have a flood of imports and a shortage of exports.