The cost of protecting jobs in uncompetitive sectors through tariffs is high: Saving a job in the sugar industry costs American consumers $826,000 in higher prices a year; saving a dairy industry job costs $685,000 per year; and saving a job in the manufacturing of women’s handbags costs $263,000.
a. What are the arguments for saving the jobs mentioned in this news clip?
b. Explain why these arguments are faulty.
c. Is there any merit to saving these jobs?