In his column “Danger of dabbling in protectionism” (May 11, TribLIVE), George Will writes that “U.S. industrial capacity has never been larger … .” Capacity is one thing; the utilization rate of that capacity is another thing.
Take Allegheny Ludlum’s new plant. I don’t believe it has ever run at full capacity. Why? Demand? Supply? Competition to meet that demand?
It is easier to blame the foreigner, for they don’t vote in U.S. elections, thus protectionism. Allegheny Ludlum has customers worldwide. If we build tariff walls to trade, other countries will follow and build walls, thus leading to more job loss.
Simon P. Solar
New Kensington