31st Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – International Trade

Hon. Gilbert B. Kaplan explained how international trade policy affects U.S. manufacturing and national economic security. He observed that many American manufacturing communities have declined over recent decades, with industries such as solar panels, semiconductors, textiles, electronics, steel, and furniture weakened due in part to unfair trade practices and global competition.

He said trade policy debates now focus on three main areas: lack of reciprocity, limited foreign market access, and export controls on sensitive technologies like semiconductors. He suggested the U.S. is unlikely to return to its previous low-tariff trade model, as concerns about competitiveness and security have become structural and bipartisan.

However, Kaplan stressed that trade policy alone cannot rebuild manufacturing. He emphasized the need for workforce development, targeted immigration, investment incentives, innovation support, regulatory and tax competitiveness, strong energy policy, and resilient supply chains for critical minerals and rare earths. He concluded that rebuilding American manufacturing requires a comprehensive strategy, alongside coordinated efforts with trusted allies, to ensure long-term economic strength and security.