The US has historically had great success in complaints mediated through the WTO yet this administration has eschewed such responsible avenues for dispute settlement in favor of recklessly ratcheting trade restrictions. Similarly, one sticking point in NAFTA "renegotiation" is the Chapter 19 trade dispute panel.

There is a legit complaint that China is still classified as a developing nation under WTO rules, and is therefore entitled to certain protections they've long since outgrown. But that's not the focus of this protectionist push. Neither is the theft of intellectual property, though it occasionally receives lip service.

The primary ire of this administration is the trade balance (more specifically the balance of physical goods), as though trade is a zero-sum game to "win". It's completely nonsensical, ignoring trade in services, investment, and benefits from cheaper imports.

And it's because we have no economic argument in favor of these tariffs that the Trump admin is pursuing all this through a "national security" loophole.

Even more significant than international mediation are free trade agreements. Those are the most effective means to reducing foreign barriers. For example, the TPP was set to cut tariffs on US goods in SE Asia, and it had rules to level competition with respect to workers' rights / wages. That's not even getting into the influence we'd gain in the region as a major trading partner.

Unfortunately, every free trade agreement we have has faced criticism from Trump as a bad deal. A point of agreement between his base and the Bernie Sanders socialist wing.

Firing first with tariffs, and asking questions later fits the pugilistic nature of the President, providing a gratifying sense of sticking it to those other guys, however it will lead to worsening fortunes for everyone despite assurances to the contrary.

The "big picture" is what this means long term in decreased investment, smaller markets, and higher costs. The short sighted view in this debate is pointing to the current strong economic numbers and proclaiming that this protectionist outlook is a good one. Tariff brinkmanship is bad policy no matter how one frames it. Supporters of that tactic will eventually have to own the consequences.