In 1988 Ronald Reagan Explained Why We Should Be Thankful for Trade

Ronald Reagan also implemented trade controls in support of national security and in reaction to unfair trade practices (including imposing a punitive 100% tariff against Japan for not abiding by an agreement with the U.S.)

"And that's why to make the international trading system work, all must abide by the rules. All must work to guarantee open markets. Above all else, free trade is, by definition, fair trade. When domestic markets are closed to the exports of others, it is no longer free trade. When governments subsidize their manufacturers and farmers so that they can dump goods in other markets, it is no longer free trade. When governments permit counterfeiting or copying of American products, it is stealing our future, and it is no longer free trade. When governments assist their exporters in ways that violate international laws, then the playing field is no longer level, and there is no longer free trade. When governments subsidize industries for commercial advantage and underwrite costs, placing an unfair burden on competitors, that is not free trade."